Meridians- Fairfield, ME

Meridians

Fairfield, ME

Today we are going to go a little off the "path". 

Normally I review restaurants but today we are going to chat about a local wine/beer/food store! 

I strongly advise you visit their website, http://meridians.me/about/, for a full bio on the place but I will informally, unintelligently, and obnoxiously describe my experiences :)

I love this place. From the moment you walk in you feel at home.

The 3 gentlemen that own/work there David, Josh, and Nate are great!

They carry a large wine/beer selection and so much more.

To name a few.. they have a TON of local pasta, cheese, meats, gluten free options, 

and treats. You need to go check it out.

If it is just any average day, they are enthusiastic and extremely helpful..

If you go on a wine tasting night, they're even better.

Usually dressed up.. fun and happy..

They are also SUPER informed on each wine they are serving.

I always learn so much.

And if it is your first time doing a tasting.. have no fear!

They are inviting and will make you comfortable, never an outsider.

You can purchase some awesome Meridians merch too, 

including wine glasses to do your tasting with.

I took some pictures of a tasting I recently went to..

Here is a list that they provide the customers with.. Oops, a little spilled wine.

\

This is a wonderful cheese they have to snack on with some wheat crackers.

Obviously I am a huge fan of Meridians.

I hope all of you go in and give them a chance!

You will not be disappointed. Support our local businesses.

If you like feeling comfortable, appreciated, and like you've made a friend..

this will be your new favorite place to get your dinner party supplies.

Happy Eating and Drinking!

Riverfront Barbeque & Grille- Augusta, ME

Riverfront Barbeque & Grille

Augusta, ME

Has anyone ever told you they have the best BBQ place?

I bet.. and they are wrong.

This place is HANDS DOWN the best BBQ place I have ever visited.

Every time I bring someone new here, they agree. 

They buy local and home make almost all of there items.

The house made BBQ sauce is to die for. 

They have it available to purchase and I always make sure I have some in my fridge.

The smoke all of there own meats.. I recommend the sausage! YUM.

Another favorite is the pulled pork over jalapeño cornbread. Holy smokes.. 

They always have wonderful specials, too.

Now, lets talk drinks.

They have multiple beers on tap, wines, and mixed drinks.

They usually have a few drink specials as well, seasonal or what not.

Lets get into some pictures of food!

Pickled Onion Rings

Yea, I said it and you need it. These are so damn good.. 

Thinly sliced onions, pickled, breaded, and deep fried.

They are served with a delicious dipping sauce.. I can't recall what it consists of. 

These are the perfect start to a meal or a great snack while drinking. 

Buffalo Wings

 Ut-oh! I ate one before I snapped the pic. 

I couldn't help myself.. they're AMAZING!

These wings are crispy, spicy, juicy, and addicting.

Served with some fresh celery and a chunky blue cheese dip.

These are a classic done BETTER. 

Half Caesar Salad with Blackened Chicken

(not a menu item)

OH MY GOODNESS.

The blackened chicken at this place is ridiculous.

I often times go here after work and order it alone.. Thats how good it is.

But, on top of the salad it was incredible. 

The dressing is yummy, just enough on there.. as you can see they give a generous portion of parmesan cheese :) I will say, the pricing on special requests can sometimes be a little weird..

I would talk to your waitress about the cost before placing the order.

Those are the only photographs I have taken while eating there...

I guess you'll just have to go and see the others for yourself! 

Now.... I am not done.

There is this little secret.

Upstairs from Riverfront BBQ there is a hidden gem.

It is called the Gin Mill.

They are only open Thus, Fri, and Sat. 3-11:30

It is owned by the same person. 

It is great.. they have a very large bar, low lighting, copper tables, 

fancy bathrooms, and you can get BBQ from downstairs! 

They often have live music, too!

I obviously am a huge fan of these two places.

I hope you give both places a try and fall in love! 

Happy Eating!

Jorgensen's Cafe- Waterville ME

Jorgensen's Cafe

Waterville, ME

I have been so reluctant to post this blog.. 

But, I feel like I have waited long enough.

 I have spent enough money and time here.

