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Having nothing better to do last weekend we decided to take a drive down the coast and try another Batson River drinking establishment.
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Until a snow squall moved in out of nowhere and we opted for a late lunch closer to home.
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Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro has served us well in the past, so we headed there.
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As did everyone else because my husband’s beloved bar was full, as were all the tables.
Thankfully a young couple was vacating a bar adjacent high top and offered it to us… because clearly we looked thirsty and pathetic.
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I was thrilled to see the seasonal Apple of My Eye had returned ….
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And promptly drank two.
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My crab cakes were tiny but tasty but my husband complained his meatballs were “different”.
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I blacked out their faces, but here’s a modern family of three… every one of them on their phone and oblivious to the others presence. Ah, technology… thou art a heartless bitch.
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My chicken Marsala with homemade pasta and pancetta was flavorful if a bit thin on sauce.
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But my husband … who was already upset with his meatballs… said his shrimp scampi was “different” as well. When I asked him to clarify, all I got was “different”.
Since he clearly wasn’t interested in eating his meal, I called the waitress over who then brought the manager. He was a lovely young man who immediately removed the offending shrimp, promised to delete it from the bill and offered substitutions.
After talking with the guy for over a half an hour… sigh… husband chose a bowl of haddock chowder, which I thought was an odd choice for an Italian restaurant.
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But ooh la la! It was thick, creamy heaven in a bowl. Full of fish and fresh herbs and damn near perfect.
Too full for dessert we asked for the bill… and were pleased to see good customer service is alive and well in Freeport, Maine.
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The scampi charge was removed, and the chowder was free.
That’s one way to keep repeat customers happy.
👍
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River's world..... 
Damn, and I think it’s highway robbery when it costs $35 for me and my Mom to eat at Golden Corral every Wednesday! And yesterday they didn’t even have soda available….. water, blech!
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Dining out is expensive in Maine.
I remember Golden Corral fondly from our years down south. We don’t have them up here….
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We barely have them here anymore. The GC we used to eat at the next town over was a victim of the pandemic, now we have to drive 15 miles…. but it’s worth it.
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Whew….that’s quite a dinner tab. So even after you all got home the hubs didn’t clarify what “different” was? You have the patience of a saint gurl, because I’d have been “What, what does different mean?!?!” lol.
The Harvest Sangria looks like something I’d like. Your crab cakes did also, now I’m craving sea food.
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Crab cakes are my go to appetizer. Tasty, and not too filling.
As for the husband, I’m used to one word answers.
😉
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OMG. I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you order the same cocktail twice!
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Ha! This is a seasonal I can only get at the holidays. It’s so good I have to take advantage when I can.
😉
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I don’t blame you one bit, though ironically, I told Tara “I’m going to be more like Rivergirl and try different cocktails when we go out this year.”
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It’s an anomaly to this particular cocktail. Back to normal soon…
😉
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It’s a shame when the food is disappointing—and good to let them know.
I see so many people together, but separated by technology. It’s a shame.
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Hum, scampi is usually pretty mild – I imagine there’s a spice he doesn’t like? Maybe too much garlic?
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Hard telling. Could have been too spicy, could have been too mild. All I got was “different”.
🥴
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Haddock ? Really never heard if that before.
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Very popular in Maine. You’ll find haddock everywhere….
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Food looked yummy to me, but I am so glad we no longer drink yikes I had no idea it was what drinks went for these days. Glad you had a great time. That squall was something over here in NH as well.
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It looked good, but my Marsala was watery and very weak in flavor. And yes, drinking is costly these days….
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Wholly cow it is dam I would have passed on food lol
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