Chopstick - Yarmouth, Maine

There's a new restaurant in Yarmouth. Occupying the former home of Mekong Thai on Route 1 (in the strip mall with Sherwin Williams), Chopstick is off to a promising start.

Serving Japanese, Korean and Thai cuisine, the decor is warm and inviting and you quickly forget you are in a strip mall.

We started with the shrimp dumplings. The wrapper was thin; the contents lacked flavor, tasting like they were frozen and had been re-heated. They were served with a yellow mustard and honey sauce which was an odd pairing and did not enhance the dish.

We fared better with our second appetizer choice of Dynamite Tuna. They offer it prepared three different ways on their menu: as an appetizer; on a salad and as an entree. The center of the ahi tuna was perfectly rare, fresh and deep red; the edges were encrusted in sesame seeds and cracked peppercorns, seared ever-so-briefly and served set upon bean threads and cucumber slices. Dipped in soy sauce, the tuna melted in my mouth.

My rule of thumb is never to have sushi at a restaurant unless it is their primary focus. Raw fish needs to be extremely fresh to be good - and safe for consumption. I am never confident that there is enough turnover and demand for the raw dishes at restaurants where it seems to be an afterthought. But I will definitely go back to Chopstick to try the sushi after having the Dynamite Tuna.

Globe trotting to the Thai portion of the menu, my husband ordered Pad Thai with vegetables. In addition to the traditional scallion, egg and ground peanuts, the noodles also held crisp asparagus, snow peas, carrots and broccoli. There was too much fish oil used when preparing the Pad Thai; I prefer the more subtle and less oily version found at Pom's Thai Taste.

The Dolsot Bibimbap (a Korean dish of mixed vegetables and rice) was served in an extremely hot stone pot that kept the contents sizzling until the end of my meal. Served with steamed tofu (other options included beef or chicken), the stir fry was topped with a soft fried egg intended to be broken open, so the runny yolk could flavor the dish, and a side of Red Pepper Paste to be mixed in according to taste. The dish needed a binding agent beyond the paste; it was greatly enhanced when I added a tablespoon of soy sauce and a small bowl of miso soup and mixed again. The soup helped bring all of the wonderful Korean spices, the rice and the vegetables together.

There was only one server the day we dined, who lacked knowledge about the menu and the basic elements of providing decent service. We noticed several Help Wanted signs in the windows so I suspect this aspect of the experience will improve. In the meantime, enjoy the personal, table-side attention from the sushi chef who helps with the delivery of the food.

A couple of items to note: Chopstick uses MSG in their cooking, so if you are sensitive, be sure to ask for your dishes prepared without this flavor enhancer. For sushi lovers, Chopstick gets their fish from Boston on Mondays and Thursdays. While it is filleted immediately, the sushi chef informed us that it has better flavor the next day.

Next visit (and there definitely will be a next visit), I will leave the Thai to Pom's and stick to what Chopstick does best: Korean, Japanese and Sushi.

Old World Treat - Freeport, Maine

Want the best macaroons around? You'll find them at the Old World Gourmet Deli & Wine Shop on Route 1 in Freeport (look for the big Indian). You'll also find a mix of local neighbors and Route 1 tourists happily munching and sipping at the small tables or the counter by the window.

Old World Gourmet is best known for their speciality sandwiches, made with Boar's Head meat and cheeses, crisp vegetables and fresh bread (delivered daily). You can also find paninis, pizzza, Italians, soups, salads, gourmet jellys, jams, sauces, wines and pastas. An epicurean delight!

But I go there for the chocolate dipped macaroons. Plump, not too sweet, not too sticky. Where else can you find such perfection for less than a dollar ($0.50 for the plain; $0.75 for the dipped)?

On this weekend before Halloween, leave the tricks to the kids and treat yourself at the Old World Gourmet Deli & Wine Shop.

King of the Roll - Portland, Maine

King of the Roll lives up to its name.

Located at 675 Congress Street, you'll recognize it by the illuminated Michelob sign in the front window and soft red glow of light flooding the restaurant inside - sort of gives a "you've entered the Twilight Zone" kind of feel.

We settled into a booth and were immediately greeted by our waitress who offered us drinks and shared the specials of the evening. The service throughout our meal was exceptional; the timing between courses was perfect, the waitress was knowledge, friendly and upbeat.

We started with the shrimp dumplings (only available fried - not steamed) and a seaweed salad. The dumplings were served piping hot, had a thin and delicate wrapper and were filled with sweet shrimp. The delicate ingredients were overpowered by the taste of oil used in the frying, however. For this reason, I prefer my dumplings steamed. The seaweed salad was uninteresting and lacked flavor. Miyake does it better.