The good memories I've created here will never outweigh the disappointment I feel every time I've entered this establishment within the last 6 months or so. The only thing that keeps me coming back is the fact they serve the best coffee in town and it requires little to no responsibility of the staff. 

I now refuse to order any food from here.. 

Not only do they often forget about you.. but even worse..

When they do make your food it takes FORfuckingEVER.

The last time I ordered food from here I was with a friend. 

We both ordered the pesto chicken salad.

Keep in mind, nothing about this salad is cooked/heated.

Twenty five minutes goes by, no salad. 

Thirty-five minutes.. so I go up to ask about it.

"Hey, are our salad ready by any chance? It's been about a half hour?"

She goes out back

"Oh, yes, they're making them right now."

lol, fucking forgot... obviously.

Another fifteen minutes goes by.. I've had it.

I go up and kindly ask for my money back. 

I never am one to create a scene so I waited for the people in line to order. 

She did kindly give my my salad and my money back.. but come on. 

This is not the first time I've waited this long. Also, this isn't the first time I've seen/heard people getting their money back because of the ridiculous wait time. 

I think as a general rule, if you claim to be a cafe and serve "quick" items such as bagels, salad, wraps, and breakfast sandwiches, I should be able to come in on my lunch break and leave with food within a half hour. 

Instead you better prepare yourself to return to work an hour late, hungry and pissed off.

It is too bad this has happened. 

I did recently learn that Jorgensen's Cafe is under new ownership.

I am not sure of when this happened but I can tell. 

I used to know (by face at the least) all of the staff.. they were always friendly and organized. 

The food came out of the kitchen within a reasonable about of time and tasted good.

This place for me has never been over-the-top good, but it was always reliable and quick.

Now when you go in, and even though they are standing behind the counter they barely notice you.. 

They're unorganized and seem to be stressed out. 

The bathroom is always a mess too. 

Bottom line, I'm really disappointed and sad. 

I will continue to get my morning coffee on my way to work and just bring my breakfast from home.

I can not sit and wait 25 minutes for a bagel again without causing a scene. 

I know I am not the only one that feels this way.. 

Maybe one day we will have the Jorgensen's Cafe we all new and loved.

If not, there are plenty of other places to eat in Waterville :)

Happy Eating.

Grand Central Cafe- Waterville, ME

Grand Central Cafe'

Waterville, ME

Hello, do you like pizza? 

Now, tell me, do you like mediocre pizza... or the good shit?

Well.. I don't think its fair to say you like "good" pizza if you haven't tried this place.

Grand Central Cafe' has the best pizza Waterville has to offer.

I may have even heard "the best pizza in central Maine"!

In all seriousness.. this place kicks ass!

They cook everything in a brick oven, WHAT?! 

They have an awesome selection of specialty pizzas and a build your own option.

They offer homemade, usually vegan always vegetarian, soup!

Also, homemade chili, salads, quesadillas, gluten free options, tons of local beers/soft drinks, homemade dessert (the carrot cake is to die for), and a warm and friendly atmosphere!

The other day a couple friends and I went there for lunch.

When they are open for lunch (thurs, fri, sat) they offer buffet!

Pizza is 2$ a slice and its serve yourself.

The slice selection is always great. 

Usually a little of everything, vegetarian, meat, pesto sauce, bbq sauce, tomato sauce, etc. 

Something for everyone :)

Here are a few pictures from my visit:

The buffet! I forgot to mention the kitchen is in the dining room.

Small, cute place and you can see the oven. Nice and cozy :)

 View from the back of the restaurant.

All tables are different. Some hand painted!

 The soup!

This day it was butternut squash and apple.

So good, serve yourself and once its gone a new one is made!

I highly recommend this place.

The owner is usually there and super friendly, as well as the rest of the staff.

Go give it a try! You WILL NOT be disappointed! 

http://thegrandcentralcafe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralcafewaterville/

Happy Eating!

Early Bird Restaurant- Oakland, ME

Early Bird Restaurant

Oakland, ME

Today I am going to tell you about a little breakfast/lunch joint in Oakland, ME.

This place is restaurant "home cooking" at its finest. 

