A few weeks ago our band 32 North was playing a gig at Shuck Station in Newcastle (excellent oysters, beer, cocktails, seafood and more), when a lady from San Diego, a second-time visitor to the area, came up to the bandstand and asked us where she should be eating in the area. I thought, "My, isn't she savvy." She said she was traveling with siblings, and they were keen to satisfy lobster and seafood desires. My bandmates all piped up with suggestions, and the lady tipped us before leaving. The lesson is, "Ask a local." I hope that lady enjoyed her time and food here.
Well, 2021 saw a substantial return to tourism in midcoast Maine, especially on summer weekends, but still not as crazy as before the pandemic. Some events, such as Pumpkin Fest (October 9-11) are scaled way down, and the Pemaquid Oyster Fest is postponed again "until conditions are safe." However, the area provides lots of outdoor venues for fun and food, and I want to update this blog with a few new adds and new views:
1. One revelation this year is Barn Door Baking Company https://www.barndoorbakingcompany.com/contact. in Damariscotta. Sure, there are lots of good quality bakers around here to provide your whoopee pies, blueberry pies (Dorcelle Brown at Brown's Farm Stand is a pie meister), etc. But if fine baking that's "fresh, local and homemade" appeals to you, call Annie at Barn Door. We were blown away by her almond croissants, which are buttery, flaky, and full of almond goodness. I have not had better in the U.S. Also, Annie's gluten-free fudge cookies are "to die for," as are her cakes for occasions. She is our go-to now. And with a couple days notice, she'll make you almost anything you want. This is such a find!
2. Jolie Rogers / Barbara Scully Oysters. If you crave an excellent, personalized oyster experience, you must see Andy or Ryan (the Jolie Rogers team) who work at Barbara Scully Oysters https://www.scullyseaproducts.com/buy-oysters Edgecomb, Maine (on River Road). Ms. Scully is famous in these parts as an oyster pioneer, as she first cultivated oysters locally back in the 80s. She is still owner in residence. But Andy and Ryan do store sales, shucking lessons and on summer Sundays, grilled oysters on the river. Try the Appledore oysters, which are big, sweet and briny. The Jolie Rogers guys will also provide oysters for events and weddings, etc. Andy, I believe, is a state shucking champion or something similar. Please tip these guys; they work hard and do a great job. Note that Scully also Fed-Ex's oysters in bulk to your home. BUT PLEASE call them and confirm your order particulars, as one friend had a problem with this when he did everything online.
below: Oysters on ice, and Marcos tries his hand at shucking
3. Ice Cream #1. The best ice cream in the midcoast area requires a bit of a drive to Liberty, Maine. But you can combine this visit with two convenient side-trips to Liberty Tool and Liberty Graphics, maybe the best (and best-priced) tee shirt store anywhere. Back to ice-cream. Go to John's Ice Cream,https://www.johnsicecreamfactory.com "makers of especially fine ice-creams and sorbets." We met a fellow there who lives nearby and literally works his way through all the flavors in a season. John himself comes from a Italian American family that came from Southern Italy, settled in NYC and made ravioli before John moved to Maine (sound familiar?). Superb, rich ice cream in many flavors. Next time I want to try the lemon custard. They made my vanilla frappe with malt, a special treat.
4. Ice Cream #2, A more convenient option is Blanchard's Creamery https://www.blanchardscreamery.com on Rte. 27 Edgecomb. Everyone in Damariscotta talks about Round Top ice cream. It's okay, but I don't get the fuss. Blanchard's is awesome, rarely crowded, and boasts delicious ice cream and yogurt flavors, baked goods and a Rancilio espresso machine for a first class pulled shot. Delish!
5. Chat and Chow. (207) 273-0132 I admit I avoided this food stand on Route 1 in Warren because the trucking business next door had huge Trump signs. But the mistake was mine, because these guys do an excellent fried haddock sandwich, burgers and a Gobbler sandwich (turkey, cranberry, stuffing) on Thursday. The owners are very sweet and aim to please. Good count, good quality. Fish does run out.
6. Broad Arrow Farm https://www.broadarrowfarm.com in Bristol is a fantastic source for cured meats, veg, fresh eggs, and butchered meats. They make excellent frozen meals like lasagna, lamb cooked three ways and, home-cooked casseroles, all for sale in the freezers. They also have wonderful events where you can dine al fresco at large tables in the farm fields with old and new friends. A great food resource!
7. Finally, a word of praise and support for Schoodic Institute, https://schoodicinstitute.org located up in the Acadia area. This is a fantastic non-profit that is located in the Acadia National Park area, dedicated to "science, learning and community for a changing world." The handsome grounds were once a Navy intelligence base and presents like a large university campus. There are lots of programs throughout the year to learn and see wildlife and nature in various forms. Excellent birding during migratory periods, and sooo much less crowded than Acadia Park proper, where we saw bumper-to-bumper traffic during prime time. Coincidentally, we had the great pleasure of bird-watching with this guy:
Enjoy Maine; it really is The Way Life Should be. As always, feel free to ask any questions if I can help.