Next came the Nigiri: Unagi (eel), Hamachi (yellowtail), Maguro (ahi tuna) and Sake (salmon). Each piece of fish was translucent and, well, slimy is the best word to describe the fish. It had seen better days. The Masago (lobster egg) was excellent, crunchy roe set upon rice and wrapped with delicate seaweed.

The Tekka Maki (tuna roll) held diced tuna (as opposed to a solid piece of tuna wrapped with rice and seaweed). Dicing the tuna made gave it a mushy consistency.

And then the speciality rolls arrived. The Casco Bay Roll, a maki roll filled with tuna, wrapped in seaweed and rice and then quickly fried, tempura style. It was topped with two sauces: a wasabi sauce and "special sauce" (our waitress would not share the ingredients) - that tasted exactly like honey BBQ sauce. I don't care much for fried food and had I known this roll was, I likely wouldn't have ordered it. Thank goodness I did! I would go back for this roll alone. The flavors of the secret sauce, combined with the wasabi and tuna were perfectly harmonious.

The Dragon Roll was equally divine. Containing shrimp, crab, unagi, avocado and topped with tobiko, it was a work of art on the plate and tasted even better than it looked.

Stick with the rolls at King of the Roll. A few that caught my eye for their creativity include The Rising Sun Roll (7 different fish, topped with tobiko & quail egg), the Kamakaze Roll (grilled hamachi, unagi, crab and tobiko), the Queen Roll (grilled fresh scallops, salmon and crab), the King Roll (soft shell crab, scallop, tobiko and real crab topped with unagi).

The best sushi in Portland? Nope. The most creative rolls? You bet.

Miyake - Portland, Maine (Original Review)

Note: A more recent Miyake Review is available.

I don't get the rave reviews of Miyake that I've heard of late.

And I had such high hopes.

After calling to confirm that it was still BYOB (which I love), we stopped at Whole Foods and bought a bottle of Sake (splurging on a $36 bottle of Horin Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo). While it chilled, we partook in their wine tasting of organic wines. The evening was off to a great start.

We easily found Miyake, on Spring Street, just after the entrance to the Cumberland Club and scored a parking spot right out front. We opened the door into the tiny restaurant and were immediately hit with the smell of fish. Not a good sign. Fresh fish should not have an odor.

Still optimistic, we settled in, the best we could, to the uncomfortable plastic chairs, at the plastic table, positioned against one of the lime green painted cement walls. The restaurant seats about 20, with a few seats at the bar. The night we dined, there was a table of 4 just finishing up, another table of 2 that was mid-way through their meal when we arrived, and a couple at the sushi bar. I point this out because the service was quite poor, (friendly, but slow) with a long wait before we received our appetizers and much too long intervals between the remaining courses. It appeared that there were only two people working in the restaurant: the sushi chef and our waitress who could be seen making non-sushi items that had been ordered by the patrons.

The waitress brought us two chilled shot glasses for our sake - the chilling was a nice touch. We ordered the shrimp shumai, seaweed salad and miso soup to start. The shumai was the best I've had thus far in Portland, sweet and tiny Maine shrimp filled the delicate and thin wrapper. They were set in a bowl of broth and served with traditional dipping sauce. Surprisingly, we learned that they are not home-made, but rather frozen and re-heated. I never would have guessed. The seaweed salad was also above average, with a bit of extra sesame oil gracing the greens and adding a nutty flavor. The miso soup contained cubes of tofu, scallions and bean threads - it was a little thick for my husband's taste; I didn't mind the consistency.

The sushi arrived, a few pieces at a time, starting with Unagi (still warm!), the Maguro (very tough - either a poor quality or poorly cut), the Sake (fatty and not as fresh as it should have been), the Tekka (light pink, not flavorful), the Una-Avo and the Caterpillar (the perfectly ripe avocado made this roll the prize of the evening). We also ordered one of the speciality rolls, consisting of yellowtail, maguro, omelet and squash wrapped in rice and a seaweed wrapper that was thin and delicate. We were too full to try dessert, but the grean tea tiramasu sure sounded good.

Many of us wear rose-colored glasses when frequenting our favorite neighborhood restaurant. There's nothing better than having a local eatery with decent food where everybody knows your name. And as neighbors, it is your job to ensure they are frequented enough to keep their doors open. My guess is that those singing the accolades of Miyake fall into that camp. I'm looking at it perhaps with a bit more objectivity, comparing it to other sushi restaurants in the area, as well as the myriad of sushi establishments I have tried during my travels. The appetizers were better than average, the fish did not have the Sushi-Grade quality in appearance, taste or smell that I expect and the service is...well...bring plenty of sake and your patience.

Miyake doesn't get my vote for best sushi in Portland....who will? Stay tuned.

