Oh, Food: A few old and new favorite Maine eateries

Well friends, it's been a while! I returned to the woods a couple of days ago after a refreshing stay with family and friends. I was happy to be able to visit the Old Port for the first time in three years...it had been too long!

I am not a girl who likes to shop. Take me to a mall or a Walmart, and I immediately become overwhelmed and uneasy. Overload! There is a reason why I shop at Machias Hardware and Hannaford in my hometown before coming back to Clayton Lake. I know where everything is and I know the names and faces of people who work there. I like to keep it as simple and familiar as possible. As far as clothes shopping goes, if I'm being honest, there's no reason why I need to go shopping until I leave Clayton lake because my daily outfits consist of flannel pajamas, my husband's socks, and a baggy t-shirt or comfy sweatshirt. Isn't that what we all wear when we stay at camp?? Sorry, husband. :)

Oh the bread....and butter....

I AM a girl who LOVES to eat. When I think of Portland, I do not think shopping. I think FOOD. Fore Street is one of my favorites, and is a must for me when in Southern Maine. An old brick building with an open kitchen, wood burning ovens, and dim lighting gives off an old fashioned tavern vibe like no other. When walking on the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, you know you're getting close when the heavenly combination of wood, fire, food, and ocean fills your senses. Local, fresh, and delicious food...every single time!

I've been following the Holy Donut on Facebook for weeks now. Not sure why I do that to myself when they post mouth watering picturesevery day. I'm not exactly a stone's throw away to be able to go grab a couple of their donuts! When you walk in and see the simple mouthwatering display of fresh donuts.....it's a little hard to choose just one. The bacon cheddar stuffed donut....oh goodness. Salty, creamy, and a hint of sweetness. And they are made with a bit of Maine....Maine potato in every bite!

Visited Local 188 for the first time and it was delicious! Loved the atmosphere and the local, fresh food. Pickled quail eggs, strawberry margarita with jalapeno infused tequila, parsnip cream risotto, delicious hummus with fresh pita bread....noms.

I couldn't go back to the woods without stopping (several times) at my favorite diner in my hometown. Homemade éclairs, thin shaved Pastrami, crispy haddock burger...just a few of my favorites at Helen's Restaurant in Machias. My only regret was that my strawberries were not slathered in the same rich chocolate that coats the éclair.

So.....I know this is a little different than most of my posts, but most likely, it will not be the last time you hear me rant about food. Happy eating, friends!

Ice

Ice. So inconvenient, yet so beautiful.

Usually the Machias River sings a solo of snaps, crackles, and pops of ice moving out with the changing tide, but every sliver of grass, every rose bush, and every alder has joined in this week since being encased in a layer of thick ice.

Maine's weather is obnoxious, it's fascinating, and it's everyone's favorite topic. The Ice Storm of 98' left me with some pretty great memories. Friends and family came to our house almost every night to make dinner out of everyone's quickly thawing food. We read books during the day, played board games by candlelight at night, and stayed connected to the outside world with a battery operated radio tuned in to the local channel, WVOM. There were no cell phones, no television, and no internet. Maniacs were unplugged.

Did we survive? Yes, we did.

Scrolling down my newsfeed on facebook, I couldn't help but notice that most of the comments (mine included) were about the weather, the power outages, and the overall stress that this storm has caused. Just days before Christmas. Everyone wanted a white Christmas but no one wanted an ice Christmas.
I am right there with everyone else. Power outages are a little exciting at first but the rush wears off real quick. Everyone enjoys a hot shower and all the amenities they're used to. We are creatures of habit and do not enjoy anything that screws with our daily routines.

As much as I sympathize with the annoyances and inconveniences, I do not enjoy the hyper-negativity that comes with the power outages and the storms. It is Christmas Eve day and we are alive. We are alive to hear the ice crack from the slightest nudge of the wind. We are alive to see the beauty in all the shades of gray. We are alive to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. There are so many who are not able to say as much.

Go outside, take a deep breath of that fresh Maine air, and step back from all the negativity that the storm has brought....simply because you can.

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