HDinCentralME's Profile
Staying at the Doubletree Portland (downtown)- any breakfast recs?
The Doubletree is not in downtown Portland. Rather, it is in So. Portland near the Maine Mall.
Nearby is Cracker Barrel...chain offering "southern" style breakfast.
If don't mind driving in to downtown...lots of good choices including Hot Suppa, Marcie's, Porthole, and others that are frequently mentioned here.
Best bagels (may be subject to debate) are at Bagel Works.
What would Emily Post do? [moved from New Orleans]
Your beef is w/ management, not with the neighboring table. You deal with management and insist that they do something about the situation. Their refusal to do something at that point will lose thjem your business. Force them to make a choice. But never confront a beligerent drunk...too dangerous.
Breakfast in Brunswick ME?
Yes, Slate's in Hallowell for "brunchy"-type breakfast (and you should meander thru Hallowell on your way down).
More straightforward breakfast is Augusta House of Pancakes (Western Ave) or Downtown Diner (Water St, Augusta)
Breakfast in Brunswick ME?
I second Jen's Place (Stanwood St) for hearty breakfast (and lunch). Excellent corned beef hash.
When the poster really hates where you referred them.. [moved from General Topics]
What would your "knee jerk" reaction be? "Obviously you have no taste?" That is unhelpful (and probably would be deleted anyway).
I generally feel badly when folks are not as thrilled with a place/dish as I am but I never take it personally.
Faux Meat - Recommendations
Another vote for Soyrizo. Very versatile add-in for omelets, soups/stews, etc.
Tuesday Lunch Bangor/Waterville/Augusta
If you make it past Dysart's...there's Big G deli in Winslow (across river from Waterville). Huge breakfast and sandwich menu with huge sandwiches.
Just off Exit 109...Western Ave, is Augusta House of Pancakes...breakfast all day (til 2pm? 3pm?), lobster stew, sandwiches and specials.
A few questions for Portland / Scarborough
Nearby Duckfat and Hugo's is Rabelais Bookstore which focuses exclusively on Cookbooks and related food books. Might be worth a peek in.
Report Button Not Working (EOM)
the "submit feedback" button is not working. Tried on a North NE thread and a NAF thread just now.
Lobster Pounds open April 27-29th 2012?
I don't know anything for certain but...due to the unseasonably warm weather, it is possible that some of these places may decide to get a jump on things and be open. I'll keep my eyes/ears open for you.
What's happened with the Robinhood Free Meeting House?
Looks like you can order direct from their website and they also have a "Store Locator" function where you enter your zipcode.
www.gagnefoods.com
In Praise of the Fish Sandwich
Fresh salmon filet, grilled, served on toasted roll w/ red pepper aoili (and fresh-cut wedge fries) at (now closed) 93 Townsend, Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Fresh salmon filet, grilled/blackened, served on toasted roll w/cilantro mayo (and sweet potato fries) at Montsweag Roadhouse, Woolwich, Maine.
Two couple traveling 1st week of April - want Lobster
The Maine CHers are happy to help but will need more info. Specifically, where in Maine will you be traveling?
Server leaving a pitcher of water at your table without your asking...
Sounds like you are a regular at this place and the servers (or at least this one) remembers you. That is usually a good thing.
I'd give the server the benefit of the doubt that he/she was *trying* to be helpful by making sure you always had plentiful liquids (rather than shirking his/her water-pouring responsibilities).
You say this was the only time you saw the server on that occasion. Did you need anything else and were unable to get his/her attention? If not, no need.
As with all of these types of threads it is always better to SPEAK UP if you're not happy. TELL the server not to leave a pitcher and to perform the water-pouring "properly". It is never right to *punish* the server with a miserly tip without any explanation of why you were unhappy.
Maine Maple Sunday - March 25, 2012
Great annual celebration. Some farms are also open Sat 3/24; some also have live music, etc.
http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/maine-maple-sunday-map.html
When do ethics come to play in your dining decision?
Ben & Jerry's is owned by Dutch conglomerate Unilever. Does this mean that you don't buy *any* of Unilever's products? If not all products, how do you draw the line?
