A couple weeks ago Jim, Robby and I went to the Stonewall Kitchen flagship store in York, Maine for the food truck wars they were hosting. They had five food trucks from the Portland, Maine area set up in their parking lot and each truck picked an item from Stonewall Kitchen’s NEW products. Each truck had to serve samples that they made using the product they chose.  All the trucks were also serving items from their regular menu that were available to purchase.

We arrived just before 4:00 pm (it started at 4:00 pm) and boy was I happy we got there when we did.  The parking lot filled up quick with lots of kids, families, senior’s and even an RV pulled up and set up to enjoy the event!! The first thing we did was to pick up a score sheet at the Stonewall Kitchen table that was set up. At the table you received not only a score sheet, but some promotional items being given away. They had hats, cups, and various stickers! Lets face it everyone loves a free gift and this is one of my favorite places!  O.K. on to the trucks!

We started with the Wicked Good truck, with  the sample from this truck, a little play on a BLT. This was bacon, arugula and tomato with Stonewall Kitchen’s Garlic Aioli on a roll. This sample was OK, not much Bacon but lots of arugula. They had cheese steak, chicken and waffles , fries and poutine to order! This was not a bad start.

Next was the CN Shawarma truck. They served a blueberry smoothie using Stonewall Kitchen’s blueberry jam. This smoothie was TERRIFIC,…smooth, creamy and  full of blueberry flavor! That was a great taste of Maine! Along with the sample they had chicken shawarma and lots of other raw and all natural products for sale!

This next truck, Mainely Burgers was hands down our favorite truck! The sample they were serving was a burger with cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, bacon, maple mayo, thinly sliced green apple with Stonewall Maple Bacon jam! This burger is called  “The Mainah” and it was FABULOUS!  We ALL RAVED about it!!!  I would follow this truck anytime for another burger like that! I would also like to mention not only was it  incredible, but the burger was perfectly cooked. That can’t be easy with a mob of people in front of you! They had a number of other specialty burgers, but the one thing I noticed that was being ordered by almost everyone in line was the fried brussel sprouts!  Who knew?! If you’re in the Portland, Maine area and see this truck, stop and get “the Mainah” you will not be disappointed!

Well, sadly the next two trucks we were not able to try, the lines at this point were HUGE and STILL growing!

The Fish ‘n Ship’s truck was serving basil pesto battered fish with diced tomato aioli. That sounds pretty good to me! They also had regular fish and chips, fish sliders, fish nuggets and fries to mention just a few things! This appeared to be a VERY popular truck!

Last and certainly not least was the Urban Sugar truck, This was the only dessert truck. This truck had an enormous array of donuts, sauces, gourmet donuts, glazed donuts and donuts served with cinnamon and sugar! Thank goodness the line was so long on this truck. I don’t think I could possibly decide!
What a fun evening and a great way to discover what is served on all of these great trucks! I am looking forward to making a trip to Portland and having more delicious food!

Enjoy,

Well, I am not sure where to begin with this review it is full of good and not so good!  I really, really desperately wanted to bring all positive reviews for this restaurant.  I really like what they are doing by supporting local farms and fundraising for various groups. Also, I love the idea of a chefs whim menu or dessert item. Growing up in Dover I also really love that they have included so much Dover history in the restaurant. For anyone that is not familiar with this restaurant it is located in Dover N.H. directly across from the Children’s Museum in Henry Law Park.  Address is 47 Washington Street.

So, we have been into the restaurant a couple times with some things that we really like and things well…not so much! The particular evening we went was on a Saturday night at 5 pm. There were a handful of patrons already enjoying food and beverages. Speaking of beverages this is a brew pub, they make their own beer and even give tours.  They also sell many other local craft beers and have full bar service. We sat at the bar this particular  evening.  The two bartenders were very nice and did their very best to accommodate us! So first up were the drinks. Mr. MCYM had a diet coke, that was easy.  I asked for a light beer.  Our bartender came over with three small taste’s of three different beers.  Jim and I both tried all three and both liked the white Alagash the best so that is what I had….so far so good!

Next was dinner.   Mr. MCYM was pretty easy with his choice he ordered their settlement burger. I was really in the mood for fish something not fried. My eyes went directly to the Lobster Beignets!  I was so excited to give this a try! We placed the order only to have our server come back and tell us they are out of the Lobster Beignets…..oh NO! say it’s not true…ugh,  okay…so I had to pick myself up and move on…so a cup of fish chowder was going to have to do.  I was okay with that and had made a full recovery not having the Lobster dish!  Things were back on track, well , for the moment!  Just a short time later our dinner arrived, all looks good! Mr. MCYM confirmed his burger was very good and cooked well.  Yes SCORE!

I took a spoonful of my  fish chowder and oh, no!   No, this can’t happen…it was COLD! Ugh, so disappointed. I stirred the chowder just hoping, praying, pleading that it was nice and warm, it just was not so. I tried the homemade cracker it came with that was good.  Much different from your typical soup cracker you would buy at the store. This cracker was more dense with good flavor. This girl could not live on two small crackers for dinner though.  I sent the chowder back and ate the best french fries ever off of Jim’s plate!  These fries and homemade ketchup were positively delicious! Crispy on the outside tender inside and the homemade ketchup was sweet from tomato flavor… not from the sugary stuff you buy at the store!
So all in all, it was not a total disaster, but pretty close! Running out of food with a limited menu is not good, serving cold food again disappointing. The shining star were the crispy french fries! I hope you have better luck that we did!

