| Mainely Delicous |
| Blueberries, clam chowder, and popovers all evoke the quinessential Maine dining experience. But the king of Maine cuisine is the coldwater lobster, trapped in the many coves, nooks and crannies of the Down East Coast. No matter whether you enjoy it as an elegant lobster thermador in one of many fine restaurants, as a steaming shore dinner sold next to the pier at a lobster shack, or as a quick lobster roll from a "fast food" outlet, you'll love the elegant flavor which has become a trademark of the coastal Maine experience. What better way to precede your elegant lobster dining experience than with a steaming, creamy bowl of Maine clam chowder, thick with fresh clams and fingerling potatoes and accompanied by a crusty French bread. Finally, end your Maine dining adventure with any number of deserts made from freshly-picked Maine blueberries. A hot blueberry crisp topped with Ben & Jerry's ice cream makes for an ideal topper to a meal as the cold Atlantic winds settle in for the evening. A fresh blueberry pie is a perfect end to a day wandering the coastal fields picking Maine's summer bounty from the bushes. Enjoy! |
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Clam chowder, like Texas Chilli, is a highly personal taste and you'll find as many varieties as establishments serving it. Most every chef claims his/her's is an "award winning" recipe, so enjoy determining your own favorite. Maine's typical clam chowders, as distinguished from the Manhattan variety, tend to be heavy on the cream, onions and potatoes with LOTS of clams. Try it with hot French bread or oyster crackers. For a change of pace, go for a lobster bisque, a truly elegant soup dish. |
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Maine's wild blueberries are prized by bakers as they retain their form and flavor, even when cooked. They are much smaller than the cultivated blueberries found in most stores today, and they are raked, not picked. Generally harvested in mid-August, most are harvested for the wholesale market; however, several growers allow you to pick your own. For more information, click here to go to the wild blueberry page. |
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No Maine experience is complete without a "lobsta dinnah" at a warf, pound, shack, or elegant restaurant. Check that elegant restaurant, as the traditional meal is generally eaten on wooden picnic tables outdoors with knockout views of the boats and sea. Pick a sunny day and head out to the numerous locations near the harbors. Dress very casually so you can attack your lobster without worrying about your clothes! Expect to pay no more than $15 or so for a basic one-pound lobster with cole slaw, potato salad, chips, and perhaps corn on the cob. Not all lobster shacks have beer or liquor licenses, so call ahead, and in summer remember mosquito repellant in case you have party crashers! |
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