5 Nights in Ogunquit - Here are my picks
I think your picks look fine although you might throw On The Marsh (which has gotten some good notices here lately) into the mix.
Have you considered heading up to Portland at all? Special creativity at Hugo's or Bresca? Delicious food and refined service at Back Bay Grill?
Is there such a thing as a fine dining chain?
Surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet...Oceanaire...upscale chain focused on fish/seafood...about a dozen locations in US.
Brunch at Broad Arrow Tavern, Freeport
The Maine Room serves a very high quality "traditional" Sunday brunch so, yes, worth checking out. They will be crowded during summer season and on specific events days (e.g. Easter, Mom's Day). They do take reservations.
Brunch at Broad Arrow Tavern, Freeport
As far as I know, the Broad Arrow Tavern does not serve a "brunch" buffet. (The other resto at the Inn, The Maine Dining Room, serves very elaborate Sunday brunch.)
The Tavern does serve a "lunch" buffet, Mon-Sat starting at 11:30. This is *in addition* to the lunch menu. So you won't find French Toast at 1pm but would be able to choose between burgers, pizzas, fish/seafood, salads and sandwiches on a very varied menu.
I often do recommend Broad Arrow as the standout spot in Freeport for "upscale/casual" lunch and dinner. They do not take reservations (last time I checked) but will put your name on a waiting list if you call ahead.
When will you be visiting? The Haraseeket Lunch and Lobster opens around May 1st and is a classic "lobster pound" right on the harbor in South Freeport. Can be a good spot to hit for lobster, etc. (but gets mobbed during July/Aug prime time).
Does the phrase "yuppie food" mean anything to you?
I agree (and said above) that the artists came first. This is a dynamic that continues (even here in Maine where some beautiful old, abandoned mills are being repurposed).
But Young Urban Professionals was first a demographic term to denote those who eschewed the suburban/"white flight" lifestyle of their parents. Living in "the city" was cool again.
It then became the perjorative term with the meaning you assign to it.
New 'Menu Items That Need to Be Retired", 2012 edition...
A subject discussed on the booze board, I would submit that the use of vodka also makes it something other than a martini.
Does the phrase "yuppie food" mean anything to you?
Aside from the artists/bohemian true urban pioneers, Young Urban Professionals (before Yuppie became a perjorative term) were also at the forefront of "gentrification" of decayed/dying urban neighborhoods. New restaurants, many of which were of the New American/Local sourced variety, were part of this trend.
Portland advice please
I agree w/ Fore Street rec but also consider Back Bay Grill. The online menu has a Filet Mignon and a prime Sirloin. BBG is a bit more intimate if that is what you're looking for.
favorite coffee mate/ international delights creamer flavor?
Actual grocery purchase data will show Hazelnut and French Vanilla as far and away best ID sellers.
Old discussion etiquette question
My preference is for folks to bump old threads as this "proves" they've done their research first rather than quickly post their question without regard for what already exists. Why reinvent the wheel each time?
the best vegetarian food "products"
This brand has recently been introduced into our market. I agree that it is quite good. I've had the basic chicken nuggets and the beef tips. Have not seen the flavors you mentioned but will keep a sharper ete out.
Senior discounts
Dunkin Donuts offers a 10% discount. I believe the age requirement is 60 (maybe 55?).
I used to not like it when they gave it to me automatically (without me asking) but I've grown used to it;)
Maine Restaurant Week March 1-10, 2012
Haven't seen this mentioned yet here.
Three course dinner specials for $20/30/40. Three course lunch $15.
List of participating restaurants (not final yet) is here:
www.mainerestaurantweek.com/restaurants
What looks good to you?
Beer - Best place to fill a growler in Portland ME
"But back to Portland: If filling growlers is not an option, is there a bar where it is best to try the small batch or short-term beers in the area? Where do you go to see what is new?"
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Not Portland but try Liberal Cup brand seasonal/rotated brews available at the original Liberal Cup in Hallowell and the Run Of The Mill pub in Saco.
Also Lion's Pride in Brunswick.
Maine Brewers Guild has a website w/ info on members, etc.
