Portland, Maine, ME, City Guide, Chef Erik Desjarlais, Where to eat, Where to drink, What to do, Rabelais Books, The Eastern Promenade, The Cheese Iron, Browne Trading Company, Browne Trading Co., Becky’s Diner, Portland Lobster Company, 158 Picket Street Cafe, Back Bay Grill, Bresca, 555, Nosh Kitchen Bar, Bar Lola, The Armory Lounge at The Regency, Rosie’s, Novare Res Bier Cafe
ABOUT THE CHEF
Erik Desjarlais, former chef / owner of Restaurant Evangeline in Portland, ME, is a chef’s chef. He bows to the alter of the pig, celebrates the stomach lining and brain of a cow, and pays homage to the great chefs who have come before him. His cooking combines classic French techniques with seasonal local ingredients and has earned him national recognition. GQ’s Alan Richman named Erik’s Mitra's Clabber-Fed Poularde and Poached Maine Lobster Tail as one of his ten favorite ethical dishes.
Don and Sam Lindgren own and operate what has become the hub of the food world here in Portland. Samantha was once a photo editor and pastry chef, and her husband Don has been in the book business for three decades. They opened their bookstore just a few years ago and their expertise on all things good is evident in the huge selection of lifestyle books.
A CHEF’S GUIDE
We turned to Portland chef Erik Desjarlais to offer up a local’s guide to one of the best food towns in the country. When the local ingredients are lobsters, oysters, mussels, scallops, asparagus, blueberries, and fiddlehead ferns... chances are the food is going to be amazing.
portland_me
September 2, 2010
Beyond the local catch, caviars and shellfish, they import seafood from the Pacific and European waters as well. I have had wild arctic char actually from the Arctic Circle, net harvested by hand by a local fisherman. Fresh sardines and anchovies from Portugal, yabbi’s from Australia, and live glass eels from a culvert that 'you can’t get to from here.'
THE EASTERN PROMENADE
Walk off your lunch by visiting The Eastern Promenade. An amazing view of the bay, a huge grassy hill to climb up and down, and a beach for those who have canines that need to run and swim. The Narrow Gauge Railroad is a short walk away.
Pick up groceries or prepared foods in Scarborough, just 10 minutes south. See Vince and Jill for cheese, charcuterie, wine, chocolate and vegetables in season. They sell Opinel knives as well, which you may need on a trip to Maine.
BOOKS
WALK
SHOP
