Rockport, Maine: A Summer Destination with an Old-Time Pub

Rockport, Maine - found along the coast of Maine - is a favorite destination of many vacationers and summer folks.  The town has a new eating establishment called "Shepherd's Pie".  Read more about this old-fashioned pub in "In Rockport, Maine, a pub with old time feel", The Boston Globe, August 18, 2010.

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy - A Maine Traditional Drink

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy has been the number one selling spirit in Maine for twenty years.  At least, this is what the drinks website claims and it is probably true. 

"Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy has been the number one selling spirit in Maine for more than 20 years. This popular spirit is produced by M.S. Walker of Somerville Massachusetts. Many Mainers inquire about purchasing stock in the company, however, they are not able to since M.S. Walker is a fifth generation family business. M.S. Walker feels fortunate that the people of Maine support the brand and appreciate its outstanding taste. In appreciation, the company has been active in sponsoring local events and charities in Maine."

Fiddleheads - Recipes for Cooking this Maine Food

The picking season for Fiddleheads is about three weeks long and starts at the first sign of Spring.  Click here for some fiddlehead recipes provided by the University of Maine Extension service.

Unique Foods and Drinks Consumed in Maine

A blogger has posted a list of five unique drinks and foods consumed by residents of Maine.  These include Allen's Coffee Brandy, lobster rools, Moxie, fiddleheads, and whoopie pies.  Read the post here.

Saturday Night in the Old Port (Portland, Maine)

Old Port.  My wife and I decided to visit the Old Port district of Portland, Maine this weekend.  We wanted to stay overnight in a hotel in the Old Port (that is the working waterfront district) and experience some of the scenery, restaurants, and night life.  We picked the night after Christmas (Saturday, December 26th).  All our family visiting would be done, we had the weekend ahead of us, and we could use a little adventure (when you are in your 50s a night in Old Port is a big adventure for country folk!).

Hilton Garden Inn on Commercial Street.  As I travel a lot I have numerous free "award" nights available from about four different hotel chains.  We decided on the Hilton chain because there is a Hilton Garden Inn on Commercial Street right in the Old Port section and I belong to the Hilton HHonors program. So I burn't some award points (only 35,000) for one night (still got about 130,000 left).  We checked in early and got a room on the 5th floor overlooking the harbor; normally I wouldn't think they would offer a "Rewards Stay" a waterfront view - however the hotel wasn't exactly packed with guests due to being just after Christmas.  One concern we had prior to arrival was parking.  However, Portland has lots of parking garages available within walking distance of this hotel.  The hotel also has valet parking ($15.00 for parking plus tip for the valet); for ease we went with the valet parking.  From our room window it was a pretty scene of the waterfront and Casco Bay with the snowflakes coming down; not a heavy storm but enough to add atmosphere.  The hotel has a small pool, small fitness center, a lounge and bar, and a restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. The two pictures of the Old Port waterfront were taken from our hotel window.  (65 Commercial Street, 207-780-0780, Old Port Hilton Garden Inn)

Late Lunch.  Upon arrival (we had an early check-in) we settled in, unpacked, and said "Let's eat".  We went out for a walk to explore the area and soon came upon a small restaurant that looked inviting.  It was called the "Farmer's Table".  There were tables and a small bar; we chose the bar.  My wife had butternut squash soup, half of a Rueban sandwich and hot chocolate.  I had onion soup, half of a Rueban sandwich (the other half), and a Shipyard beer.  Not a bad lunch - but a little pricy.  The Farmer's Table has an upstairs as well which will afford quieter dining.  (The Farmer's Table, 205 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 207-347-7479).  The website for The Farmer's Table is:  http://farmerstablemaine.com/.  (CORRECTION:  I have been informed by my wife who just read this post that the meal at the Farmer's Table was EXCELLENT!).

Walk-About.  We walked around after our late lunch.  It was quiet with a little snow falling.  Fore Street was nice to look at with its old historic looking facades, cobblestone street, restaurants, bars, and shops.  But soon we were back to the hotel to warm up and take a nap.

Dinner.  We had dinner (a late one at 8:00 pm, at least late for us) at a place called Ri Ra.  I had never heard of it.  It is an Irish Pub / Restaurant.  I looked it up online and it appears that it is a chain with ten other stores up and down the East coast.  What looked to be a small Irish pub from the outside (street view) is in fact a large pub (downstairs) and very nice restaurant with a water view upstairs.  My wife had a macaroni dish (very good) and I went with the lamb stew (delicious).  The service was great (thanks Michelle) and atmosphere was very nice as well - given the fireplace and view of the harbor through the very expansive glass windows.  Ri Ra was located just across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn - see the top picture - it is the two-story building.

Pub Scene.  Afterwards we went downstairs to the Ri Ra pub.  The entertainment started at 10:00 pm.  Ri Ra (according to its website) has entertainment from many different bands throughout the week.  This evening was a band called "High Beam".  Not my cup of tea; but I was easily 20 years older than the rest of the crowd listening.  After an hour my wife and I rolled our eyes and decided to walk off dinner.

A Late Evening Stroll.  The night scene in the Old Port is great if you are in your 20s or 30s.  Lots of places with live entertainment and even on a cold winter Saturday night the sidewalks were crowded with young folks going from bar to bar.  It was the night after Christmas so the lights were still up.  A nice place to be at.  Next time we come we will have to visit the Comedy Connection or perhaps find a jazz club.  But for now; back to the hotel so we can be in bed by midnight!

A Rainy and Windy Sunday Morning.  We woke up to a rainy day.  The wind was blowing and carrying the seagulls to and fro.  We didn't see too much boat activity on the water.  By this time all the sailboats are gone and anyone else isn't going out in bad whether unless they have to.  The island ferry was still on schedule and they could be seen docking and departing right from our hotel window.  We also saw the police boat and a few other utility type boats come and go on this cold Sunday morning.

