NYC Tastes

I woke up like a bolt of lightening our first morning in Portland.  I knew Mr. T would be taking advantage of vacation time with an extra long sleep so I didn't think twice about heading out for some early morning treats at Standard Baking Company. It was about 8:45 when I arrived and the line was already out the door.  I crossed my fingers the sticky bun and scones were still in stock and lucky for me they were! The Sticky Bun was all I dreamed it would be...thick and fluffy with a crunchy caramel bottom and swirls of cinnamon, nuts and brown sugar folded into the dough.  I would be back for another one of these:) The Blueberry Scone was a complete disappointment- lots of blueberries but too much flour and no crunch.  It just kind of fell apart in a mealy, oat mess. I had been hoping to round out breakfast with an Almond Croissant but they sold out just minutes before my arrival so I subbed in a Financier.  I took a bite as I walked...

We woke up day two of our trip and quickly walked around the city of Portsmouth before hopping back in the car.  We had a LOT to accomplish so it was a bright and early start for our ride up to Freeport and Maine Beer Company. The Freeport Tasting Room was located in a cute old motel space off the main drag.  It was much smaller than I had imagined, with a homey neighborhood feel just perfect for escaping a rainy day.   I love just about everything Maine puts out so I went for a flight of beers including two that are brewery only releases.  Everything was fabulous, the beer was super fresh and I loved the sleek serving tray and rounded glassware. They had a bunch of board games out for people to play and a small assortment of local food options including this delicious Cheddar Pretzel that was still warm from the oven. The tasting room looked out onto the brewing floor where some work was being done.  I honestly could have st...

Our first trip up to Maine this summer Mr. T and I decided to make it into a beercation complete with stops along the way to check out some of the best breweries and food the coastline has to offer.  Our first day was spent mostly in the car, getting stuck in city traffic then stuck again in a terrible storm but finally we made it to our first destination of the trip WHYM. WHYM is a brand new craft beer bar located outside the city of Portsmouth.  The location isn't the greatest...I would be lying if I said Mr. T and I felt completely safe walking up to the front door in the back of an old motor lodge, but once we walked inside the friendly bartender and gorgeous wooden bar made us feel right at home. WHYM has it's beer menus split into two sections, one half for the local breweries just down the road and one half for other craft beers throughout the world.  We wanted to focus on local beers so we both ordered a couple from Blue Lobster Brewing the Kolsch ...

One of the first craft breweries to really gain national attention was Sierra Nevada.  This big guy out of California manages to keep it interesting with new batches like their just released Beer Camp series.  Here  Sierra Nevada tests out new recipes and invites some of the general public to the brewhouse for some hands on learning of the brewing process and to help create some new beer. This is Beer Camp Series #94, a Black IPA brewed with Sorachi Ace and Nelson Sauvin Hops. This beer was interesting...it pours really dark with a nice frothy head and the surprising aroma of hops and citrus. The taste was a mix of smoky malts, banana and bitter Belgian yeast on the end.  The flavors were all quite mild and balanced so it's really a nice sessionable beer...one with a fruity twist that would be good for someone who thinks all dark beers have to be heavy.   Sierra Nevada

Juni opened just two weeks ago in the Chandler Hotel and as I pushed open the big, shiny door I could still smell the fresh paint.  As I walked along the bar and into the main dining room I couldn't help but notice how quiet it was.  There were only two other tables enjoying a Labor Day lunch so the restaurant was quite empty.  The dining room is small and a bit sterile with a large table in the center that serves as a station for the wait staff and the focal point of the room.  I was a bit startled when I opened the wine list and noticed the cheapest white priced at $16 a glass.  It proved to be a lovely Pinot Blanc so I pushed off my wallet worries (and convinced myself the extra money was for the lovely stool my purse was given) with excitement for the the three course meal.  To begin Cherry Tomato,Tomato Gelee and Liquid Burrata. My server suggested this appetizer and it certainly didn't disappoint.  The heirloom tomatoes took shape in th...

I'm seriously digging vegetables right now of all shapes and sizes.  Of course throwing some delicious greens on top of a crispy pizza is always a fantastic idea....like the Spinach, Goat Cheese and Herb Pizza from ABC Kitchen. They use a whole wheat crust, slather it with some creamy, funky goat cheese, freah spinach and a handful of dill.  Then it's into the brick oven for a few minutes to get that golden brown crust and intoxicating aroma.  Apparently Oprah named this pizza as one of her top 20 "Mood Boosters".  I've never been a huge Oprah fan but I think she's spot on about this one. My mood would be classified as "elated" after delving into a slice of pie. I was so elated I barely remember the Roasted Beets with Yogurt, although I assume they were lovely since my Father gobbled them right up.  I was already into another one of my food favorites...diving into the Roasted Carrots and Avocado dish.  I didn't even take a picture ...

I'm taking a little break from New Brew Friday today to bring you a delicious and frothy Grapefruit Margarita from Lure Fishbar. Lure has one of the best happy hours in the city with $8 cocktails, $7 wines and delicious bar snacks like crispy calamari with smoked chili for $6.  The boat themed restaurant gets crowded quickly so go before the summer ends to miss the regular after work rush.  Cheers! Lure Fishbar