Saturday, November 01, 2008

Portland, Me-Eating it one bite at a time,

Thursday Night...
Haven't seen anything in Portland yet because I have been too busy eating. Do you have days like Thursday? This was what I ate : english muffin with cherry preserves, a big bowl of noodle soup at the Asian restaurant at the airport, which had pork, noodles, egg and spinach in it; iced tea, a candy bar on the airplane, pepsi, wine with a bowl of the stuff they set on tables in a bar, more wine, a salad with pears, blue cheese, pecans and fancy lettuces, huge piece of hake baked with carrots, onions, turnips, tomatotoes, breadcrumbs, bread--late night bag of fritoes.

Now what sane person of my age eats this menu? My stomach groaned with the job of digesting this all night. I don't do this at home. Never have candy bars or fritos, in particular. So why do I think I can do it on the road?
Tell me you've had days like this one. PLEASE.

15 comments:

Chris said...

You're in Portland? The real, first, honest-to-God one? (That's right, people -- Portland, Oregon took our name as an homage! Take that, west coast!) Well if you find yourself in need of eating suggestions, by all means e-mail me and I'll be happy to help. Enjoy your stay!

Travis Erwin said...

Sadly I have too many of these days. Which is why I need to shed fifty pounds.

David Cranmer said...

Patti, I'm getting ready to post something very similar. Last night my wife and I decided to buy some Halloween candy and without any parents to slap our hands, we ate until we got sick... 38 year old children!

pattinase (abbott) said...

uYes, Chris, Portland, Maine. Recommend away. We like any kind of food. Obviously.
Oh, I've done the Halloween candy thing already. Read Zoo Boo on mOnday.

Lisa said...

I've done the same thing on travel days. I think it's the boredom and the need to kill time waiting that makes me do it. I hope you're feeling better!

Chris said...

Well, if you're looking upscale, Five Fifty-Five (located at 555 Congress) is as good as it gets -- their chef was recently named to Food and Wine's top list (they have a lounge next door with smaller, more reasonably priced plates, too). Also Bresca, which is supposed to be marvelous, as are Evangeline and Caiola. For sushi, I'm a fan of Sapporo, right on the waterfront on Commercial Street, but for an elegant twist, try Food Factory Miyake (the guy is French-trained, as well as trained in sushi. His meals are out of this world, and pretty reasonable.) Duckfat is a great little counter-service joint with incredible fries as well as tasty paninis and homemade sodas (and their chef, also of Hugo's, is a James Beard award winner.) For bar food, you could do worse than Gritty's, 3-Dollar Dewey's, or The Great Lost Bear. And if you find yourself shopping in Freeport, Buck's Naked Barbecue makes the best ribs I've ever had.

Oh, and if none of that sounds good, or if you want to know where to find this stuff, check out www.portlandfoodmap.com. Very handy, that.

Good eating! You can always fast when you get home...

Anonymous said...

Are you doing any author appearances? It would be great to meet you and tell you how much I enjoy your blog and your forgotten books series.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Wish I had consulted you before arriving, Chris. We'll try to get to one at least before flying home tomorrow. We've had noting but good meals though. Tonight we're going to see a play.
John-we're here with the Utopian Studies Conference. But thanks so much for the nice words. DO you live here?

pattinase (abbott) said...

Food Factory Miyake is two blocks from our hotel so here we go. Thanks!

Chris said...

Hope you enjoy it, Patti! Enjoy your stay!

Barrie said...

About Halloween candy--I will never ever look a Butterfinger again. Ever. I'd say you're in pretty good company, Patti!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Perfecto, Chris. Made our play in time too. Great Irish play by the guy who wrote In Bruges. Lonesome West at the Portage Stage by the American Irish Rep Ensemble. Off to the Art Museum.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Chris-also loved Duck Fat-Had a great panini and those fries are to die for. Thanks so much if you're out there.

Chris said...

I'm happy I steered you in the right direction, Patti. It takes a certain type of person to eat at a place called Duckfat; I'm glad you gave 'em a shot. Next time you find yourself in my fair burg, you'll have to let me buy you a drink.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I'm a believer. And next time, you're in Detroit, well, you never know.