Mia's at Pepperell Square - Saco, Maine

Mia's is the new kid on the block...opening last month in the former Lily Moon storefront in Saco's Pepperell Square. The owner is the former chef of Windows on the Water. Mia is his daughter and her photo graces the wall at the entrance.

Open for brunch and dinner every day except Monday, they are already drawing a crowd. The interior has been redone with teak floors (beautiful to look at, but a tough surface to rest a table without wobble issues), wooden tables, comfortable chairs and a red booth that runs along one wall. Bar seating is available for two couples. The restaurant is cozy and intimate, seating 25-30 people.

The night I went they were still waiting for their liquor license so I brought a bottle of one of my California favorites - J Pinot Noir. By the time you read this they should have their licenses and plan to have both beer and wine. I took a sneak peak at their wine list and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

In addition to the traditional menu, they have a $30 prix fixe menu with three courses (there are a few choices for each course). The Roasted Squash Bisque was nicely spiced with nutmeg, brandy and leaks. The Brandied Lobster Stew was a little thin and light on the lobster chunks for my taste. The Pan Fried Cod Cakes were the hit of the appetizers we selected. Perfectly golden cod cakes, filled with diced red onion, celery, red pepper and parsley and paired with a spicy jalapeno lime aioli.

Mia's has a few kinks to work out on the service front. When I asked if the restaurant had any signature dishes, the young man read me the specials. We sat for about 10 minutes while he located a corkscrew and wine glasses. Maybe another 10 minutes while we waited for the bottled water. I noticed bread on another table and asked for some because he forgot to bring it. When the bread was re-filled, the chive butter was not and we got tired of waiting for him to come by to ask for more, so we finally settled for dry bread, which is not made on premise but probably should be as it tasted stale. Better yet, truck it in from Standard or One Fifty Ate.

For the entrees, my friend had Confit of Duck served with roasted beet papardelle and roasted vegetables. She enjoyed the dish, but commented that the pasta was too thick and doughy, yet cooked al dente so it ended up being very chewy. The same was true of the house made fettuccine in my Shrimp Fettuccine. I make my own pasta so I know how good it can be...the chef should put the dough through the roller on a finer setting to improve the texture. The Shrimp did not taste fresh; it was sauteed and would have been better char-grilled. The abundant use of sun dried tomatoes became tiresome about half-way through the dish.

Another friend had the Tenderloin of Pork, roasted with apples, red onion, fennel and roasted potatoes. When I asked him how it was, he chewed thoughtfully for quite some time, trying to discern an adjective appropriate for the dish. Finally he said, "All I can say is that it is good. There is nothing extraordinary about the dish. It's not a great cut of pork, but it's not terrible either. It is cooked adequately, neither dry nor particularly moist." Ok, moving on. My husband had the Seared Shrimp with butternut squash orzo risotto, roasted tomatoes and sage butter sauce - the best of the entrees we tried that evening, with the risotto being particularly flavorful.

Desserts are made fresh daily. We sampled the Creme Brulee, the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce and the Pumpkin Cheesecake. All tasty, none memorable - except for the size...for $7 these desserts were huge.

Mia's earns extra points for the copper salt shaker and pepper grinders on each table. Fresh ground pepper can really enhance a dish and there is nothing more frustrating then a restaurant with only one or two grinders in the whole place and having to wait while your dinner gets cold.

The food establishments in the Biddeford/Saco are are improving, as evidenced by the emergence of Mia's. Drive down the main street in Biddeford and you will see a variety of ethnic dining establishments - Chinese, Thai, Mexican (try Bebe's for fresh wraps & burritos at lunch) and Indian - a nice contrast to the chain eateries that are also starting to permeate the landscape in York County.

Mia's has room to improve -and I suspect they will. For now, it won't draw a crowd from Greater Portland - but it is an excellent option for those residing in the Saco, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach footprint.

Bon Appetit - and keep those restaurant suggestions coming!

Fresh! or Fresh? (South Portland, Maine)

I stopped by Fresh! (Mill Creek, South Portland) for lunch at the suggestion of a blog reader (thank you). Fresh! is Walter Loehmann's latest restaurant creation. Walter is originally of Walter's Restaurant fame - and after he and his partner split, with his partner getting Walter's & Joe's Boathouse, Walter ran Perfetto's. 15 Independence and Cotton Street Cantina.

The menu at Fresh! is split between sandwiches, soups & salads. Interestingly enough, we were told by our waitress that the "special" of the day (beefsteak tomato, goat cheese and sunflower sprouts on foccacia bread) was the only sandwich left. There is a soup & sandwich special daily for $9, served with your choice of soup. On the day we visited there was only one soup. A chowder with lobster, snapper and scallops. One sandwich; one soup. That would make the decision easy. We inquired why other types of sandwiches were not available and were told that they pre-make their sandwiches in the morning and when they are gone, they are gone. Fresh?