I have to tell you about one of the best foodie days I have had. The best part is that is is just around the corner from HOME! So as many of you know during the school year I work at my local High School and I am fortunate enough to have the summer’s off. Well my first day of summer vacation I spent with my dear friend Rosalie cruising the shores of Kittery, Maine! I could not have asked for a better start to summer break! So here you have it the Kittery Food tour!

We started our morning at When Pigs Fly Bakery and Pizzeria although the pizzeria was not open when we arrived. If you have never been to the bakery it is a small space with every type of bread imaginable. I came home with three loaves of bread! They have the most delicious fruit breads and dessert breads not to mention all of your regular breads! They also have a small space where you can sample an overwhelming amount of bread, with many spreads and jams oh and honey too! After you pick out your bread you can go to two of their adorable workers and they will slice, bag and label your bread for you! What a great start to the day!

Our next stop was a very quick visit to Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, this is located on Chauncey Creek Road. Chauncey Creek is a BYOB restaurant located right on the creek. The menu is simple and delicious! They have mostly seafood, but they do have chicken and chicken tenders for those not feeling like seafood! They also have a nice selection of side dishes, coleslaw, potato salad, corn, fries, beans, and onion rings. You can also get plenty of tea, water, soda and coffee. If that is not enough they offer pie and cheesecake for dessert.

Moving on to the Frisbee Market /Enoteca Sandwich Shop! This was the most adorable little market , so old school .But in the back of the market is the best sandwich shop I have ever eaten at in my life. Best of all the sandwiches are made by Millionaire Ed! Ed was just the sweetest man and let me tell you , he could throw down a mean sandwich. We ordered the Italian sandwich made with imported ham, provolone, Genoa salami, oven roasted tomato, basil, mayo and house made garlic spread that is to DIE for! I don’t even like sandwiches typically, but I have not stopped thinking about that sandwich since I had it. It really is just that good. They have other choices too.  They have turkey subs, caprese subs, roast beef, and steak and cheese to name a few! This shop is located at 88 Pepperrall Rd.  It is a must stop!

And because we have not had enough to eat, we stopped at Tulsi Indian Restaurant for lunch! What a great place! I had the chicken dish served with a number of sides and the best naan bread ever. Rosalie had a lamb dish along with her sides! I will be honest, I am not a huge fan of lamb but this dish was hands down the best part of our lunch! Prices were great along with fantastic service! If you are new to Indian food this is a great place to start the flavors range from VERY mild to full bold flavors!

On we go to Terra Cotta Pasta Company! They have a location in Dover as well and many products and be found in many area stores. Although I have been to the Dover store , this was my first time in the Kittery store! IT is a small location BUT it is packed with so many mouth watering items. Not only pasta and sauces but salads, flatbreads even desserts. we also sampled some sausage and cheese from their sample platter! We spoke with a number of their staff members as well as the owner who told us that if we wanted something from this store , we could call them and they will put it on the truck and deliver it to the Dover store for us to pick up there! Now that’s what I call customer service! Their address is 52A state Rd (Rt 1).

Hold on, we are not done yet! Next is Byrne & Carlson Chocolatier located right next door to Terra Cotta Pasta. They also have a location in Portsmouth! This is a wonderful chocolate shop with a variety of unique chocolates! They have fresh cream truffles, glace fruits that are hand dipped in french chocolate and fruit  jellies, I thought the most beautiful chocolates were the Artisan Chocolate Bars. They have an assortment of those too! Pansy Bar, Violet Bar , Orange Cherry Bar to just name a few. One of the great things is, the gift assortments of various sizes! Any of these items would make a great gift for almost any occasion!

The Beach Pea Baking Company was next (located at 53 State road, across the street from Terra Cotta Pasta). This location was a very short visit as it was PACKED! They have an incredible bakery with a huge variety of bread and desserts.  They also have a cafe menu that looks phenomenal and from the crowds of people it must be just that good! The cafe menu is loaded with signature sandwiches and salads. They also have a “Build your Own” sandwich selection! We will have to go back to try it out soon!

Three more stops to go! Right next door to the Beach Pea is the most incredible fish market, it is the Seaport Fish Market and Restaurant. The selection of fish was terrific and  they even had gulf shrimp! If you have never had gulf shrimp they are incredible! Although we could not possibly eat another thing, we took a look at the menu and while we were chatting the nicest man insisted that we take a sample of the Lobster Bisque to go with us.  We  said ” no we just couldn’t”,  he insisted… and let me tell you it smelled so good we took a taste in the parking lot and just loved it!   I went back a week later with Mr. MCYM and not only had a terrific lunch there, but took Lobster Bisque home!

