Issues → May/June 2009 → Travel → Dining in New England: Yankee's Best →
Maine Dining 2009
DINING
Best Catch:
FISHERMAN'S CATCH, Wells
It's completely understandable why locals would rather keep the Cardinali family's off-the-beaten-path chowder and fish joint a secret. This salt-marsh-view restaurant is renowned for its light, crispy, fresh fried fish as well as for its generous lobster rolls--but don't even think about skipping dessert. The freshly baked blueberry pie is to die for. Entrées: from $8.99. 134 Harbor Road. 207-646-8780; fishermanscatchwells.com
Best Seaside Twofer:
PIER 77 AND THE RAMP, Cape Porpoise
Upstairs is fine dining with spectacular harbor views; downstairs is a cozy pub decorated in a sports-bar motif (but without the blaring TVs). Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Peter Morency turns out classics with pizzazz (we love the seafood stew); his wife, Kate, keeps the dining areas running smoothly. And did we mention the views? Lunch and pub Entrées: from $9. Dinner entrées: from $18. 77 Pier Road. 207-967-8500; pier77restaurant.com
Best Picnic Lunch:
MICUCCI'S, AMATO'S, DUCK FAT, TWO FAT CATS BAKERY, DEANS SWEETS, RABELAIS, Portland
Here's the menu: A large slice of pizza ($3.99) from Micucci's or an Italian sandwich (from $3.29) from Amato's, paired with a milk shake ($4) and fries (from $4.25) from Duck Fat, plus a cookie (prices vary) from Two Fat Cats Bakery. Finish with a hand-dipped truffle ($17.50 per box of eight) from Deans Sweets. All are within steps of one another on India and Middle Streets, in Portland's emerging East End foodie neighborhood. Dining alone? Add a good read from Rabelais, which specializes in food-related books. Micucci's, 45 India St.; 207-775-1854. Amato's, 71 India St. 207-773-1682; amatos.com. Duckfat, 43 Middle St. 207-774-8080; duckfat.com. Two Fat Cats, 47 India St. 207-347-5144; twofatcatsbakery.com. Deans Sweets, 82 Middle St. 207-899-3664; deanssweets.com. Rabelais, 86 Middle St. 207-774-1044; rabelaisbooks.com
Best Proper English Tea:
JACQUELINE'S TEA ROOM, Freeport
Plan ahead and reserve a seat for a formal British tea, a two-hour, four-course indulgence served on fine china ($25.50 per person). Choose from 76 teas to enjoy with finger sandwiches, scones topped with Devon cream, fruit jam, and lemon curd, and if that's not enough, dessert and sorbet. 201 Main St. 207-865-2123; jacquelinestearoom.com
Best Taste of Home:
WILD OATS BAKERY AND CAFÉ, Brunswick
Since 1991, Wild Oats has treated locals and visitors alike to scratch-made breads, soups, and pastries, as well as creative sandwiches, quiches, salads, and Entrées, including vegan choices. It's the place to pick up local news and gossip along with a smoothie, sticky bun, and java in the morning; to relax over lunch with a friend; or perhaps purchase a casserole (from $11.95; serves 2-4 people) to reheat for dinner with biscuits or bread. Tontine Mall, 149 Maine St. 207-725-6287; wildoatsbakery.com
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