Best Thin-Crust Pizza GRISSINI TRATTORIA, Kennebunk The crispy pies emerging from the wood-burning ovens here deliver big flavors without gobs of cheese. They’re delicate yet bold, familiar yet creative. The pancetta is topped with tomato sauce, smoked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese. 27 Western Ave. 207-967-2211; restaurantgrissini.com Best Vegetarian Dining GREEN […]
By Yankee Magazine
Apr 20 2010
Best Thin-Crust Pizza
GRISSINI TRATTORIA, Kennebunk The crispy pies emerging from the wood-burning ovens here deliver big flavors without gobs of cheese. They’re delicate yet bold, familiar yet creative. The pancetta is topped with tomato sauce, smoked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese. 27 Western Ave. 207-967-2211; restaurantgrissini.comBest Vegetarian Dining
GREEN ELEPHANT, Portland There’s barely a shred of real meat or cheese on the Asian-inspired menu, but with the wild and intriguing infusion of flavors, you shouldn’t miss them. Begin with the green-leaves wrap with mango, herbs, and tamarind dipping sauce, or perhaps the king-oyster mushroom tempura; then move on to pineapple brown rice, a watercress veggie-duck, or “Siamese Dream” curry noodle. 608 Congress St. 207-347-3111; greenelephantmaine.comBest Taste of Europe
MORSE’S ‘KRAUT HAUS, North Waldoboro What began in 1918 as a business selling farm-fresh sauerkraut has morphed into a cafe serving Old World favorites and comfort foods (such as pierogi, sauerbraten, borscht, and blintzes), plus a market jam-packed with hard-to-find European meats, cheeses, and specialty foods, local artisanal breads, and Morse’s own products. 3856 Washington Road (Route 220). 866-832-5569, 207-832-5569; morsessauerkraut.comBest Feel-Good Chocolate
SAFE HARBOR CONFECTIONS, Waldoboro The company donates 5 percent of gross income to animal-welfare causes. Its raspberry- and wild-blueberry-filled chocolates, salt caramels, and other flavors are found in stores statewide. 207-832-6026; safeharborconfections.comBest Place To Un-Wine-D
IN GOOD COMPANY, Rockland Equal parts chic and cozy, friendly and comfy, it’s a must for wine aficionados and tapas fiends. Chef/owner Melody Wolfertz stages a one-woman show in the open kitchen, preparing small and large plates and desserts to ease conversation from evening into the night. 415 Main St. 207-593-9110; ingoodcompanymaine.comBest Tapas & Brew
THREE TIDES, LB, MARSHALL WHARF BREWING CO., Belfast Snag a seat on harborfront deck, order from Three Tides’ tapas menu or a lobster from its pound and accompany it with Marshall’s ales and beers. Afterwards, work it all off with some bocce ball. 2 Pinchy Lane, Marshall Wharf. 207-338-1707; 3tides.comBest Place to Call It a Wrap
BAY WRAP, Belfast Intriguing possibilities, such as an Asian-influenced samurai salmon, go far beyond the usual meat-and-veggie wraps. Don’t miss the baked goods and John’s homemade ice cream. 20 Beaver St. 207-338-9757; baywrap.comBest Breakfast with a View
LOOKING GLASS RESTAURANT, Bar Harbor Even if you didn’t rise to catch the real event, you can feast on the classic “Cadillac Sunrise” (two eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries, toast), along with panoramic views over Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands from the glass-walled almost-hilltop restaurant at the Wonder View Inn. 50 Eden St. 207-288-3358; wonderviewinn.comBest !Ole!
THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT, Hancock Everything’s authentic and made from scratch at this unpretentious spot run by three generations of Central American immigrants. Go hungry: The portions are big, the prices low, and homemade tortilla chips are addictive. 1166 Route 1. 207-422-6200Best Organic Farm Find
NEZINSCOT FARM, Turner Off the beaten path, this 250-acre family farm houses a wool and fiber shop, selling yarns from its sheep, llamas, alpacas, and goats; a bakery, cafe, and teahouse serving farm-made cheeses, breads, baked goods, soups, stews, and fresh breakfast and lunch items; and a cheese room, where varieties ranging from chevre to camembert are made and aged. 284 Turner Center Road. 207-225-3231; nezinscotfarm.comBest Sunset Views
LOON LODGE, Rangeley Gaze west across Rangeley Lake to the distant Presidential Range of the White Mountains, capped by Mount Washington. Gorgeous anytime, but at sunset, wow! 16 Pickford St. 207-846-5666; loonlodgeme.comBest Spot of Merry Olde England
THE JOLLY DRAYMAN, Bethel Cask-conditioned ale is just one of the authentic touches at this cheery English pub inside the Briar Lea Inn. The dozen-plus imported brews, such as “Monty Python Holy Grail” and “Manchester Star Porter” add more authenticity. Entrees: from $11.95. 150 Mayville Road (Route). 207-824-4717; briarleainn.comBest Island Surprise
BLACK DINAH CHOCOLATIERS, Isle au Haut Kate and Steve Shaffer use local cream and, when possible, local organic herbs and fruits to flavor their handcrafted truffles. Possibilities include strawberry balsamic, blueberry black pepper, even rhubarb, pumpkin, and cranberry. 1 Moore’s Harbor Road. 207-335-5010; blackdinahchocolatiers.com