One, if not the best, parts of coming here is from the time you sit down to the time you leave is about 20 minutes. This place is INSANE! 

Every time Brad and I order here we time it..

It is always under 10 minutes until we get our food.

This is nice because every time we show up the line is out the door.

Everything they serve up is done well.. very simple, good cooking.

They always have specials available and great desserts. 

Most of the staff has been working there for years and kill it. 

Another one of my favorite parts is they start serving lunch at 10:30!

I sometimes crave lunch and Brad wants breakfast... best of both :)

Last time I went I got a breakfast burrito for the first time. 

It was awesome.. 

That is one thing I have noticed about this place.. 

Every time I try something new I like it. Never disappointed. 

Nice and toasty..

Sausage, egg, cheddar cheese, onions, and peppers.

Of course, salsa and sour cream!

It was all melty and delicious. 

Big plus for me was there wasn't all the dripping crap that you sometimes get from a grilled wrap.

Well done Early Bird, well done!

My Love got his usual..

Ham, tomato, and American Cheese omelet with a grilled blueberry muffin.

YUMMMMMMM!

I alway steal bites of Brads food so I first hand can share how it was..

(thats what I tell him anyway, lol)

The eggs there are great.. they're always just thick enough to hold everything in.

I can't stand when the eggs on an omelet are thick and kinda dry. Gross.

The blueberry muffin is cut into thirds.. buttered.. then grilled!

OMG, talk about doing everything right.

Overall, Early Bird Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast and lunch.

The price is always great. 

(usually 14-20 dollars for us)

The waitstaff are friendly and on top of their shit!

If you show up and the line is crazy just remember what I said...

They are so quick you won't be waiting for hours, I promise :)

Happy Eating!

  

Mainely Brews- Waterville, ME

Mainely Brews

Main St. Waterville, ME

Have you ever been here?! 

If not.. then you need to go.. now.

Mainely Brews has 100% become a staple in my life for entertainment, food, and drinks.

They always have awesome dinner/drink specials.

They also brew their own beers and they're delicious. 

My favorite is the Drop Dead Red, yum. 

I could go for one right now.

The other night my love and I went for dinner..

I went a little out of my comfort zone with my meal.. 

I ordered salmon.

I never knew if I liked salmon of not?..

I figured that if I were to try it.. I would let a restaurant I like cook it up!

I was so happy with it. 

Now lets show you some pictures....

We started with this.. POUTINE! 

For those who are unaware of this incredible creation... it consists of fries, gravy, and cheese!

This was amazing. 

They always have the best fries anyway.... 

SO... topped with gravy and melted cheese, kills. 

Then there is this handsome guy :)

He ordered himself a cold Red Stripe to go with his Ruben pizza 

(i think it was called the rubenstein?)

This had regular dough, thousand island dressing, onion, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese!

He loved it and so did I. Very good. 

Mainelys offers buy one get one free pizza night on wednesday, what a steal. 

Their pizza is SO good! Highly recommended. 

I had the blackened salmon topped with roasted tomato cucumber salad and a lemon dill sour cream,

green beans, and a wild rice! Like I said before, this was completely out of my comfort zone.

I didn't even know if I liked salmon 100%.

It was outstanding!

I since have ordered this again, on top of a caesar salad, YUM!

The green beans were super fresh, as usual and the rice was cooked well and had good flavor.

Here are a few other recommendations I have for Mainely Brews:

Red Pepper Gouda Dip

Roasted red peppers and gouda cheese baked until golden. 

Served with pita chips and veggies.

Mozzarella Balls

Fresh mozz breaded and fried to order.

Served with homemade marinara.

Lobster Stew

Maine lobster, potatoes, and onion in a sherry lobster broth.

Coconut Encrusted Haddock

Fresh haddock encrusted with coconut, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Served with chipotle aioli. 

(I like it in a wrap)

So that pretty much wraps up my Mainly Brews review.

They are an awesome local restaurant with a killer beer and food selection!

They have open mic on Monday evenings, Karaoke and trivia on thursdays, and live music most Friday and Saturdays! 

If you're a visitor you should with out a doubt make a pit stop and if you're a person from the area and haven't tried it, please just go already. 