Because we were quite hungry, we decided against the salads; my husband chose the special sandwich and the chowder. I also had the sandwich but am allergic to scallops and therefore could not have the soup. The only other "side" on the menu was a bag of Kettle chips which I declined. When Walter learned of my allergy to the soup, he gave me the dinner menu, said he had most of the ingredients on hand and would make me a side of whatever I wanted. I opted for a simple side of white rice; Walter would not hear of it! Instead he made me a wonderfully fresh! stir fry, mixing chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, carrots, peas and corn with the rice. It was delicious, though a little heavy on the sweet mirin.

My husband enjoyed his chowder, showing me several times the abundance of fish - a hearty stew indeed. The sandwich was actually a half a sandwich; the bread was the wonderfully flavorful Standard foccacia, spread with creamy and pungent goat cheese; the ripe tomatoes were sliced thick, and sprinkled with just the right amount of sunflower sprouts. It was a wonderful combination.

Walter's goal is to make Fresh!, open for 6 months now, more of a low-key neighborhood joint, serving fresh and creative fare without pretense. In additon to serving lunch, Fresh! is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Walter mentioned that wines by the glass are all $5.50 and $22 for the bottle - simple "drinking" wines such as Red Truck and White Truck served in short juice glasses. The restaurant seats about 25, with bar seating available, as well.

Fresh! would not be a destination for me - there are just too many other options that do it better. But if I were in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to stop in for a quick lunch or dinner.

Toaster Obsession

In June, Meredith Goade wrote a piece for the Press Herald entitled, "Worth the Dough?". An entire article dedicated to whether the $400 Dualit toaster - the "The Rolls-Royce of toasters" was worth the hefty price tag. She staged a "toast off" between the Dualit and a $29 Cuisinart toaster, trying both bagels and breads. The verdict? The Dualit was worth the dough. Even the owner of Standard Bakery has a Dualit toaster. And so must I. Thank you Meredith for conducting this experiment and making my purchasing decision easy, precisely at the time when I am in the market for a new toaster.

Just to be safe, I did some independent research, checking out the reviews on Amazon & Cooking.com. Five star ratings from most everyone. Sold.

So my husband and I ventured out to Williams Sonoma and picked one up, along with some fresh Mister Bagel bagels and a half pound of veggie tofu. We went home with high hopes. Problem was the bagels at Mister Bagel are so plump (which I love) that they didn't fit in the toaster slots. We had to mash them down inside to get them to toast. But they did come out PERFECTLY toasted. Crispy and golden brown. We then tried When Pigs Fly Bread, which is oblong in shape (as opposed to traditional square bread). Only three-quarters of the slice fit into the toaster, so I had to toast one half, stop the toasting, then flip the bread around and toast the other side. We eat When Pigs Fly all the time. And bagels too. So this toaster - as grand as it is - was not going to make the cut.

Back to Williams Sonoma we went. The only other 4-slot toaster they carry in the store is the Breville Ikon. On-line reviews warned that the exterior of the toaster becomes extremely hot when toasting, causing burns on some of those who wrote reviews; others cautioned against putting the toaster too close to cupboards. But the folks at Williams Sonoma had not heard such claims and offered to fire up the Breville toaster in the store so we could all see how hot it would actualy become. As it turns out, the exterior did remain cool-to-the-touch. Sold. And only $100 - bargain!

So we brought this toaster home, picked up another 1/2 dozen bagels at the Falmouth Mister Bagel (I think we're keeping Mary in business!) and gave it a try. While waiting for my bagel to toast I admired this toaster's slim design; it took up minimal counter space. And it had extra wide - and very long slots to accommodate both our plump bagels and When Pigs Fly Bread. Lost in thought, I screamed out loud when all of a sudden the toaster handle popped up and 2 bagels halves went flying in the air, ricocheted off the underside of the cabinet and landed on the granite counter. Major spring action in that toaster. The bagels were well toasted - not to the even, golden perfection of the Dualit, but pretty darn good.

But each morning those flying bagels, bread and English muffins (those were the worst, being so light), flying through the air scared me half to death. I just couldn't take it any more. Back to Williams Sonoma (they are so good about returns!).

With no other 4-slot toaster options left at Williams Sonoma, I went on-line in search of what is now our third attempt. I settled on the KitchenAid Metal Classic with an average customer rating of 4.7 on Cooking.com. "Four extra wide slots with self-centering bread racks and a rugged metal body construction with brushed stainless steel finish provide this high-tech toaster with a new meaning of durability and dynamic style." Sounded pretty good. $99.95. It arrived and my poor husband was sent, yet again to Mister Bagel for another 1/2 dozen bagels.