Golden Harvest Market was next. It is very clear with the trucks coming and going where restaurants get their produce from! IT is a small market with so much fresh produce, specialty cheeses and delicious desserts!

Our last stop was Carl’s Meat Market (next to Golden Harvest) Carl’s Meat Market is just that! Meat and more meat! They smoke many of their products right there behind the market.  I bought some thin steak to make steak and cheese subs… DELICIOUS!  I also tried their smoked bacon… also very good! They have a small deli where you can get your deli meat and also have a sandwich made for you to go!

What a great way to spend the day! Great food with a great friend!  Thanks Rosalie!

I hope you can take some time to check out a few of these amazing places!

Enjoy,

1. Over Memorial Day weekend Jim and I decided to take a drive (or THREE hour tour) to Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine. We had a gorgeous day on a long holiday weekend! We decided to walk the Marginal Way which is one of New England’s only paved public shoreline walkways. This stretch is just over one mile with the most spectacular views you will ever see. After our walk we went to the Oarweed Restaurant in Perkins Cove.  There were  several shops and restaurants.  This was a recommended by one of the adorable shop ladies from Unique’s & Antique’s) . The Oarweed Restaurant sits right on the marginal way walkway. It has indoor and outdoor seating with incredible views no matter where you sit, both in or out of  the restaurant.

We started by splitting a cup of their fish chowder ($6.75), this was so rich and creamy and filled with large pieces of fish and lobster! We loved it so much we ordered a BOWL of it to go!

Jim ordered a hamburger ($7.00) I know…ordering a burger at a lobster restaurant while over looking the ocean… I will never understand, but it was cooked to his taste and was excellent!

I had the crab cakes with a spicy mayo sauce. This was a special that day and I did not write the price down,  I think it was in the ten dollar range though. This dish was also very good, lots of crab but I have to say the star of the dish was the spicy mayo!
We did not get dessert, but look forward to going back again!

After our lunch we went to our favorite store in the entire cove!  Unique’s & Antiques! I have been there prior to this trip and every time I go in I find so many fantastic items, everything from Christmas items, Halloween items, antiques, estate jewelry and the most gorgeous wreaths that the owner Rusty makes!

If you want him to make you a custom wreath he will happily do so! Make sure you come in early for the best selection of the ribbons!!  This store is a must visit every time we go to the area!

I hope you take some time to enjoy this beautiful area in Ogunquit Maine!

The Thirsty Moose Restaurant just opened in Dover N.H. so for all of my local readers you have a lot to look forward to with this new restaurant!  We  meaning (Jim, Robby and Robby’s girlfriend, Emily). Don’t worry the kids had plenty of time for their own date night! Went on Friday night. It was only the second day they were open and  they have not even had the official grand opening yet! We were greeted by a few adorable staff members, Katie and Sophia. The location is great and has large windows that open all way to have open air seating.  Lots of large screen televisions to view your favorite game. We arrived at about 4 p.m. and there were already plenty of people there!

Our server’s name was Steffi and she was just terrific welcoming us and not afraid to help us with our dinner choices and answering many menu item questions!  Steffi was also kind enough to give us a ton of great information about the Thirsty Moose! Did you know they make ALL of their sauces fresh in house?  YUP! They sure do!  Did you know they have a pizza oven? YUP! they do! They also make all of their own pizza dough!

Steffi also told us that they have something called the Antler Rack.  I bet you wonder what that is ? Well it is basically beer tasting. You can get up to six samples (Steffi says they are good size samples) of various different beers and you and the restaurant can even keep track of the beers you have tried and the ones you like! Pretty cool huh?

Speaking of all that beer they have 160 tap lines and 116 brews, that’s a lot of beer!

We ordered the Poutine fries ($5.99) to start and those were great .  We all enjoyed them…they are made with hand cut fries with fresh mozzarella cheese and a rich gravy. The cheese at the bottom got all nice and gooey… oh so good!

Jim got the Hangover Burger ($10.99) and he really enjoyed that it was a burger with American cheese , egg and hollandaise sauce. The burger was cooked just right!

Emily had the Grown up Mac and Cheese ($12.99). This had broccoli, bacon and four cheeses! This was so creamy and so rich… not too mention a huge portion!

Robby had the California Club ($10.99).  This had turkey, applewood bacon, lettuce, avocado and buttermilk ranch dressing. This was good and a large portion,  but it was the least favorite for all of us.

I had the Thai chicken pizza ($13.99 for a small ).  This pizza was amazing if you like sweet with heat!  It packs a huge flavor punch. It has chicken , red onions, bell pepper, pineapple and a sweet and spicy Thai sauce. This has a thin delicious crispy, but not too crispy, crust.  I think a shrimp version of this would be an awesome special during the Summer months!                                                                                                             Just sayin……

Sadly, we could not try a dessert as they did not have any left as it was just a soft opening and they had ALREADY run out!  I think that speaks volumes of the kind of food you will be getting at this location, don’t you?!

The Thirsty Moose has a location in Portsmouth N.H. that is located on 21 Congress Street.  They do have a website as well.

We are already looking forward to going back!  Take some time out and enjoy Dover’s newest restaurant!