Duckfat (Portland, Maine) - Worth the Splurge

I tried Duckfat shortly after they opened, eager to experience Rob Evan's casual counterpart to his better-known Hugo's Restaurant.

When you choose to dine at a place called Duckfat you probably shouldn't expect low-calorie health food. But the Vegetarian Panini and Belgian Fries were both too greasy for my taste. My husband had a similar impression with the Tuna Melt, when visiting Duckfat with a friend months later, surprising because he has a greater appreciation and tolerance for that type of cuisine. Neither of us had been back since.

Fast forward two years later. Busy with errands on a recent Sunday afternoon, we found ourselves lightheaded from hunger - and in the Old Port. We decided to stop in at Norm's BBQ. Turns out they are closed for lunch on Sundays. Really hungry at this point, I suggested Duckfat, right next door. Anything to avoid trekking around the Old Port in search of lunch at 2:30 in the afternoon!

In the mood for hot soup, and wanting to avoid anything greasy, I inquired whether any of the soups were made without cream. The friendly woman behind the counter laughed and said, "You're at Duckfat." I get it. When in Rome....

I selected the Smoked Squash soup with Grilled Flatbread; my husband chose the Tomato Fennel soup and the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Panini.

And with those simple menu choices, Duckfat gained redemption.
The Smoked Squash Soup was the color of French's mustard - intensely yellow, smooth as silk and piping hot. Topped with a touch of balsamic vinegar, it was perfect for dipping the crisp flatbread. The Tomato Fennel Soup was a perfect blend of such simple ingredients. The fennel was a nice touch and fortunately did not overpower the tomato and cream.

The Grilled Cheese & Tomato Panini held a blend of Mozzerella, Munster and Cheddar cheeses, in addition to the ripe tomatoes. Sandwiched between two pieces of flatbread, the cheese blend was melted to perfection. Standard baguettes, flattened on-site at Duckfat, create the uniquely light, crisp and buttery flatbread.

Although not my thing, I suspect others would be in heaven with the cone of Belgian Fries, cooked in duckfat and served with choice of dipping sauces (truffle ketchup, curry mayo, sweet and spicy mustard, to mention a few). For the serious french fry connoisseur, try the Duckfat Poutine, consisting of layers of Belgian fries topped with cheese curd and duck gravy. Pair that with the homemade Meatloaf with Horseradish Mayo or the Slow Braised Pulled Pork with Munster Cheese and Sauerkraut, wash it all down with a glass of wine or a pint of beer, and you have yourself dinner (and motivation to work out the next morning)!

On the next visit, I plan to temporarily abandon my commitment to a healthy lifestyle and indulge in the Five Dollar Milkshake (that is only $4) and the Fresh Beignets with Chocolate Sauce. The splurge is worth it when the food is this good.

Bon Appetit!