Tag Archives: food

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The final hop.

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Our last Boothbay Harbor stop was the Boathouse Bistro as seen on the left.

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It’s a rustic three story restaurant with three floors that are usually packed with summer tourists as it has the best food in town.

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We always land here, on the glassed in second floor.

But along with the first, it was closed… and empty. The same disturbing trend we’d seen all day.

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Three places that are always bursting with tourists… weren’t. Tariffs and bad blood with Canada may not be affecting you… but they’re certainly hurting this area.

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Granted…. the top floor had a crowd, but the bar was empty and the bottom two levels were deserted.

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A shocking loss of prime season business.

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Saving the best for last, along with my pomegranate margarita I had blackened jumbo shrimp with fried balls of chorizo grits and smoky tomato sauce while the husband went with pan-seared scallops and crispy cornbread with an apple gastrique (apple cider, sugar, apple cider vinegar, calvados,thyme, chicken stock).

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Both tapas were excellent, and came with a view.

❤️

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Still hopping.

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Our second stop on the toddies and tapas tour of Boothbay Harbor was McSeagulls, just to the left of our first… Mine Oyster.

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Unassuming places from the front…

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Lovely waterfront spots in the back.

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Can you guess which glass of craft beer I raised?

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Once again we found a popular summer tourist restaurant/bar nowhere near capacity. It was a shock… this area is usually jam packed.

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A bowl of creamy tomato bisque for the husband…

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Some calamari for moi.

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And a groan worthy fish pun for the rest of you.

😉

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Always up for Otto’s.

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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.

😊

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A garage no more.

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Have you ever eaten in a garage?

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.

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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.

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Let’s play.

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Because it won’t take much of your time.

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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.

Disclaimer – I’ve never tried A or C.

How about you?

Which chain restaurant bread gets your vote.

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The best meal of our trip.

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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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