Maine 2016 Part 1 - Southwest Harbor

Leah and I took a memorable trip to Maine in 2016. The first leg of the trip was spent in the Southwest Harbor area of Mt. Desert Island, where we rented a little house and explored Acadia National Park.

Part two of the trip here: Maine 2016 Part 2 - Portland

Down East Lobster Pound

Our first (and last) stop just off the bridge at Mt. Desert Island was this fantastic little lobster shack. We ate a lot of lobster rolls during this trip, and agreed that these were the best. The clam chowder was prepared in the traditional manner (thinner consistency, not thick and gloppy). It's tough to argue with delicious food, a warm breeze, and a beautiful sunset. 

Bar Harbor Lobster Co.

Great lunch of lobster bisque, fried clams and fish, and onion rings at another local place. These relaxed, breezy, outdoor meals might be my favorite way to enjoy food.

Light "fireside" dinner at our rental home with charcuterie, cheese, olives, fresh bread, and a couple local beers.

Jordan Pond House

Lunch at the famous Jordan Pond House. The food itself is only so-so (except for the amazing popovers), but you pay for the view (and what a view). Afterward we enjoyed a nice hike around the namesake pond.

Beal's Lobster Pier

This out-of-the-way port-side shack was a close second for us on our list of trip favorites. The day was extremely gray and overcast, with lots of fog out on the water. We felt like Cthulhu himself (or at least a few Deep Ones) might just shamble out of the fog.

Housemade Sausage Plate

Pickles, Mustard, Sourdough Toast

Goat Cheese Fritters

Herb Coat Cheese, Relish, Pâte à Choux

Green Salad

Gnocchi

Lobster & Grits

Poached Egg

Cake?

Coda

This was the most upscale meal we had while in the Bar Harbor area (this was actually in Southwest Harbor, a short walk from our rental home). The meal was excellent and the vibe of the restaurant was a great mix of relaxed but classy. There was a live jazz duo who performed for the duration of the evening. Another great Maine experience.

Atlantic Brewing Company

It was a fun experience to check out the brewery grounds and eat outside, but I recall the barbecue being among the worst I've ever had, especially the completely flavorless sides. Oh well, can't win 'em all. 

Island Bound Treats

In the guest book at our rental home, we saw numerous references to an outstanding little pie shop a few doors down. We took the advice and were rewarded with unquestionably the best blueberry pie we had ever eaten. We enjoyed the last couple pieces before we hit the road for Portland.

Betony - Leah's Birthday Dinner 2016

I had read about Betony some time before this evening in another food blog I follow (the wonderful Rambling$ and Gambling$ - link in my "Blogs I Follow" sidebar). I decided to take Leah there for a birthday dinner in 2016 and we were absolutely floored - the food and, in particular, the cocktails were incredible. Betony would close not long after, but we were grateful to have experienced it while we could. 

Restaurant decor and bar area – classic and beautiful. Sorry for the blurry pictures, it was pretty dim and I was snapping shots quickly! 

El Diablito

Blanco Tequila, Chilies, Tamarind

Betony Milk Punch

I noted at the time that this was the best cocktail I had that year. The customer chose their own spirit (in my case I selected mezcal, per the bartender's perfect recommendation). I had watched a video the night before detailing how they make this - it was a very involved process by which they flavored the milk and broke it down into curds using lemon juice, then filtered it multiple times until totally clear. I've since enjoyed learning more about this classic drink and even tried my hand at making it myself, though it's pretty tricky!

Another bartender using liquid nitrogen. 

Olive Oil Crisps

We ate through three boxes of these light crisps by the end of the night. 

Eat a Peach

Bourbon, Peach Leaf, Apricot Brandy, Brûléed Peach

Horchata

Aged Rum, Sesame, Pumpkin Seed

Powdered Cucumber

Yogurt, Pumpernickel

The cucumber in this little amuse-bouche immediately dissolved upon hitting the tongue - it all came together to taste like a light and refreshing cucumber soup. 

Betony's delicious bread service: warm caraway rolls with whipped crème fraîche. 

  

Canapés

Puffed Chip w/ Trout Roe

Beet

Crisp Roll w/ Pea Mousse

Corn Chip w/ Aleppo Pepper

Marshmallow w/ Green Tea Powder

We were served this fun assortment of little bites in quick succession. Another photography hiccup here, for some reason my phone's camera started adding these strange bands of light across some of my photos around this time. 

More beautiful decor.

Carrot Salad

Sheep's Milk Yogurt, Turmeric

Snapper Crudo

Tomato, Basil

Hen's Egg

Cavatelli, Asparagus

Seared Foie Gras

Braised Chard, Puffed Rice, Duck-Chard Broth

Crispy Skate Wing

Green Curry, Cucumber, Skate Cartilage Chip

We didn't order this course, but we had hit it off with the service staff and they brought this out on the house! They served it with a light, slightly tart beer. Perfect!

The Belgian red ale they helped us pick in anticipation of the main course. 

  

Crispy Suckling Pig's Head w/ Sides

Squash Purée

"Salad" of Crispy Fried Pig Ears & Herbs

Roasted Potatoes, Caramelized Figs, Charred Leeks, Roasted Carrots, Buttered Fava Beans

Boudin Blanc w/ Mustard

Mini Tarte Flambée

This multi-component main course for two was a true delight. We were absolutely flabbergasted by the embarrassment of riches as they brought out plate after plate. As they carved the half pig head table-side, the server tapped on the skin, producing a drum-like sound. So crisp!

Blueberries

Marjoram, Sesame Crisp

"Pretzel"

I can't recall what the individual components of this special birthday dessert were, but they added up to a tasty mouthful. 

Pipe Dreams Buche

I have no notes on what else was on the plate here other than "served w/ slightly weird accompaniments". 

Another gratis course! A delicate and subtly complex dessert consisting of berries, currants, yogurt, and little jelly cubes (I think made of wine). Super-refreshing.

Homemade Irish Cream

Caramel Chews

Redundant to say, but we had an absolutely amazing time - again, we were very sorry to hear of Betony's closing a few months later (though I did get to go again with Al), but were glad to have experienced it while it was there.