Nothing like a 24-hour trip to Portland, Maine to celebrate our anniversary! And it was a foodie delight thanks to Phantom Gourmet, Yelp, Urban Spoon, and Food Network. Arrived in Portland around 11:30am. Did a little shopping, then stopped into Three Dollar Deweys - as recommended by my Aunt - for some brews. Also ordered a bowl of seafood chowder as recommended by Yelp. They have a ton of beer selections and offered to let us try a few before actually ordering. I finally had the chance to try the Blue Moon Pumpkin Harvest and I also sampled the Autumn Brew from Geary's. Both were nice, but decided on the Blue Moon. My husband decided on the Gritty's Christmas Brew. All were very good, not to mention the Smoked Seafood Chowder was not only fresh, but delicious.
Next we headed into Portland Rock Lobster, a shop that specializes in Hot Sauces from all over. The owner has everything categorized from heat level 1 - 10, 1 being mild, 10 being SUPER SUPER hot. After talking to the owner for a while, we decided upon a mustard base level 9, and then a few local sauces - one of which Adam Richman has designated in his book 'America the Edible' as #1 condiment in America - Captain Mowatt's Canceaux Sauce. I am looking forward to trying this one for sure! Also excited to try the Mowatt's Great White, which was recommended to use in deviled eggs. If you know me, I know deviled eggs - so this Thanksgiving, I will do half my regular recipe, and half the new spicy recipe - using this sauce. We also picked up Lost Woods Hot Sauce, as it has been compared to Tabasco.
Phantom Gourmet featured a place called Duckfat in their list of top fries in New England. They were 100% correct. Duckfat hand-cuts Maine potatoes and then fries them Belgian-style in what else? Duck fat! They are then tossed with seasoning salt and served in a cone with choice of 8 homemade dipping sauces. These fries are crisp and perfectly cooked. We chose the truffle ketchup - which was recommended. You would think the truffle would be overwhelming, but it was just the right compliment to these fries. We also ordered the panini special (perfect for splitting): roasted pork loin, cranberry sauce, pickled onion, ginger relish, sweet and spicy mustard mayo, and swiss cheese. If you think that sounds like a flavor overload, think again. The flavor profile was PERFECT. Even my husband said this was THE BEST sandwich he has ever experienced. So though the menu seemed a bit pricy, it is worth every last penny. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives should come here for sure!
After checking in at Travelodge (a bit sketchy it seems - but yay for a cheap hotel?), we headed back downtown for Happy Hour at Sebago Brewing Company. We were able to enjoy a few of their brews (the Winter Ale was fantastic!), in addition to ordering the cajun dusted haddock bites. YUM-O.
Finally, we came back to the hotel and realized how cheap the room really was. Everything wreaked of cigarette smoke, the pillows were flat, and the bed linens itchy. Needless to say a good nights sleep, almost impossible. Oh well, lesson learned. We will stay clear of this motel next time.
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