Website

mainelybrews.com

They have there full menu online along with calendars, local attractions, and their history!

Happy Eating!

Umami Noodle Bar- Bangor. ME

Umami Noodle Bar

Bangor, ME

Today I am going to take you through my journey at Umami Noodle..

My sister told me about this place and I HAD to try it.

I absolutely love soup... 

What would be better than a "build your own" soup joint?

um, nothing.

This place is located on Main St. right across from Mexicali Blues.

They have outdoor seating and a large indoor area.

The gentlemen working the day I went was awesome! 

Super helpful and seemed to really enjoy his job.

I had tons of questions for him and he knew the answers to ALL of them.

I started to build my soup..

The options were incredible.

I'm adding so many things...

Then the guy stops me..

He says, "is it your first time here?"

haha.. oh man. 

My soup had come out to something like $20.

I had shrimp, noodles, mushrooms, onions, etc.. I went all out!

So, after him explaining it to me..

I went with..

Tom Yum broth

Rice noodles

Portabella mushrooms

Napa cabbage

Pickled Daikon

This came out to be about $11.

It was SOOOOOOO good.

Easily could've been two servings if I wasn't a glutton.

Everything was so fresh and not over cooked.

The broth had so much flavor!

The soup was also garnished with carrots, scallions, and bean sprouts!

Inside they had a counter of oils, sauces, and vinegars that you can take in little cups (pictured above) to add yourself.. always a fan of extra spice.

This last picture I stole from their facebook page.

Isn't it cute?!

The menu is very straight forward and easy to navigate.

https://www.facebook.com/Umami-Noodle-Bar-1401510923402969/

Check out the link to their FB page...

They seem to keep up to date with their social media!

I highly recommend this place!

There are so many options.. so everyone can find something they'll like.

Happy Eating!

The Proper Pig- Waterville, ME

The Proper Pig

Common St. Waterville, Maine

The Proper Pig is a new eatery in the downtown Waterville area. 

Just look at that sign, it's so damn adorable!

They even have a back patio that isn't directly on Main St. so you don't feel like you're on display.

If you are a fan of pig you'll absolutely enjoy eating here.

They do, however, have vegetarian options that are clearly labeled on the menu.

I have visited this establishment twice now. 

Each time I have been satisfied with a lingering feeling...

The atmosphere is awesome, the drinks are wonderful, and the appetizers... WOW! Yum. 

Then I get my food.. and It doesn't quite hold up.

Lets get into some food pictures and a nice chat about them so I can better explain..

DRINKS

Prickly Pear Margarita

Look at this beauty. 

They add prickly pear pure to this drink and its so refreshing!

I do have to say.. it was a bit sweet for me, but it was delicious. 

Italian Margarita and Bloody Marry 

First things first.. I can never refuse a great marg with salt.

This was super yummy and had the amaretto which added a little sweetness but was balanced with the salted rim. I highly recommend this drink!

My love got the bloody. It was outstanding!

It was just spicy enough and garnished with BACON! 

This drink is a meal in itself. 

Appetizers

Buffalo Panko Shrimp

These little babies were scrumptious. 

The buffalo sauce was just enough so it didn't over power the taste of the shrimp.

The dressing was FULL of blue cheese and the vegetables were fresh. 

(spoiler alert: this "panko" shrimp was almost identical to the "beer battered" shrimp in the sandwich to come.. makes me wonder if they even change it up? Maybe it was a mess up?)

Belly Shots

This was awesome..

I shared this with a friend of mine and I was super impressed.

He on the other hand didn't care for how much fat was involved.

So, needless to say, if you're not into big delicious chunks of flavorful pork belly...

don't order it!

So, these came out in cute little shot glasses,

smothered in a caramelized apple maple rum glaze. 

Doesn't that sound OUTSTANDING?! 

IT WAS.

Fried Cheese Curds

Now.. this one right here is my favorite so far. 

It is battered cheese curds with a bacon jam and pickled onion on top.

Holy shit..

When I say good, I mean fucking good. 

The pickled onions provided an awesome flavor against the fat from

 everything else that I can not get enough of. 

