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A beautiful summer day in Maine requires a trip to the coast.
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And one of our favorites places is Boothbay Harbor.
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It retains its quaint old fishing village vibe despite being over run with tourists during the season.
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Parking is a nightmare.
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But the scenery divine.
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A walk across the footbridge is a must.
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As it has its very own house.
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Talk about waterfront property.
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It’s been many different things over the years.
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Right now I think someone’s summer home.
Not much in the way of privacy, but to each their own.
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Since we had friends coming up from Connecticut that week we decided to give a restaurant near the bridge a test run.
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Everyone wants to eat on the water when they visit so we sampled the Harborside 1901 Bar and Grille.
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I’d heard great things…
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And the craft cocktails didn’t disappoint.
The Man-Go Mojito – rum, lime, mango puree, mint, sugar, soda was fabulous. Light, minty, and bursting with fresh, ripe mango.
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The teriyaki dumplings app? Overcooked, dry and pretty tasteless. Husband’s lobster bisque? Puréed, with no discernible meaty bits.
Boo to that.
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As for Harborside… technically it was. But your immediate view is a parking lot which stretches the “waterfront” marketing.
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Cocktail #2?
The Strawberry Elderflower – vodka, St. Germain, lemon, strawberry, prosecco
Floral and fruity, perfect for summer.
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Since we weren’t overly impressed with the appetizers, we opted for salads. Which to be honest were nothing special.
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They looked better than they tasted with the husbands apple and pistachio having little to no dressing and my Caesar positively drowning in it. The grilled chicken on both was over cooked and tough.
Nice drinks aside, we’re crossing this place off our list.
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But not before I helped myself to a Grateful Dead coaster for the man cave/Barn Mahal collection.
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River's world..... 
The cook (from your account, definitely not a chef) made two salads side-by-side, added dressing to one, then got called awzy, when he got back he could not remember which one had been “dressed” so he chose
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And chose incorrectly.
Yes.
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I love the floor trap door serving as a way to get served back in the day. I’m assuming the alcohol enters from the first floor these days. Nice views, and it at least sounds like the drinks made the cut even if the food did not.
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The cocktails were next level. I’d be tempted to go back just for those….
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Too bad there isn’t a trapdoor in the kitchen of the Harborside Grille. Would’ve been a convenient way to let the chef know his food wasn’t up to snuff.
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You know I’m having a hard time paying for quality food, that is ingredients, to make quality meals. Everything is so expensive! Can’t remember when we had steak last… I wonder if the restaurants are feeling the pinch. It’s unfortunate, when you’re the customer, paying for a meal and service, and the meal is mediocre. At least now you know not to take your guests there.
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Grocery prices are insane. And I understand if restaurants have to raise prices to keep up, I rarely complain about that. But overcooked, dried out and tasteless? No.
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I’ve never been to Boothbay Harbor. It’s on my list! Thanks for the pics
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There’s Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and East Boothbay. Be sure to check them all….
👍
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Good to know! Thanks.
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That made me laugh. I’ve just picked up a Hawkwind Silver Machine beermat (coaster) this very week! 😊
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In spite of disappointing food, Boothbay Harbor looks beautiful. The Elderflower drink was the drink served at a wedding we went to, minus the strawberry. It was delightful for a hot summer outdoor wedding.
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I love elderflower in cocktails.
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It was yummy with prosecco, vodka and a twist of lemon. It’s was the bride’s drink. There was a groom’s drink also. Kind of a fun idea.
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