Bagel in - no problem. Bagel popped up and remained in the toaster in "keep warm" mode until I could retrieve it. Golden brown for the most part...a bit of an uneven toast, but nothing too dramatic. When Pigs Fly Bread fits pretty well - just a slight angle needed, creating a tad unevenness in the browning. It could be a keeper...and would have been the final toaster to grace our counter....except....

Except that I am apparently easily influenced by brand placement in television shows. And in the midst of our Search-For-The-Perfect-Toaster, we happened upon a new sitcom, Carpoolers. In this particular episode one of the guys became insecure that his wife might be making more money than he was because she came home one day with a fancy-shmansy toaster. This toaster actually had self lowering toaster racks! Start the toaster and watch your bread or bagel slowly and gently lower into the chamber. When done, it slowly and gently raises the perfectly toasted item, and a beautiful little "ding" chimes completion. What is this toaster? The KitchenAid Nickel Pearl, typically $200 -but I just ordered it on Cooking.com for a mere $132 - (big KitchenAid Sale going on right now).

Will this be "The One?" Will the arrival of the Kitchenaid Nickel Pearl end my search? Will my bagels experience toasting nirvana? We'll know as soon as...(where is that UPS truck anyway???).

Becky's or Fore Street - You Decide

Ok, where should I go next? What should be the next review I do? Becky's? Fore Street? King of the Roll? Mia's? Other suggestions???

I'm listening....

Lunch anyone?

In typical Type A fashion, I rarely go out to lunch unless I am taking a client. Too much time wasted and lunch is the perfect time to multi-task and push out that project I've been procastinating, or return phone calls to those I don't really want to talk to (lunch is great for getting voicemail!), or catch up on those trade journals. Usually I stick leftover dinner in Tupperware, add a half cucumber and some carrots in a baggie and call it good.

But occasionally a client will cancel on me...and I will be forced to go out for a quick bite. Time wasted. But, fortunately, blog-worthy. So where to do I head? Working in the Old Port the choices are somewhat limited. Sure, I could venture to Siam Thai or Benkay and have a nice lunch, but for a quick bite, I head to Granny's Burritos or Market Street Eats. Both provide a wrap/burrito & soda for about $6. Market Street Eats is much quicker (Colin has this fast-and-healthy thing down!)...Granny's is much more substantial and filling. At Market Street Eats I always go with the Avo-Cucumber with "hots" - a veggie wrap with avocado and a bit of hot pepper. The soup is very good when they have it. Skip the Asian noodle side salad (way too oily). At Granny's I go for the Veggie on a Chili Wrap with the sour cream on the side, light on the cheese (gotta watch the fat content), Pinto Beans and Hot Sauce on the side.

Both places are very good - not spectacular....but real Maine food for real Maine people. The wraps at Market Street Eats are always fresh...and where do they find their consistently ripe avocado??? The burritos at Granny's beat the others I have tasted in the Greater Portland Area. Love the hot sauce, fresh ingredients and "grunge" atmosphere".

Where do you eat lunch?

Yosaku (Portland, Maine) - From Great to Good

Since the sushi chef left Benkay to open Yosaku years ago, it has been my favorite Sushi restaurant in Greater Portland. While they have never been successful in eliminating the hint of sewage odor at the tables by the bathroom, and while the service on the patio is painfully slow, and you can't ever get in and out for lunch in an hour during the week, I have learned ways around these difficulties. Sit at the sushi bar or at one of the two tables in the bar area (far from the bathroom odor), don't sit outside, and allow an hour and a half for lunch. Why all the concessions? Because the sushi was consistently phenomenal and that's what it is all about.

At other sushi restaurants, for example, the Maguro is often fatty (I don't order fatty tuna for a reason) and/or light in color. But not at Yosaku. The Maguro is always deep, dark, red and fresh from the sea. Almost as good as the Maguro in Tuna Harbor (San Diego). The Kampachi, Unagi and Sake are consistently fresh, as well.

I love their two and three roll lunch options, served with miso soup. It's the only sushi place in town where I can get an Una-Avo as part of the lunch special. For dinner my husband and I usually choose the Sushi dinner (was $22) which consists of your choice of two rolls (tekka and una avo for me) and 10 pieces of sushi. It comes with miso soup - so we add on one more, two additional rolls from the menu (Yosaku and Caterpillar). And while we wait we always enjoy the Shumai (shrimp dumplings) served piping hot in a bamboo steamer. Nothing could be better!

But that was then.

We first noticed the change in mid-July, stopping in for a quick bite after an evening cocktail party (where I always talk too much, eat too little and leave starving). The menu was different - they now had an array of "high end" sake on the menu. And something else was different too - oh yeah, the prices. Now my Sushi dinner was $32 instead of $22. Talk about inflation.

