inbox_blues's Profile
Coastal Maine -- Old Orchard Beach to Bar Harbor -- what not to miss?
I'll be honest... as a foodie, there is not much to eat at OOB. It's mostly pizza-by-the-slice bars and over-priced, fried seafood joints. Whatever you do, do NOT be fooled into eating at The Landmark. It's a cute old house converted to a restaurant -- looks fancy, takes reservations -- but the food is over-seasoned with bloated prices. Old people just flock there thinking it's the bees-knees, haha.
When I go to OOB, I get LISA'S cheese pizza by the slice. It's more NY-style and way better than the famous "Bills Pizza" that tastes like a homemade Chef Boyardee kit. I also like JJ's EATERY on the strand. They have a great, unique lobster quesadilla (lots of meat) and friendly staff. I keep getting suckered into eating at SURF 6, because they have a nice deck on the beach, but It's overpriced and the drinks are weak and very expensive. On the pier, there are several restaurants, but my fave is HURRICANE'S RAW BAR. They have great tropical drinks, strong, at good prices and down-to-earth staff. Great view of the water and local oysters too!
In Camden, go to the Camden Deli. Delicious gourmet sandwiches, particularly the grilled portobello panini. Go upstairs and sit outside on the small deck for a nice view of the water. For a fancy dinner, we like ATLANTICA, although it was not open this spring (??). So we ate at Bayview Lobster House instead -- standard seafood place. Again, sit outside by the water. Cappy's Bar is a fun pub-like place in town... standard pub food, friendly staff, outrageously weird wall decorations, free bowl of butter popcorn at the bar, etc.
Make time to stop in the tiny town of Wiccassett on your way to Bar Harbor!! You will wait in line at least 45 minutes, but they are THE best, and largest, lobster rolls in Maine. It's all over TV food shows. It's a $16 lobster roll, with a ton of other fried food to choose from, but well worth it. I also like their fried mushrooms.
I'm on CHOW today researching restaurants in Bar Harbor for my summer trip at the end of July. I've been there several times before, and the food was all OK. Nothing special -- nothing memorable. I want to try a newer place with a sister restaurant here in Portland (Maine) called HAVANA. President Obama & Michelle stopped in there once. For traditional fried seafood and steamed lobster dinners, go sit outside on the water at the big seafood place at the end of Main Street & West Street (old Quarterdeck Restaurant spot -- not sure what it's called now). McKay's Public House has beautiful little outside garden seating, if you can there early evening, but the menu is very limited (check it first for something you like) and slightly overpriced. Service is good though. I haven't been, but heard good things about Cafe This Way and Leary's Irish Pub. If you want to go to the most upscale, she-she, expensive place in Bar Harbor, that would be The Terrace Grille at the Bar Harbor Inn -- can't miss it. Be sure to take the walking path that goes around the Inn along the shoreline. All these places you should definitely visit at sunset to enjoy the best "magic hour" lighting. We also took a boat toar, worth it, to see seals and other wildlife (eagles, ospreys, etc). In Oct, you'll definitely need a warm jacket!
-----
Cafe This Way
14 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
McKay's Public House
231 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Camden Deli
37 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Ribollita on Middle Street for March 2011 Restaurant Week....Any dish suggestions?
Decided on trying RIBOLLITA for dinner during Restaurant Week. Been there before? Any suggestions on what to try or avoid? Thanks!
-----
Middle Street Cafe
100 Middle St Ste 101, Portland, ME 04101
Ribollita
41 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
new to Portland Me
Your son won't have any trouble finding places to eat in & around Portland! It's becoming a well-known "foodie" city -- with everything from seafood, italian, pizza, asian & vegetarian fare. For upscale fine dinning, I would suggest Five-Fifty Five or Fore Street. For steak & potatoes, The Grill Room. For fresh local seafood, Street & Company. Chowdah at Gilberts. Pizza from Ottos, Portland Pie & Micuccis. More casual eating in town at Norms, Nosh, Corner Room, Duckfat & Dimillos. Check local food blogs like portlandfoodmap.com for reviews.
