One of our favorite restaurants is an unassuming little spot housed in an old building in the once deserted but now having a mini renaissance, downtown area of Augusta, Maine’s capitol.
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Otto’s by the River isn’t on the river per se, and the only way you’re able to see the water is if you sit on their side deck and swivel your head.
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But the interior is amusing enough for us.
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And we usually sit at the bar.
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On this particular day peach Crown Royal slushies were on special and they were so delicious my beer loving husband actually joined me.
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Otto’s makes the best crab dip I’ve ever had… so I stuff myself with that and have to give up a big meal for a chicken Caesar salad.
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Husband’s pan seared scallop Alfredo was decadently rich.
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So if you’re ever hungry in Augusta? Give Otto’s a try.
I mean an honest to goodness previously grease stained filling station?
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Thankfully the grease and transmissions are gone and a Wiscasset, Maine landmark restaurant once known as Le Garage (clever, no?) is now Water Street Kitchen and Bar.
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It’s a great place to drop in for a craft cocktail…
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Fresh basil limeade with Tito’s please.
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A cream of asparagus soup for the spouse…
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And some spicy Cajun shrimp for me to start.
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Never let it be said their bartenders don’t go the extra mile for top shelf.
🤣
We were happily drinking and schmoozing so I didn’t photograph our entrees, but dessert was a delight.
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Creamy limoncello cake for the win.
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On the way home?
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We marveled at the tourists who don’t know any better and wait on endless lines in the heat at Red’s Eats.
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Their lobster is frozen and comes from Canada.
No self respecting Mainer would be caught dead there.
And since my husband was enjoying telling people about his treasures so much?
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We sold on Sunday as well.
The sale was a resounding success with many people complimenting us on its cleanliness, its organization and the diversity of items offered.
Yay us.
It was a massive amount of work, but it paid off.
And I mean that literally.
We made $2,249 over the course of three days!!
💰💰💰
Yes, you read that correctly. We raked in more than twenty two hundred dollars for… nothing! No expensive electronics, no gold jewelry and the only furniture we sold was a wicker chair for $20. To say I was astounded is an understatement. I was expecting maybe $400.
If there’s anything better than people coming to your home, paying you for things you no longer want and taking them away? I don’t know what it is.
Color me pleased.
❤️
Pockets stuffed with cash, we broke down the sale at 3:00pm. I filled the car with my unsold items that were destined for donation while the husband packed his unsold treasures in boxes and returned them to the cellar. No, he wouldn’t donate any of his things.
Miracles only go so far.
😉
We showered, dressed and headed to one of our favorite restaurants for a well deserved meal.
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Royal River Grille never disappoints.
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Best clam chowder around and I was so hungry I only photographed it when I was through. The husband had lobster bisque but I didn’t photograph that either.
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My cocktail was a blueberry lavender cooler – blueberry infused vodka, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, lavender bitters and lemonade.
My dinner was a delightfully flavorful panko crusted haddock with crispy leek and charred scallion aioli on garlic Parmesan mashed red potatoes with honey truffle toum sauced green beans.
Heaven!
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The husband had a barrel cut filet mignon with the Parmesan mashed potatoes and a sinfully rich creamed spinach.
We rolled out of there stuffed and satisfied.
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Past the dead fish metal sculptures that flank the entry…
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And a weirdo Finnish half speedboat/half cabin cruiser. Top speed 48 knots. They go for about $450k if you’re interested.
As a bread lover, this is a tough one for me. I’ve enjoyed cheddar bay biscuits and breadsticks, but the quality isn’t always consistent. CB’s biscuits used to be divine but have shrunken to almost elvish proportions over the years. And while the rustic brown loaves are tasty…
I think I’m going to have to say Texas Roadhouse yeast rolls for the win. They’re always fresh and the accompanying honey butter sends these over the top on my yum-o-meter. Ironically, I don’t care for the cocktails or the food at that restaurant so we rarely if ever go…. but I fondly remember the doughy goodness.
Since we were back in Tiverton and it was long after lunch but slightly before dinner, we took a chance on the highly rated Boat House restaurant that was too crowded the first time we stopped.
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It really is a gorgeous spot.
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And equally as attractive inside as out, with lovely views from all the tables.
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Which is why we sat at the bar.
*sigh…*
Oh well, my Limoncello margarita was fabulous no matter where I parked my keister.
Reposado tequila, limoncello, lemon, agave. Simple, and delicious.
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A perfect compliment to my Caesar salad with homemade croutons.
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Husband’s seafood chowder was rich and delicious.
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Cocktail #2, and okay… #3 as well… was the Princessa, a bar favorite.
Bacardi Limon, strawberry purée, fresh lemon juice, club soda, mint. Again, simple but fabulous.
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As you know we tend to be picky when we eat out. A place has to check 3 boxes to earn a star from us. Atmosphere, cocktails and food quality.
So far, so good.
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Husband’s filet mignon with burgundy demi glacé, asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes?
Perfection.
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My lemon beurre blanc grilled shrimp , roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes?
Perfect as well.
And dessert?
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Good grief. Bananas Foster cheesecake with caramel drizzle, banana liqueur soaked bananas, homemade cinnamon whipped cream and chocolate lace.
Be still my heart…. this place was goooood!
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I swear to God I’d be tempted to make the 4 hour drive from Maine just to eat there again.
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Even if I have to fight off all the people who live in this mini mountain of high end condos right beside it.
😉
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Where there's only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous.
River's world..... 