Eat & Drink like a Local in Maine PT. 1

The weather this winter has been milder than I expected. I feared frequent arctic blasts and multiple Nor’easters dampening the last bit of our holiday spirits but the temperatures have remained calm - and by calm I mean we rejoice that it’s been above 32 degrees most afternoons. However, I don’t want to rejoice too much for fear of jinxing my fellow Mainers for a long and cold Spring. Instead of staying cooped up at home most days and nights, it’s been decent enough for long walks around the Old Port and more foodie adventures with Ricky before our Spring schedules get the best of us. Here’s a roundup of some of the things we’ve tried recently in the Greater Portland area and in Biddeford.

Please note: All of the meals and opinions are not sponsored and paid by us entirely. We just like to go out to eat and try new things, take pictures and share our thoughts, insights and opinions!

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Nura

From food truck to brick & mortar, this tasty hummus and falafel bar recently opened in Monument Square, but the owners already have a strong and loyal following. The space is simple but bright and clean, with several tables overlooking the square - a perfect people-watching spot. Ricky ordered one of their “secret menu” bowl from their food truck days and I had a filling hummus platter with a side of pita. The price for the portions is fair and honest, which is a reprieve from other places in Portland. I honestly think we could have shared a platter with a side shawarma fries because we couldn't even finish our own meals (which isn't always common for us). Even though I’m not vegan or vegetarian, I can definitely see myself coming here again for a healthy and filling lunch that is easy on the wallet (around $30ish for the two of us).

Things to know: Have a lot of Vegan Options | No Parking, but you can probably park on Federal St or Elm St. | Quick-Service

Miss Portland Diner

Maine definitely does not lack diners but I’m not mad about it. This diner has quickly become one of our favorite breakfast spots in the city, and we aren’t the only ones who think the same. On the weekends and even more so during the fall, it gets VERY busy. Our go-to is the breakfast special which comes with eggs, breakfast potatoes, a choice of bacon or sausage and pancakes or french toast for $11.00 (for the portion size, I find this to be very affordable). On a cold morning, I crave their French Toast which is made with cinnamon swirl bread, and it is the most comforting thing that keeps me from remembering it’s a brisk 20 degrees outside. My goal for our next visit is to sit in the original Worcester lunch car instead of the main dining room for a complete experience.

Things to know: Free parking is available close by | source most of their ingredients from local farms | Not really vegan-friendly.

Palace Diner

I feel like Palace Diner has a cult-like following, partially due to their hard-earned accolades and their simple yet delicious comfort food. Between its popularity and limited seating (only 15 seats in the 1927 Pollard train car) you’ll easily find yourself in a crowd of people like it’s Walt Disney World, waiting for their opportunity to taste their famous Palace potatoes or caramelized grapefruit. Ricky and I got lucky one day, we came during the week this winter and we found the diner mostly empty (our first attempt last spring was unsuccessful due to the crowds). I had the Omelette du jour ($13) and Ricky had the Lumberjack breakfast, which came with pancakes, eggs, potatoes and breakfast meat ($16). I was eyeing his pancakes because they looked amazing and they tasted just as good as they looked. It’s not the cheapest diner we have eaten at but the service and the food were great and overall it was a charming experience that I look forward to experiencing again.

Things to know: Cash Only | Serve breakfast & lunch all day until 2:00pm | Paid parking available close by.

Lorne Wine Bar

One night after work, I met up with some of my coworkers for a drink at Lorne. It’s a beautiful, fairly sized space located in Downtown Biddeford. It’s modern and sleek, but still warm and inviting. I was skeptical at first because I’m not a wine drinker but they have a selection of local craft beers and cider to choose from. To my delight, they even had three stouts on the menu, one of which I selected named The Breakfast King from Bunker Brewing Company. If you’re like me and you like to eat when you drink, they do have little nibbles. We had the three cheese with bread and the bread was amazing! It’s not produced in house, but it is locally sourced which is a nice touch. I’ll definitely keep this on my list of places to return when I want a relaxing but fun night with friends.

Things to know: Wine, Beer & Cider | Street Parking Only | Open weeknights, and for most of the day on weekends.

A&C Grocery

The first time I had A&C grocery was during one of their pop-ups at a local brewery but Ricky and I found ourselves wanting to explore more of their menu so we visited the brick & mortar location in the East End. Some of the reviews we read mentioned grocery options such as produce but when we arrived the tall coolers that lined one of the walls were dark and empty. I’m not sure if they’re in the middle of changing their layout/offerings, or if it was just an “off” day. Luckily we weren't planning on purchasing any goods this visit, so we went straight for the menu.

The menu is not expansive, but there are few highlights such as the "real Italian sandwich" (which was VERY filling) and made me forget about the $14 price tag and a cheeseburger with the option to make it “slutty” (add pulled pork on top). I also enjoyed that they have a large fridge with a great selection of local craft beer. Mainers do love to support other Maine businesses and I'm on board! Ricky paired his burger with a stout from Austin Street Brewery and I couldn’t help but be jealous that I hadn’t selected one myself to go with my Italian sandwich. Things to know: lunch menu offered 7 days a week, and dinner Thursday thru Saturday. | Street Parking | Rotating menu items

Bard Coffee

I’ve probably walked by Bard Coffee a handful of times as I’ve made my way around the Old Port and I’m mad at myself for not stopping sooner. Walking into the bright, warm space was a great reprieve from the bitter cold. On their seasonal menu, the orange mocha caught my eye. I asked the barista a couple of questions and he was incredibly helpful and kind, so I felt confident and ordered it. The orange citrus flavor was not overpowering and it complemented the sweetness of the chocolate. However, I do think it could have included a little more of the citrus flavors. I might be going against the grain from most Mainers but my experience with Bard Coffee was much enjoyable than my visits to Coffee by Design, or even Tandem. As we sat there, I couldn’t help but think of how much I can’t wait to return. Things to know: It’s the Old Port, you’ll have to find your own street parking. | Baked Goods sold here | Also sell coffee beans & mugs

Empire

What I really appreciated about Empire is that they do not require you to sit around waiting for the pager to go off, they will call/text your cellphone when your table is being prepared. Our friend Andrea had a plan in place, while we waited for a table we went to Downtown Lounge located 5 minutes away. By coming with the mindset that this place is going to be BUSY even during Portland's “slow season”, then I don’t think you’ll be disappointed because there’s plenty to do in the vicinity while you wait.

We began our night with cocktails, our table tried the Orange Julius, Mai Tai, and the Shanghai Cowboy. I don't usually order cocktails at restaurants but I was very happy with my Mai Tai and I took sips of everyone else's drink and was pleasantly surprised. They did not skimp on the alcohol and the flavors were refreshing. Something important to know is the food comes out when it is ready and not in a particular order. I feel like this makes it even more fun if you come with friends because you end up trying a little bit of everything. We sampled the Honey Walnut Shrimp, Lobster Rangoon, Mongolian Beef, Edamame Bao, Pork Potstickers, and the Garlic Green Beans and I really did love it all. I don’t even know if I can pick a favorite because I enjoyed everything equally and I am so happy that it actually lived up to the hype. I do have to say, we did have the Dragon's Milk Cocktail which was highly touted but do not order it if you do not like spice.

Things to know: Must find Street Parking | Always SUPER busy | Try their Shanghai Cocktail!

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