oysters – Eat Drink Maine

If you’re a seafood lover and happen to be in South Portland, Maine, then you simply can’t miss out on SOPO Seafood and Raw Bar. This delightful spot is a haven for those who crave fresh and flavorful seafood, all served up with a side of charming hospitality.

As soon as you step in, you’ll be greeted with the sight of Alex shucking oysters behind the bar. Watching him expertly pry open those little mollusks is an appetizing sight in itself. But once you actually taste those briny, sweet, and succulent oysters, you’ll realize that the real treat is yet to come.

For an extra indulgent start to your meal, order up a shrimp cocktail. These plump and juicy crustaceans come with a spicy cocktail sauce that will give your taste buds a zingy kick. Sip on a classic gin and tonic while you enjoy the fresh ocean flavors.

If you’re looking for something more unusual, then try the salmon roe with crème fraiche. The burst of the roe against the cool and creamy crème fraiche is a taste sensation that you won’t soon forget.

The smoked trout toast is another appetizer that’s worth a try. The lightly smoked fish is perfectly flaky and pairs beautifully with the crunch of the toast. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the quality of the ingredients.

For something a little heartier, indulge in the crab grilled cheese. This is not your average grilled cheese sandwich – it’s a decadent combination of sweet crab meat, melted cheese, and buttery bread that will make you feel like you’re dining like royalty.

But perhaps the true star of the show is the oysters. With a constantly changing selection of oysters from Maine’s coast you’ll be able to taste the unique flavors of different regions. From the plump and briny Glidden points to the sweet Weskegs, you’re sure to find an oyster that will make your taste buds sing.

All in all, Sopo Seafood and Raw Bar is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves fresh seafood. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and outstanding food make for an unforgettable dining experience. As a bonus pick up some fantastic seafood from their attached market to take home.

SOPO Seafood

The following are photos from our fantastic New Year’s Eve dinner at Central Provisions. The evening’s menu was a preview of owners Chris and Paige Gould’s soon to open second restaurant Tipo, and the supremely talented Chef Mike Smith who will be overseeing its kitchen.

As I plan on visiting Tipo as soon as humanly possible, I will mostly (but not completely) let the photos from this brilliant dinner speak for themselves.

From the very first bites, it was clear that this pair of chefs really know how to meld contrasting textures and flavors in ways that build one upon the other, each bite a magical mélange: rapini with Spanish mackerel, mushroom ragu with chicory, dry-aged sirloin with charred traviso. So synergistically yummy!!

Then there was the pasta. While I generally don’t consider myself a pasta person, the ones pictured below had such wonderful substance, flavor, scents, that I not only found myself devouring them, but I very well may dream of them (at least until Tipo opens). Such simple dishes perfectly executed: corzetti with squash and sausage and tagliatelle with white truffles! So deeply satisfying, especially on on cold winter night!

Stay tuned…