The bacon jam has the sweet and salty thing going on..

And the cheese was creamy, fresh, and gave you that pull that you want from cheese.

This appetizer hit all the taste buds, super well done!

Dinner

The Big Wig Pig

First things first, all burgers at The Proper Pig are served standard with two, yes two, burger patties.

You can opt out, just make sure to let them know!

This burger had two patties with truffle pecorino cheese, Vermont cheddar cheese,  pan fried mushrooms, and crispy pork belly. This is all topped with a fried egg, dijon roasted garlic mayo on a grilled croissant! 

Not kidding, ha.

Talk about a heart attack. 

I only had one bite of this and it was tasty.

My love enjoyed it!

Piggly Wiggly 

This is hickory smoked pulled pork, slaw, fried onion rings, with a honey brown sugar bbq sauce.

Mine also came with fries. 

I got a side of BBQ sauce to dip... hmm.

It tasted more like a teriyaki sauce to me.. which was a bummer. 

This sandwich was good.. a pretty average pulled pork.

Po-Boy

Beer battered fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, onion, with remoulade sauce.

I asked the waitress what the remoulade sauce was and she told me it was "like a sauce with olives in it"... haha. I guess she thought tapenade? I don't know. Either way it was funny and kinda bad. The employees should know.. or at least admit they don't and ask the cook.

This sandwich was ok. Again, it came with fries.

The bread was so hard that the roof of my mouth was all torn up..

When I picked the sandwich up it busted out of the bottom because it was so crusty/dry.

Other than that, it was ok. 

I wouldn't order it again. It was lacking some flavor.

I did get me a side of the bacon jam and smothered everything I had with it!

(seeeeeeeee! don't these shrimps look identical?)

Overall, The Proper Pig is delicious.

They need a little bit of time to work the kinks out.

I think this is just what Waterville needed to excite the food scene.

There are so many other things on the menu I want to try.

I think you should give it a try too!

My recommendations for this place:

-Get a few other side selections.. its summer! Why not a fresh veg? or side salad.

Fries are not always what people want.

-

-Offer a larger sauce selection..

I'm a dipper.. so I always like to try out sauces. 

They are very limited or at least my server told me they were..?

-Use the baguettes they use at The Last Unicorn (affiliated) for the po-boy.

That bread is outstanding! Nice and soft.

Happy Eating!

Eric's- Waterville, ME

Eric's 

Restaurant Spirits Banquets

Waterville, ME

Eric's Restaurant is a local breakfast and lunch joint located in an old Puffin Stop in 

Waterville, Maine. 

The atmosphere inside its a little tacky but cute. 

The kitchen is visible from the dining area, which I enjoy.

They are open everyday until 2pm and serve breakfast all day.

They home make their bread.. and you can start your day with a fun mimosa or bloody mary! 

I went to breakfast with Brad and another friend recently. 

I convinced Brad to try eggs benedict (he got traditional) :D

I have always liked Eric's eggs benedict..

The hollandaise sauce is perfect. Not too thick or thin..

It's super rich and flavorful.

The egg is always cooked right and the other ingredients are fresh.

Also, their presentation is always on point.

I ordered the vegetarian option (pictured above)

This had a poached egg, avocado, and fresh tomato on an english muffin.

I got a side of home fries grilled with peppers and onions. 

The potatoes were done well.. crispy and soft. Not too greasy. 

Eric's has a couple other options to choose from for benedicts. 

They also have great omelets, lunch, and desserts.  

Unfortunately, their online information is limited which may make it hard for people who have never been in. I know I like to check out menus of places and that certainly is a bummer when I can't find one!

What better tool than social media these day to post daily specials?! Ha.

Overall, Eric's is a great place to dine. 

You never have to wait too long, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the food is always delicious. 

Happy eating :)

Nosh Kitchen Bar- Portland, Maine

 Nosh Kitchen Bar

 Portland, Maine

Yesterday afternoon my friends and I had lunch at Nosh. 

I had a few drinks in me.. so needless to say I ordered some of the most ridiculous things ever.

To start I of course ordered another beer, yum.

Then.. the menu. Oh goodness.

They had so many amazing selections and I just went for it.

