Category Archives: foods

The foods I love

10 Relentlessly Delicious Courses!

Last night was one of the most epic dinners to have been served at Flanagan’s Table, Maine’s premier wedding destination and hidden pop-up dining paradise. This particular bit of gastronomic excess was helmed by Maine’s own King of Yum, Jason Loring of Nosh and Slab , with help from a couple of Maine’s rising kitchen stars Thomas Pisha Duffly, and Cyle Reynolds.

Course after course seemed to effortlessly flow from the kitchen. What emerged were re-imagined renditions of Nosh classics: ham and cheese, chicken and waffles,poutine! These beautifully crafted full flavor courses surprised and delighted one after another. Pacing and size of each dish was spot on, leaving diners full but mostly capable of sampling each of the 10 courses without need for hospitalization from gastric overload.

It will be hard to top this meal, but for the charitably minded with deep pockets, there are still tickets available for Flanagan’s end of the year charity feast. The ticket price is steep but 100% of money raised goes to help feed hungry children. Tickets may be purchased here

Photos of a few of the many fine dishes sampled:

Poutine

Lamb Lolipop

Corn Friter

Hot Dog

Crab salad

Little Bigs!!!!

If home is where the heart is, then little Bigs must be my home away from home. I just love them that much! Their donut creations are just so amazing! I can best describe their raised donuts as Crispy fried joy with a pillowy core. Absolutely life affirming bites of happiness!

But wait there’s more! First time visitors please note that their pasties are equally amazing! Golden hand-formed crusts of a dizzying variety, filled with such beautiful things as “real” Texas chili, Thai chicken bursting with flavor and my favorite cheeseburger with tomato jam!!

For those in the know, crossing the bridge in to South Portland means a mandatory stop at this hidden gem!Pictured Below: Pb&J, Glazed Cininmon swirl Stick, Bismarck, Dark chocolate Ganache Raised, Cheeseburger, Texas Chili.

Brisket

It’s not necessarily Maine and it is not dining out, but fall in New England makes me crave the slow simmered foods and root vegetables of my youth.

The following link takes you to a fantastic yet simple recipe for Brisket at one of my affiliated sites Food 52

Hugo’s: The Big Show!

More than a meal, more than a restaurant. Hugo’s is one of the most satisfying diner as art experiences to be found in Portland.

It begins with the space intimate but not small. Perfectly designed to be warm and bring comfort to diners weary from the outside world. Fulfilling this promise are the friendly and impeccably professional staff. Ask any employee the heritage of your tomato and chances are they will know! A special nod to our waiter Patrick I can’t imagine anyone being better at their chosen profession. These are people that know and love food and it shows!

The menu itself is a work of art. The dishes are always changing, but the innovative format remains. Divided into sections: Foraged and Farmed, From the Sea, Forest and Field. Mix and match or eat your way down a column. Either way you will experience amazing food and it is impossible to leave without both your tummy and spirit satisfied.