Whatever. It still is the best sushi around - except it wasn't. The fish was so-so. The expensive sake that I tried that night came in a square wooden box that tasted - surprisingly - like wood. Those boxes need aging; I've had sake in wooden boxes before and never tasted the wood. I mentioned it to the waiter and he said they were new boxes and would taste like wood for awhile. Hmmm. Charge more for the sake which now tastes like wood.

Well then don't have the sake. See, I learn.

So we went back. And back. And back. In fact, we've probably been a half dozen times since then. Each time paying about $20 more for dinner than we did a few months ago which would be ok except that the quality of the fish is not consistent anymore and the service is beyond bad. We finally have called it quits for awhile after our dinner this past Saturday evening. Arriving at 7:30 for my pre-half-marathon sushi dinner (a pre-race ritual), the restaurant was three-quarters full. We were seated right away (and asked to be moved because of the proximity to the bathroom and the sewage odor). Drink and dinner orders were taken promptly. But then we waited for 30+ minutes for our Shumai to arrive. And then my rolls and miso soup arrived. It wasn't until I had finished my rolls and miso soup that my husband's Tempura Udon Soup arrived. The miso soup was served in a smaller-than-usual bowl, as was the Tempura Udon. The fish was good - not great. And they were having "rice issues" (which they frequently have). The rice must be sticky in order to maintain its shape, either under the fish (for sushi) or wrapped around the fish when in roll form. Often the rice does not have enough stickiness, resulting in the soy sauce dipping bowl to be filled with rice that drops off as you try to dip.

We were less than impressed. Time to try something different. Next stop: Benkay (our old favorite) which we had written off in favor of Yosaku. I had lunch there three times last week (I love clients who love sushi!) and had consistently good experiences. Check back to see how they rate for dinner.

Pom's Thai Taste - South Portland, Maine

As an update to my previous post, Thai Taste, I recently tried their Western Avenue location. The owners have created a relaxing respite from the mall crowds and an alternative to the chain restaurants that abound. Despite the strip mall location, the atmosphere inside is far superior to that of their sister restaurant, Thai Taste on Cottage Road, which still, after all these years, feels like you are inside a day care center. Soft lighting, comfortable and decorative chairs, and beautiful artwork adorn the walls of this mall location.

The fresh vegetable spring rolls staved off our hunger as we perused the menu. The veggies were crisp, the basil leaf inside was fresh, the wrapper was moist and tightly rolled. Catering well to "Thai newbies", they have a "create your own noodle" menu, in addition to the regular full menu. Create your own noodle allows one to build the equivalent of Pad Thai, one step at a time. Noodle, vegetables, protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu), and spice. You can even add broth at the end to create a Thai soup.

For consistency in fairly comparing the two locations, we stuck to the regular menu and ordered the same entrees that we did just weeks ago at Thai Taste: Pad Thai with Steamed Tofu and Red Curry, also with Steamed Tofu. The Pad Thai held an abundance of tofu, scallions, bean sprouts, peanuts and egg shone. The Red Curry was sweet and tangy, the vegetables crisp and flavorful. However, what I like best about Thai Taste is the minimal use of oil, allowing the flavorful ingredients to shine through. While there is less oil used than at other area Thai restaurants, there is a heavier hand in the kitchen at Pom's than at its sister restaurant.

Pom's Thai Taste is built for speed, serving working professionals from nearby office complexes with limited time for lunch during the week. Though we dined on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm when speed was not necessary, we were told that our entrees would be ready in five minutes - and they were.

The Cottage Road location has superior food; the Western Avenue location has a more refined and relaxing atmosphere. The service at both is excellent. You won't be disappointed at either.

Bon Appetit.

Why Run

Two hours ago I completed my fourth half marathon.

I have a giant blood blister on one toe; regular old blisters on three others. And during the training for the race I lost two toe nails.

So when people ask me why I run - and in particular the half marathon - I sometimes do wonder myself.

My typical response is, "to keep my weight down." And as you can see from my frequent restaurant blogs, this is essential! I love to eat; I love to cook and I would be the size of a house if I didn't do something. Running is the most efficient way to burn calories (I burned 2500 in today's run). And it's flexible. Anywhere you are, it's pretty easy to keep to your exercise regimen when all you need is a pair of sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt - and the discipline to get outside.

And that's the real key, at least for me. I've realized over the years that the discipline required to train for and run a half marathon transcends into other aspects of my life. Similar focus and determination is necessary to advance in the workplace, and to accomplish most anything meaningful in my personal life. When facing a daunting task, I often think, "if I can run a half marathon, I can do this."