-----
Fore Street
288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101
Grill Room
84 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
The Corner Room
110 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Great food but kid friendly restaurants (Portland, ME)?
I've seen families eat at The Corner Room (casual Italian) downtown. It's open, bright & bustling. Not sure about a actual kid's menu, but they can do plain cheese pizzas, plain spaghetti, etc. The adult food there (pastas, paninis & pizzas) are also very delicious!! :-)
-----
The Corner Room
110 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Porltand....
Boda has AMAZING Beef Panang. I've also had the crispy duck in 5-spice honey -- also good.
Getting Married In Portland, Looking For Caterers
I know a GREAT wedding photographer -- Brittany Rae Photography here in Portland, Maine. Brittany's studied along side the best in the country, she's dependable, very good & super sweet! http://www.brittanyraephotography.com (tell her "DEPA" sent you!) :-)
Kon, Portland
Our small company did a hibachi dinner there a few months ago -- it was fun! Food was typical japanese hibachi-style: fried jasmine rice in soy sauce, lean cuts of filet mignon, shrimp, sauteed veggies. Non sushi or asian-cuisine lovers will be fine with the menu. Very nice place too, very Asian/Zen decor (indoor fountain, statues, black lacquer). Unique and very cool under-lit bar -- nice place to have a few quiet cocktails with a friend.
Getting Married In Portland, Looking For Caterers
Black Tie Catering, Nancy Cerny at CVC Catering, Jim Keithley of Keithley in the Kitchen, Personal Touch Catering, Kau Kau Katering (Hawaiian) is fun...
so disappointed in Evangeline
Evangeline is now closed -- Owners of Five-Fifty Five putting in a French Bistro in March....should be good, real French food.
Long Grain - Camden, ME
I dunno, but Camden Deli (http://www.camdendeli.com/menus.html) has an awesome Portobello Mushroom Melt!
-----
Camden Deli
37 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Poutine in Portland?
Duckfat & Hot Suppa
-----
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Aurora Provisions in Portland, Maine
Recently, while having my "Saturday" sandwich (a breakfast panini) at Aurora Provisions, I overhead a couple of elderly Bostoners rave about Aurora's & that when they come to town, it's the only place they'll go! The owner, with whom they were speaking, was flattered but quick to point out all the other great cafes & restaurants Portland has to offer and that they should not miss out.
But if I no longer lived in Portland & visited once a year, I would HAVE to make a stop at least once at AURORA PROVISIONS during my trip!
To start, the special breakfast panini mentioned above (and only offered on, you guessed it, Saturdays!) is so simple & delicious: extra sharp white cheddar cheese, melted over perfectly firm and cooked scrambled eggs, then choose from the veggie option of a slice of tomato or thickly-cut slices of bacon. Hot off the panini press, this sandwich makes my morning happy. Pair it with one of their great, chocolatey mochas or hot herbal teas.
Aurora Provisions reminds me a lot of the counter at Whole Foods or a Dean & Deluca. And unfortunately, the gourmet food also means higher prices & weighing deli & pre-prepared items by the pound. Yikes!
But once in a while it's worth the treat, because they do have a wonderful assortment of freshly-baked cookies, brownies, lemon bars & truffles, all kinds of chocolate bars from all over the world, pastries, gourmet sandwiches & paninis, an olive bar, and a case of fully-cooked and prepared side dishes & main courses (sliced tenderloin by the pound & roasted herb chicken breasts, etc).
In a wall of freezers in the back of the cafe, they have everything from homemade guacamole, to various dips, flavored cream cheese spreads and pico de gallo/salsas. They have real farm butter, brie & gourmet cheeses, too. They also have pre-made, ready to thaw quiches, casseroles, enchiladas, pot pies & dessert pies, too. Ask for their bakery menu to pre-order any pie (tri-berry is my favorite & great served warm with french vanilla ice cream).
Aurora's also have an extensive wall of wine, but unfortunately no wine list/menu.
They also have a small section of baked breads (including these wonderful buttermilk biscuits!!) dried & canned goods -- spaghetti sauces, apple butters, pastas in various shapes, Maine-made products like syrup and honey and blueberry pancake mixes, etc. They also carry many spices.
