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We tried a new restaurant the other day which is something I love to do. If it was up to my husband we would go the same three every time we eat out because he’s an absolute creature of habit.

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City Farmhouse Kitchen and Bar in South Portland.

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The description was urban style with farm to table food. Sounded intriguing, so away we went.

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On first glance the cocktail menu looked stellar. Fresh fruit purées, homemade bitters and local herbs.

Yes please!

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I started with the strawberry basil mojito… which was so good I ordered two.

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I could happily have emptied a pitcher with my less than palatable crab cakes. The tiny things came out of the kitchen in a flash and had that hard crunchy coating that screamed frozen.

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On the plus side my husband’s lobster bisque was divine.

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It was an attractive place, modern with a few strange “farmy” touches.

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Like the fake grassy turf above the bar televisions.

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Sadly the main portions of our meals were disappointing. The husband’s roasted squash ravioli with root vegetables and sage brown butter were hard as a rock and dry….

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While my chicken tagliatelle with spinach, mushroom and pine nuts was dull as toast. The porcini cream had no flavor and the pasta was pasty.

My third cocktail however, the Indian Summer, was lovely.

Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh-Pressed Lime, Splash of Cranberry, Muddled Pink Grapefruit, Splash of Bubbles.

Conclusion?

Go for drinks and not much else.

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