Eating in Maine #1

Thanks to the fact that my boyfriend lives in Maine, I get to escape Boston every now and then. Usually my diet in Maine consists of whatever Kevin has in his house (Eggos, $1 burritos, and bologna sandwiches) and Dunkin Donuts. But lately we've been sampling the slightly more expensive fare Portland and surrounding towns have to offer.


Norm's Bar & Grille
617 Congress St
Portland, ME
(207) 828-9944

Kevin and I ate here during Portland's First Friday Art Walk deal-y. I thought we were going to yet another pub-food, frat-boy haven . . . but NO! Its tiny so if you want to sit down there's a bit of a wait but holy crap is the food delicious and cheap for how fancy it is. I got the lamb and goatcheese turnover with spring greens for about $8. I <3 lamb but usually only in Indian curry dishes and goat cheese weirds me out. I was also expecting a dinky little "pop it in your mouth" turnover. Thank god was I mistaken. The lamb and goat cheese really went together and the turnover was flaky and buttery and delicious. The large portion of spring greens was mighty tasty as well. I also had a Rasberry Stoli Lemonade which was only $4.50 (happy hour!) and in a large pint glass (none of that high ball bull shit). Kevin and his friends LOVE their tacos and since he is the pickiest eater in the world I imagine they are quite yummy.


The Great Lost Bear
540 Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-0300

This place boasted 7 types of nachos and 10 types of burgers but for the most part I was disappointed. The only nachos that came with all the deliciousness I expect were the SUPER nachos (a tad expensive) and the type of cheese they put on everything is something like Cheese Whiz (ew, unless its on crackers at 3am). I opted for Philly Cheese Steak (with provalone instead of the whiz). Pretty good and a decent size but I wasn't all that impressed. The fries were discs of partially uncooked potato (the thinnest/crispest were the best). They also stuck us in this dark little corner which may have been considered romantic if it wasn't 4pm and we weren't sitting next to a loud group of hicks and their hick-lets. The outdoor patio looked like a better experience.


Duckfat
43 Middle St
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8080

HOLY JESUS! I know, I know. Duckfat? That's kind of gross. But seriously, get the fries. And the beignets. And the milk shake. And whatever else you can afford. I want to marry these fries. They are fried in duck fat (hence the name) and that is why they are so darn tasty. I couldn't stop eating them. And the milkshake was the best I have ever had (besides this one in Vermont from an authentic malt shop). And I've been wanting to try beignets (cajun donuts) for years. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! Exponentially delicious. The place is a tad pricey (About $25 for two large fries, beignets, and two milkshakes) but totally worth it. They serve sandwiches too but why bother. Fries, milkshake, beignets. Thats all you need . . . ever. Word to the wise: order a small if its just you, Kevin and I both got larges (I thought I was going to have a heart attack). And vegetarians should skip the fries all together, you might actually die.