PROS: In a pinch? Find almost anything at Auroras. Need a last-minute gift for a party -- they have something: wine, chocolates, brie & crackers! Forgot rosemary at the store and are in the middle of a recipe? They have it. Or simply don't have a clue what's for dinner tonight, they have something ready to go. This is truly a "gourmet convenient store."
CONS: Even coming from DC, I have to say it's pricey. But I have not been disappointed yet by anything I've had there -- and I go there often. Another BIG con which I find hard to believe for such a great market: closed on Sundays!
Aurora Provisions
64 Pine Street, Portland, Maine / 207-871-9060
www.auroraprovisions.com
(photo credit: Type A Diversions blog)
Lunch @ Chef et al. bistro (Portland, Maine)
Chef et al. prides itself as "a casual new england bistro" and is located on 408 Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine. 207-400-5054. www.chefetal.com
PLUS SIDE:
We have never been disappointed when eating lunch here. The prices are reasonable and the food always great. Delicious (& big) bacon cheddar burger, heaping baskets of crunchy french fries, awesome grilled chicken BLT with gruyere and this AMAZING roasted garlic aioli dressing (You'll beg for more!!!). The demi salad is a nice, refreshing side. The 1/2 iceberg wedge with maytag bleu cheese & buffalo strips is tasty, too.
MINUS SIDE:
The location really stinks and they would be much better off downtown or in old port. They are off a busy four-lane road, with a tiny parking lot and across from banks & strip malls. The food and fair prices make up for it, however -- if you could manage to get out that way.
KEEP/DONT CHANGE:
Love the grilled chicken BLT with that amazing aioli! I have cravings for it! Also, your hand-dipped & fried onion rings are great!
SUGGESTIONS/IMPROVEMENTS:
The room is tall & square and can get rather noisy/echo-y, esp when there's a crowd. Would suggest putting up more large art or tapestries or something to cut down the noise level. Also, the waitstaff can be fun & frisky, but leave a little more to be desired in speed & professionalism.
Before it's over...your input on great spots for ME Rest Week
I was so excited to hear about Portland's first Restaurant Week (esp. having recently moved from DC, which had two RW's a year), and I'm a big foodie and love eating out & trying new places! I hope they had a great turnout & will continue this each year -- I think it's a wonderful thing for Portland and the surrounding area since there are so many restaurants, cafes & bars!
This week, my friend & I went to SEA GLASS at The Inn by the Sea and 20 MILK STREET at the Portland Regency Hotel. We went by which menus looked the best to us (he's a steak & potatoes guy & I lean toward rich seafood dishes), and we wanted to visit places that we have not been to yet (LOCAL 188 & FORE STREET, for example). I also LOVED that they posted the special menu for each restaurant online ahead of time, something DC never did. And both restaurants were very faithful to that menu...
Sea Glass review:
Our starters were the creamy lobster bisque, which really captured the lobster flavor & essence. A good sized portion, too. And I had the sauteed large scallop over parsnip puree. Very creamy puree, buttery & the scallop perfectly cooked & tender. I wanted more!
The main course was a red wine braised bison shortrib & local seafood paella. Both has excellent presentation: a grilled half lemon with the spanish saffron rice under a variety of local clams, calamari rings & smokey chorizo for the paella. The rib was so tender it fell off the bone and came with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes and sauteed chinese broccoli. Once again, perfect portions.
For dessert, we both couldn't go with anything other than the flourless chocolate torte. It was larger than expected, which was a little unnecessary because it was so rich. It was topped with a scope of flavored ice cream (I can't remember which it was -- hazlenut?) and lightly drizzled with carmel sauce. Very refreshing ending to the meal & perfect with their coffee or cappuccino!
The service & atmosphere were excellent at Sea Glass. Our waiter was attentive, but not overly so, and the courses did not come out too soon or overlapping. Nothing was cold either, so it was coordinated very well. They have a great & extensive wine list (the cheapest around $35). The room was small & dark, but very cozy & inviting. It would be perfect with a big fireplace. I would definitely recommend reservations, as the place can only seat probably around 50-60 people at one time. Not a jeans & t-shirt place either.
