SOPO SEAFOOD A Bistro/Market For Seafood Lovers

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 Quarry is a Magical Place: Monson, Maine

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Maine, look no further than The Quarry restaurant in Monson. This cozy spot has earned its reputation as one of the top restaurants in the state, and it’s no surprise why they’ve been named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard award in the hospitality category.

Owned and operated by Marilou and Bill Ranta, The Quarry is a labor of love for the couple. They’ve poured their hearts and souls into creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home to their guests. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to gather with friends and family, The Quarry is the perfect choice.

One of the most unique things about The Quarry is their dedication to feeding the artists from the Libra Foundation. The foundation, which supports a wide range of artistic endeavors in the region, sends artists to The Quarry to enjoy delicious, asian influenced meals as they work on their craft. This commitment to supporting the local arts community is just one of the many reasons why The Quarry has become such a beloved spot in Monson.

Of course, the food itself is also a major draw. Whether you’re in the mood for a steak, seafood, or a delicious vegetarian dish, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds on their flexible multi-course tasting menu. The menu changes frequently but I have included photos from our recent visit below, as well a few shots of one of their charming Airbnbs.

But it’s not just the food that makes The Quarry stand out – it’s the whole experience. From the cozy dining room to the friendly staff, most of which is family.  Every aspect of The Quarry has been carefully crafted to make guests feel welcome and at ease. And with the James Beard award nomination, it’s clear that others are taking notice of the magic happening in this small Maine town.

If you find yourself in the Monson area, make sure to stop by The Quarry for a meal you won’t forget. And if you’re not in the area, it might be worth planning a trip just to experience this unique and special restaurant.

Perfect Bread & Butter

Amazing Duck with pickled apple and five spice

Curried Squash
Amazing Scallops,special of the night.Wow!
Such a creamy torte!
Mussel and pine

Elda, World Class Yum

Elda is a warm welcoming space, filled with talented crafts people, creating delicious and beautiful food. There are no words to describe how many flavors of the: ocean, forest and farm are infused into every sip and bite of their one choice tasting menu. I must stress, how much I appreciated their modern less formal mode of service. A confirmed fan of alcoholic fermentation, I loved how inventive, satisfying and over-the-top tasty the non-alcoholic pairings are. At least one member of your party should order. There really isn’t anything more to say, except that if you love fine dining, you should immediately take the next car,train,or plane to Biddeford,Maine.

Mussel and pine

Virtual dinners with Winewise!

For those of you missing the tastes and feels of dining out with your favorite restaurants, Erica Archer and Winewise have what you have been missing. Virtual dinners available for delivery/pickup through the greater Portland area. This is all combined with a zoom meeting featuring delicious food, wine, and commentary from your favorite chefs: Damian Sansonetti of Chaval, Jeff Wright of Sur Lie, Paolo Laboa of Solo Italiano , and now Chris Gould of Central Provisions .

Past dinners have featured such beautifully delicious themes as: Argintinaian steak, tapas, and Fried chicken with champagne. All delicious, with the added benefit of having fellow virtual diners. A great way to restore a little normalcy to your week. Tickets available here.