Breakfast.  We skipped the walk around the neigborhood.  The wind was blowing and rain coming down.  Instead we went with the buffet breakfast and had omlettes to order.  Very good.

On the Road.  It is time to pack up and go.  Glad we went with the valet parking.  The staff will bring the car around to the front door for us where it will be sheltered from the elements as we load up.

Return Trip.  We had a wonderful time.  We plan on coming back again for another Saturday night stay.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate.  If you want to learn more about Portland, Maine click on lodging, dining and recreation for Portland.

Hunters Breakfast - North Pownal General Store in Maine

The North Pownal General Store in Pownal, Maine offers a "hunters breakfast" on Saturdays during the fall hunting season. Come by for your early morning provisions for your day in the woods.

Click here for a map to the North Pownal General Store.

A Weekend in Portland, Maine

The Old Port section of Portland, Maine has become a destination for those looking for an interesting weekend in the city. Not that Portland is that big of a city. But it offers boutique shopping, a waterfront experience, restaurants, and drinking establishments. Read an online post about Portland's places to see, eat, and drink in "Portland is a destination for walkers, eaters, and sailors", Argus.com, August 2, 2009.

Maine Oyster Guide by DownEast Magazine

Ever wonder how many different types of oysters can be found along Maine's coast? Here is the answer. DownEast.com has published an online guide to Maine oysters. If you are interested in Maine seafood then this is a good read.

Freeport Village Station in Maine Now Open

More and more stores are opening at Freeport Village Station in Freeport, Maine. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. There is plenty of parking. Some of the new stores include Nike Factory Store, VanHeusen, Oakley Vault, Calvin Klein, L.L. Bean, Sunglass Hut, Pacsun, Coach Factory, Izod, and Brooks Brothers. Click here to learn more about dining and shopping in Freeport, Maine.

Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine

The Friday, July 23rd, 2009 issue of USA Today has a small blurb about famous ethnic places to eat across the United States. A select few dining establishments were mentioned. One of these was Red's Eats of Wiscasset, Maine. The article states that "The best lobster roll on Earth is served at an extremely humble shack known as Red's Eats". I have never heard of the place but the next time I drive east along the coast I will have to stop and see if that is true! Click here for more info on the seacoast of Maine.

Dining in Portland, Maine

If you are staying in Portland, Maine on either business or pleasure then you should know that there are many great restaurants to dine at in Portland. Click here for a comprehensive listing of restaurants in Portland, Maine.

Pairing Palates & Palettes - Arts and Dining in Maine

The town of Kennebunkport is hosting the "Pairing Palates & Palettes" event from June 3-7, 2009. This is an annual "Arts in the Inns Festival" that combines good dining and lodging with the arts.

"This event is a collaboration between Kennebunkport inns, galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and resorts to add exciting activities to Southern Maine’s summer events calendar. Artists, chefs, innkeepers, gallery owners and musicians share their passions for fine food, fine art, fine wine and fine living. Art shows, cooking demonstrations, live music, inn tours, and food and wine tastings are incorporated into a format in which all types of artists interact, work together, and share their creations with festival guests."

Learn more at http://www.artsintheinns.com/. Click here for more information about dining and lodging in Kennebunkport.

Beer and Birding in Maine

A recent online column discusses the opportunities for birdwatching and beer drinking in Maine! Read "Two new reasons to trek through Maine", Kennebec Journal, May 27, 2009. The article highlights efforts to improve an appreciation for birding in Maine and make known some of Maine's micro-breweries. See http://www.mainebirding.com/ and http://www.mainebrewersguild.org/. Click here for more information on birding and a list of beer breweries and pubs in Maine.

Camden, Maine Restaurant Reopens

A Camden, Maine restaurant - destroyed by a fire - has been rebuilt and is now open for business. Read more about this very nice Camden waterfront restaurant.

Taste of Brunswick, ME - June 20, 2009

The "Taste of Brunswick 2009" will take place in Brunswick, Maine on June 20, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. There will be food and drink available by many of Brunswick, Maines local dining establishments. Music will also be present.

Click here for more information http://www.tasteofbrunswick.com/. Click here for more information about Brunswick, Maine.

What Did Indians Eat in Maine?

Did you ever wonder what the Indians of Maine ate in the olden days? DownEast.com has posted an online article on this very topic. "What the Indians Ate", DownEast.com, 2009.

Isle au Haut Chocolates

Read a review about the Black Dinah Chocolatiers who are located on the Isle au Haut of the coast of Maine. The author believes that these are the best chocolates possible! See "Black Dinah Chocolatiers: Amazing chocolates that blew me away", September 15, 2008, Slashfood.com. Find out more about the charming Isle au Haut. Click here to learn more about lodging, hiking, and camping on the Isle au Haut.

The Maine Brand - Products Made from Maine

Read an interesting online blog post about products made in Maine and how they are perceived by those "from away". A blogger from "Maine Food & Life Style" writes on this topic.

Eat Maine Foods!

There is a local grass-roots movement here in Maine on how to eat the proper foods in a socially and environmentally conscious manner.

"Eat Maine Foods is the networking site of the Eat Local Foods Coalition of Maine (ELFC), a coalition of groups and people working to put more Maine foods on more Maine tables more often."

Find out more about this organization by clicking on http://www.eatmainefoods.org/.

Maine Dinner Recipes

The website GetRealMaine.com has a listing of Maine food recipes. You can utilize the search function to find recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. To find your favorite Maine recipe click on "Recipes Using Maine Foods".