It's not easy forcing myself out of bed each day, lacing up the sneakers and heading out into the 0ften frigid Maine mornings. Putting one foot in front of another, I know that there is nothing else keeping me going but my own sheer will. The "runner's high" and sense of accomplishment that comes with the end of each run is immeasurable.

Running is my passion; may you find yours.

Akari Day Spa Has New Digs

Last Saturday Akari closed its doors forever at its Fore Street location and reopened its doors on Tuesday in the former Casco Northern Bank building on Middle Street (between Tommy's Park and the Nickelodeon).

The new location is bright and inviting, with the first floor hosting "The Shop", a boutique with the trendy fashions, make-up and home decor. Glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the focal point of the room is the three floor-to-ceiling mirrors that grace the far wall.

The second level houses the much scaled down Bistro, where you can now get a cappuccino, glass of wine and the house special of the day. An inviting seating area allows guests to sip, mingle and wait for their treatment. Hairstylist stations abound, with the complete set up on wheels so they can quickly change the entire look and feel of the salon. Round the corner and you see the "mixing bar" - a restaurant-style bar that allows you to pony up, take a seat and watch the colorists mix your choice of hair color or highlights.

Mosey on a little further, to the back of the building and you see the pedicure stations and "nail bar". That's right - forget those uncomfortable little tables and chairs - nails are now done while you sit at a tall bar stool, with hands resting comfortably on the stainless steel bar.

While the second floor is conducive and welcome to socialization among guests (you sense an almost party like atmosphere), upstairs on the third floor is the "quiet zone." Immediately upon entering the massage and facial area you get a sense of relaxation. The front rooms are bright and sunny, with floor to ceiling windows decorated with Thai silk drapes. These rooms are reserved for the estheticians (skin care). Further down the hall there are two massage rooms that are separated by french doors to allow for couples massages. There is an additional massage room and a fourth is coming soon. New at this facility is a steam and shower room, but still no locker rooms. That is part of Phase II and will be a welcome addition. It spoils the effect during a "half day of beauty" to have to carry your clothes and shoes from room to room.

By now you probably think I lead quite the life of luxury and spend my spare time eating bon-bons and having facials. Easy on the judgement. I was actually there to see Andrea (the all-time BEST masseuse if you like deep tissue) for my pre-half marathon massage. Months of training and hundreds of miles of feet pounding torture require a little treatment now and then. So before any race I stop in to see Andrea.

The new and improved Akari still has a few kinks to work out, a few decorations to put up and pictures to hang. Give it a couple of weeks and then give it a try. In terms of Spas it is the best Greater Portland has to offer.

Meadowood Dining

Whether you live in the area, are staying at another hotel, or lucky enough to be staying at Meadowood, breakfast here is a must. It's even better if you book the Bed and Breakfast package so that you can avoid the typical $70 for two charge.

That's right. $70 for two people for breakfast. But it's worth it. Every single penny. Especially if you order the Salmon Benedict. House smoked salmon set upon home made English muffins topped with a thick hollandaise with just the right amount of lemon. Potatoes are fresh (not frozen), sauteed with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and seasoned to perfection.

And it doesn't end there. Other choices (and I tried them all during my stay) include the Meadowood Omelet with caramelized onion, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms and sweet peppers, the St. Helena Omelet with House-Smoked Salmon, sauteed Spinach and cream cheese. And then there is my all time favorite, the Huevos Rancheros. Eggs prepared as you wish with black beans, salsa, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and sour cream - all atop a Crispy Tortilla.
And just how do you get to the $70 price point? Well, that's easy. While you are waiting for your breakfast entrees, order two cappuccinos, two glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange juice and the Bakery Basket ,which includes fruit coffee cake, blueberry/lemon and bran muffins, currant and rosemary scones, a croissant and is served with house-made preserves, butter and cream cheese. And be prepared to waddle out of the restaurant when breakfast is complete.

If you are too stuffed to move, hopefully you have been seated on the outside deck. If so, sit back and enjoy the serenity. Notice the sound of a nearby waterfall, the chirping of the crickets and watch the early morning golfers tee up. It is the most peaceful and serene setting you could imagine.

And in case you think the delectable offerings are limited to breakfast, I encourage you to sidle up to the bar at the Meadowood Grille in the evening and partake in an after-dinner drink and dessert pairing. Sabrina will take excellent care of you. She is working to make the bar at the Meadowood Grille into a "must do" destination while in The Valley. The night we stopped by, she insisted that we try the milk chocolate caramel tart with Colombian dark chocolate mousse and caramelized milk, which she paired with a 1985 Wares Port. It is her favorite dessert on the menu and now mine, as well. We also tried the the Butterscotch Souffle with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, which the Sommelier perfectly paired with Quarts de Chaume "Les Varennes", Domaine Jo Pithon – Loire Valley, France 2001.

