Author: eatwellslivewells

We were passing through Portland last weekend and decided to make a quick detour to Forest Avenue for lunch at the Fishermen’s Grill. We knew were were going to have two ‘classic’ lobster rolls but decided to ask what was going into the frier that day. turns out just about everything. According to the owner, the clams had just been shucked, the haddock just cut, and the scallops just off the boats (the shrimp we were told were ‘processed’ – appreciated the honest answer). We decided on a mixed basket “sampler” and a large order of onion rings. After a little bit of wait, the baskets came out – piping hot and all of the fish was super fresh. While we might have over ordered (certainly we didn’t need the ‘large basket of rings), the detour was well worth it.

Almayass 24 E. 21st Street between Park and B’Way 212-473-3100

So who makes the ‘best’ lobster roll in Maine?

Another great dinner at Al Forno in Providence. I’ve been eating the Italian cooking of Chef-owners Johanne Killeen & George Germon for more than 30 years, starting with the early days on Steeple Street. I worked in an office above the small restaurant and was tasked with picking up plates of spaghetti bolognese for my boss for lunch. Tough job, I know. Well, last Saturday I had the chance to go back to Al Forno and we had a wonderful time- great food, service, ambiance… it was really a lot of fun. After cocktails at the outdoor bar (they make a very nice Negroni), the real fun began. We had it all: Grilled Pizza Calamari crispy fried calamari, arrabbiata sauce, fresh herbs, two cheeses Native Tomato and Corn Salad red onions, fresh basil, garlic croutons, balsamic vinaigrette Native corn fritters (with that supper nice corny taste) Linguine with Creamy Egg, Duck Bacon and Pea Tendrils parmigiano-reggiano, hot pepper flakes Dirty Steak with Hot Fanny Sauce (one of their signature dishes) Fresh Native Blueberry Tart Grand Cookie Finale Freshly baked cookies, chocolate truffles, warm chocolate-ricotta fritters and candied citrus peel.

Hi-Hat Pancake House in Farmingdale, Maine. We were tempted by the bacon pancakes so decided to give it a try. The problem with pancakes likes these is that unless the batter and ingredients are well mixed, the good stuff is all on the bottom. This isn’t to say the bacon cakes were bad, but they were more like plain pancakes with some bacon on the bottom (not that there is anything wrong with that). The breakfast sandwich on ‘housemade “Texas toast” was very good. Worth a stop, not sure about going too far out my way for it.

At the suggestion of trencherman Razz we decided to check out the Kennebec Cafe in Fairfield. The KC is known for breakfast (they close at noon) and serves more than 30 kinds of donuts. After much deliberation we decided on six different ones that we would share among our party of six. The expectations were high for the house specials, but in the end, the simplest one – the olive oil donut – was deemed the best. THe chocolate coconut was good too, but certainly didn’t need two “Almond Joy” chocolates stuck to the top- they were just too much. For the main course, I had an excellent dish with homemade hash (nice and chunky), house baked bread, poached eggs. I would go back to KC but not for the donuts.

We had a terrific lunch at the A1 Diner in Gardiner, Maine. Cup of chowder, a super fresh haddock sandwich, crispy fired and a cup of baked beans. We finished it off with a homemade whoppie pie which had a hint of ginger. Well worth the visit.

Legend Chinese for Szechuan cuisine. 88 7th Ave (between 15th St & 16th St) New York, NY 10011 Also, Szechuan Gourmet, Lan Sheng, Mapo Tofu and Café China (13 East 37th Street).

Just outside the Campo in Siena where the famous Palio is run twice a year, we had lunch at L’Osteria Le Logge

Lunch today at Dario Doc in Panzano. We were lucky to be served by a very nice young waiter. Bravo !