PLUS: Great food, perfectly cooked & seasoned (no Salt & Pepper needed!). Perfect portions, great value for RW!
MINUS: Slightly crowded room, some tables would be uncomfortable to sit at (too close to another table, etc. Would recommend a table by the windows or wall.
20 Milk Street review:
(I must admit, Sea Glass is a very hard act to follow. We really did try to keep an open mind...)
To start, we had the baked escargot & lobster stew, which was really more like a creamy bisque than "stew." It was a touch more "milky" tasting than I'm used to, but it was peppered with chunks of lobster, which added a nice texture. My companion did not care for it, thought it was watery & wanted more "lobster essence." I can see that. Needed S&P. The escargot was a hit though!! How can you go wrong with 5-6 large buttered & parsley-covered snails with crispy baguette slices to soak up all that oily goodness!! Yum!
Main courses were Maine shrimp & haddock and chicken marsala. The presentation of the dishes were strikingly similar, almost exactly alike -- both with a side of al dente waffle cut zucchini & yellow squash, a big dollop of cheesy mashed potatoes. The room was so dark, we first thought it was a side macaroni & cheese -- and was so dense & cheesy, it could have easily been! Our food was also a huge portion & served piping hot -- was it just zapped in the microwave?? I hope not!
The first thing I noticed was that my chicken marsala was topped with mushrooms & baked cheese (yum!) & layered with.... prosciutto??! And so was my companion's dish! The flavor of the cured meat was so overwhelming & really made the dish way too salty. Eventually, it was hard to taste anything other than the ham, and I was really disappointed they placed it on an already rich dish. My dinner companion agreed the prosciutto was unnecessary but was more annoyed by the pale, tasteless Maine shrimp sprinkled over his really flavorful & perfectly-cook Haddock fillet. Flakey & tender, the Haddock was perfectly baked & a big hit!
Dessert was a peanut butter chocolate bundt cake and cranberry bread pudding. The cake was very pedestrian, and I've made better desserts at home. It was slightly dry & not very tasty. It was by far the worst course! My cranberry bread pudding was the same, a HEAP of dry, tasteless bread chunks, held together by so many cranberries and cranberry sauce it was ridiculous! It was way too tart & not a good balance of bread & fruit. The bread was dry & had none of that cinnamony-goodness or moistness that bread pudding usually has. I hate to say it, but this is probably THE worst dessert at a restaurant I've ever had -- and we left (literally) with a bad taste in our mouths. What a disappointing ending to what would have been an otherwise decent evening and meal.
PLUS: The lounge downstairs & dining room upstairs were very lovely! Cozy rooms & very friendly staff.
MINUS: The food was either over salted & seasoned or completely the opposite! No need to cover everything in salty ham. And the kicker: worst dessert we have both ever had at a restaurant, haha. That's pretty sad. :-(
Good Indian Buffet (for a weekday dinner)
Is that possible in the DC / Northern VA area? I'm rather new to Indian cuisine and would like to sample from a buffet. The catch is I can only do dinner, before I head out of town early this Saturday.
I know "Haandi" in Bethesda has a great weekend brunch buffet, and "Raskia" is excellent Indian, but not buffet. Any ideas would be great. Thanks!
Best burger in D.C.?
I had a great burger at MARVIN in dc. Great smokey flavor with apple wood bacon, a paper cone of hand-cut fries, and three dipping sauces, including an awesome curry.
Best Sliders in DC?
Matchbox! Very good, although one time (just once!), they came out rare when we ordered medium-well (my friend does not like rare at all). Otherwise, they are always great -- and the onion straws are a great touch!
If you are looking for a really, really tasty (regular-sized) burger, I had THE BEST ONE at Marvin (www.marvindc.com). It's huge and has a great smoky flavor with (surprise!) thickly-cut smoked bacon, too. Plus, it comes with 3 delicious dipping sauces, including an awesome curry.
Favorite Food Destination When Taking a Drive From DC?
I like Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant (tersiguels.com) or Jordan's Steakhouse (www.jordanssteakhouse.com) in Ellicott City, MD.