I ordered a burger called the Nosh Mac 'n Stack.. 

When I read the description with my beer goggles I thought I had ordered a burger with mac 'n cheese on top. Boy, was I wrong. This thing came out and I almost shit. 

NOSH MAC 'N STACK [15]

NOSH patty / 2 fried mac ’n cheese patties as the buns / American cheese / smoked BBQ sauce / smoked bacon

Do you see that? 

This fucking thing had mac 'n cheese as the buns. They were super crunchy and I couldn't pick the whole thing up to eat like a burger so I opted for the fork and knife method. The bbq sauce was a wonderful touch and had just enough zing to help cut through all of the richness.

It was super delicious. 

On the side I had their Bacon dusted french fries. 

Deadly.

These fries were an over indulgence. The salt level on these were a 10. 

Bacon flavor, also 10. I highly recommend these.. to split with a friend. 

My love ordered the big mac. Holy shit.

BIG MAC [14]

Two NOSH patties / special sauce / lettuce / American cheese / pickles / onions / sesame seed brioche bun

He described it as "a cheesier, beefier big mac."

I did have a bite and it was scrumptious. 

Everything we had at Nosh was high quality.

For downtown Portland, Maine the prices are comfortable. 

I've been there before and I definitely will be back.

I would like to take a second to share with you guys my amazing friends and love (Brad). 

I am so privileged to call you my family. I love you guys endlessly.

We spent the day yesterday at the Portland, Maine Pride. What an awesome feeling. 

The parade was so much fun, weather was perfect, and I drank a slush puppy.

All of the happiness I was surrounded by was overwhelming. 

To see so many people come out and support everyone fills my heart.

u·nite

yo͞oˈnīt/

verb

1. come or bring together for a common purpose or action.

Happy Eating :)

Chopped At Home pt.2

A couple weeks ago my friends and I held another Chopped At Home! 

We recently decided to play as couples. 

So now, two people are given 5 items to cook dinner for the other couple! SO FUN. 

Brad and I chose the food items for this meal.

Ingredients:

Wasabi, coconut, shrimp, peanut butter, and cherry tomatoes. 

YUMMY :)

Our chefs decided to make...

 Kebabs three ways:

Veggie Kebab

Chicken Satay

Shrimp and Pineapple

(side of jasmine rice)

Two dipping sauces:

Coconut Yellow Curry

Spicy Wasabi Peanut 

Everything in this meal was absolutely delicious.

These Chopped At Home nights are the best, can't wait for more.

Darby's Pub Restaurant- Belfast, Maine

I visited Darby's for lunch on a beautiful afternoon in Belfast with my boyfriend. When we first approached the place seemed just like any pub style restaurant. When you walk inside you get the same vibe. 

We were greeted right away by a very friendly guy and seated. 

Our waitress was very pleasant and got our drinks in a timely fashion. 

As I looked over the menu something caught my eye.. they had a couple Asian and Mexican influenced meals. 

I always lean more towards foods with an Asian flare so this was right up my alley. 

After reading over the ingredients I noticed there was soy sauce in the broth and asked my waitress if they had a gluten free soy. THEY DID! Wow, that was an awesome surprise. They even had other GF options available. 

I get my meal.. and.. ugh. 

It just wasn't that good.

The broth was SO salty and lacking flavor. 

It tasted like watery chicken broth with tamari, which deemed it almost inedible.  

I had heard such good things about this restaurant and man.. I was so disappointed. 

I was even more sad about it because everything else in the bowl was cooked just fine. Fresh veggies and perfectly cooked rice noodles.. drowning in salt. BUMMER. 

I continued to eat my food with a fork so I could leave as much of the salt behind as possible.

Brad got the crab dip, one of their specials for the day. It was a mediocre dish. Cheesy crab topped with more cheese.. served with blah chips. Meh. 

This tasted good but echoed something you could have taken out of a package in the freezer isle and reheated in the oven.

Overall, my experience at Darby's was dull. 

Maybe I should have opted for something a bit more pub safe, such as a burger or fish and chips? 

Belfast is a lovely town with many more food options and I plan to revisit the area again for more local eats.