I encourage you to check out the Meadowood Grille. And while you are there, be sure to ask for Sabrina. Tell her Erin sent you and maybe, just maybe, she will share what famous Napa Valley chef she is dating...

Wishing & Praying for Kosta Browne

As featured in my last blog post, I have a new wine passion. Kosta Browne Pinot Noir. Since it is impossible to find in any store, I decided to sign up to receive their "release" alert and order a few cases.

I received a confirmation e-mail thanking me for registering. I received several "save the date" e-mails announcing the date that this year's wine would be released for sale and they would take "allocation requests." So you can imagine my disappointment when, on October 1st (release date at last!!!), I checked my e-mail and found the following:

Wine Release Announcement: Fall 2007

Dear Erin,

The fall season is upon us, ushering in a new vintage, as well as the release of our 2005 Vineyard Designate Pinot Noirs. Because each of the wines in this release number only in the hundreds of cases, we regretfully will not be able to offer you an allocation this year.

However, we would like to make you aware that you have the option of making a "wish" for our newly released wines. In the event that we have some left over, we will re-allocate to those who have submitted a "wish" and have been on our mailing list the longest. If you are interested in participating, please submit your request by October 22nd!

We will let you know the final status of your request on or before October 26th, 2007.

Thanks very much again for your patience and continued interest!

Sincerely,

Kosta Browne Winery
http://www.kostabrowne.com/



How's that for exclusive. I can't even order the stuff. And if I'm patient, I might be considered to their leftovers (which, by the way, I am not ashamed to admit that I would gladly take). It is only because I have actually had the '04 Pinot and know what I am missing by not having it flowing by the case in my home that I will continue the quest. Wish me luck.

In Search of Kosta Browne

One of my goals when visiting wine country recently was to find (and taste) a Kosta Browne's 2004 Pinot Noir. Ideally the Sonoma Coast Kanzler Vineyard Pinot, ranked #1 '04 Pinot Noir by Wine Spectator, it received a whopping 98 points.

98 points!

And most recently. Kosta Browne's 2004 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was ranked 7th in the world.

Lest you think that '04 was just a very good year for Pinot (and it was), six of their '05 Pinots were ranked 90 points or higher from Wine Spectator. Seems Dan Kosta and Michael Browne might just have a knack for this wine-making thing. Pretty good for two guys who worked in a Napa Valley restaurant and saved up their tip money for two months to buy their first half ton of Pinot Noir grapes.

To my disappointment, Kosta Browne does not yet have a tasting room. Nor could my concierge at Meadowood obtain a private tour of the facility. So, we couldn't try their wines at their tasting room; we couldn't find their wines at any store in the Valley; none of the restaurants we went to had the 04 Pinot. Seems that the ranking - and cover shot on Wine Spectator caught them a bit off guard. They were sold out of the stuff before the magazine even hit the newsstands.

Just when we had given up hope, we dined at La Toque in Rutherford. Presented with what looked like a wine bible by a very serious looking Sommelier, we thought that we might be in luck. To our dismay, there was no Kosta Browne wine listed. My husband got the attention of the Sommelier and asked if perhaps they had the wine and it just wasn't on the menu. The Sommelier appeared quite insulted. Apparently he prides himself on having a diverse and well stocked wine cellar. He claimed that of course he had the '04 Kosta Browne and grabbed the wine list out of my husband's hands. He flipped through the pages, scratched his head, mumbled something and abruptly disappeared for about 10 minutes. He returned with not one - but two bottles of Kosta Browne 04 Pinot and a victorious look on his face.

The wine was divine. We had the Amber Ridge '04 Pinot from Russian River Valley (93 points). The tasting notes describe the wine as having a palate that "explodes with spicy cherry, vanilla and raspberry...an element of five spice that starts on the mid-palate and stays throughout the long finish...intense...a velvety suppleness that coats and seduces the palate." My tasting notes, scribbled on the sides of the La Toque menu simply say "wine envelopes the mouth with perfectly balanced berry...the most smooth and velvety wine I have ever tasted." It has been a month since I drank the wine featured in the picture above and it is, in fact, the velvety taste and ultra smooth finish that I remember most.

We tried to buy the other bottle to take with us as a gift for the person who first told us about Kosta Browne, but the Sommelier would not budge. He said we would have to send them to La Toque if they wanted to taste the Kool-Aid. So we took the picture you see above, of me pouring the very last drop out of the bottle and sent it to our friend. We figured that the next best thing to him actually tasting the vino perfection was to see that we had enjoyed it for him. Actually we just wanted to torture him - and it worked!

So if you can find a Kosta Browne Pinot Noir - either 04 or 05 - buy it by the case (and send me one while you're at it). And if you can't find it, hurry up and book dinner at La Toque.

Cheers!