I had a great lunch in downtown Richmond a while back -- Cafe Gutenberg had this wonderful "Bella Panini!" (www.cafegutenberg.com). Kuba Kuba is also great (www.kubakuba.info)!
Restaurants that make you leave your neighborhood?
I live near Silver Spring, Maryland, so I often go to either the Clarendon, Virginia area for:
Thai -- Thai Square (Glebe/Columbia Pike). The best crispy squid (fried calamari)!
Brunch -- Boulevard Woodgrill (eggs benedict w/smoked salmon) or Whitlows (huge breakfast/lunch buffet selection, including crab legs).
Or I go to Chinatown (DC) for:
Pizza -- Matchbox, not the best pizza I've ever had, but the atmosphere/location is a big part of it. The downside is the wait, and the fact you can't be seated until your entire party arrives -- sometimes annoying.
Tapas -- Jaleo
Indian -- Rasika
Other places would be:
Falafels -- El Khartum (Florida Ave) or stuff-your-own at Amsterdam Falafel on 18th.
Burgers -- Any Five Guys! Marvin. Bleu cheese burger @Quarry House in Silver Spring (Cheating! That's not far from me! Haha)
Good Experience @ Marvin in DC!
I can certainly see that! While I didn't notice any over-salting @ MARVIN (I generally tend to like my food on the saltier side), I guess it's something to watch out for if you have high blood pressure, etc. Good observation! Thanks!
Aioli in Dupont
I'm eating my lunch from AIOLI right now -- first time there. My first clue should have been the empty dining room at 12:30 on a Thursday afternoon. My second was the sight of the small, foil-wrapped prosciutto panini for a whopping $7.50! I was hungry, so I quickly grabbed a side of $4 red-skinned potato salad (very average tasting -- nothing to write home about. $7.99/lb!). And in the end lunch was $15 with a diet coke and (honestly) slightly below average in taste: I've made better paninis at home using fresh ingredients; pesto-marinated chicken breast, smoked mozz, sun-dried tomatoes and a George Forman grill. EXTREMELY disappointing place. Definitely not worth the $$$. It's one of those places that THINKS it's way better than it is and will wonder why it failed.
Saturday brunch in foggy bottom
I think Blue Duck may be too pricey, in this case. Circle is the closest: http://www.thecirclehotel.com/ut_bistro_brunch.htm
And Georgetown really isn't far to wander down to. I would definitely recommend getting reservations --if possible-- though, since more folks will be in town in general for the graduation. I know Filomena's has a good brunch (Italian): http://www.filomena.com/menu_brunch.html
Good food near College Park
Like apples and oranges -- can't compare NY-style pizza with anything around here, even Tommy Ledo. BUT I still think die-hard pizza lovers would enjoy a trip to TL, it's a different animal entirely though; biscuity crust, light on the sauce, smoked cheese blend. My favorite combo is the mushroom and sausage. Mmmm!
Peruvian Charbroiled Chicken in Takoma Park?
Looking for a good takeout Peruvian Charbroiled Chicken place closest to Takoma Park/Piney Branch/Flower Ave area. There's one in the strip mall behind Domino's on Piney Branch/Flower, but my brother said it was dry. (He loves the places near him in the Clarendon/Ballston area).
Any ideas would be great!
Thanks!
Thai in Wheaton
Yum!! And I believe I heard the crispy fish was also a great choice there (?)
Good Experience @ Marvin in DC!
They are! And I have to say I saw that dish and the steamed mussels coming out of the kitchen most frequently. That will be my next dinner choice there.
Good Experience @ Marvin in DC!
$14 or $16, can't remember. But dishes were either in that range, or $24-25.
Georgetown Cupcake
Loved, loved, love it! Already tried the: Chocolate Ganache, Mocha*, Red Velvet, Lemon, Key Lime and Coconut -- Not all at once, of course! ;-) and I do work nearby! But all of the cupcakes were wonderfully moist, flavorful, delicious and going FAST. Cake Love pales in comparison, and my personal fave @ GC was the *Mocha!
Thai in Wheaton
That sounds about right! I'm definitely heading for Ruan Thai next -- any suggestions about what to order? I like just about everything....
