Good morning, everyone, sorry this is a little late.
Our first discussion topic is: What's the strangest snack food you've ever eaten? For me, it has to be Herr's Steak and Worcestshire Sauce Potato Chips. Too damn accurate for me. I couldn't tease myself with the steaky taste for more than one chip. If you want a second opinion, one of our favorite sites, The AV Club's Taste Test section, also sampled these and other chips here.
Well, due to money issues, we'll have a review later in the week. Sorry for the delay, everyone.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sebago Brewing Company
A perennial favorite among the crowd at USM's Gorham campus, and alumni like myself, Joelle and I took yet another trip to the Sebago Brewing Company in South Portland. (Actually, Baby, it's located in Scarborough.) ...Whatever, they all blur together. As always, we had a fantastic meal, and we never leave disappointed, and here's why!
Atmosphere: One thing I enjoy about Sebago is that in the bar area, you can see through to the vats of beer brewed on location. Not gonna lie,it's fucking awesome. Not only do you see the vats themselves, but you see the lines coming from the vats, to the draft stations behind the bar. You know you're getting fresh beer. Again, not that I (we) drink, but I think it's cool that they let you see some of the production. I also like that they give you a small overhead light at each of the tables instead of a giant metal lampshade or something. It's pretty swanky feeling. The booths that we regularly sit in are only one section of the restaurant. There is also another seat-yourself area with high-top tables, in which you are surrounded by windows and televisions with the latest new england game. Overall, I love the decor (mostly wooden bars, paneling, etc, with raised booths at the bar area. Not just the bar feel, but a real sit down restaurant feel. I gotta give it a 5, no complaints whatsoever. I also give it a 5.
Food: This visit, I order my regualr appitizer; the Pub Pretzels: three warm, soft, doughy, salty pretzels from heaven with this killer mustard sauce made with their IPA beer. Totally a comfy food that could be a meal in itself. As per tradition, I had one of her pretzels. See, Sea Dog? THIS is how you do a pretzel. Hot, salty, and with a very good mustard. It starts out very sweet, then you get the tangy mustard taste on the way out. Then for the entree, I had something I never had before. It was called the Hop Daddy chicken sandwich. This very tasty sandwich is grilled chicken breast, smothered in a IPA mustard glaze, lettuce, tomatoe, and onion (I believe). Did Sebago smother it in IPA mustard, or did you? Both. I've had so many other things on their menu, but this was just as good as my regular. My entree was the Brewhouse Classic burger, basically a bacon cheeseburger, but I also get a side of their equally excellent barbecue sauce. Good, thick sauce that tastes fantastic on bacon and beef, and Joelle says it's also good on chicken fingers. The burger itself was delicious as well, with a nice homemade-tasting roll and a half-pound of well-cooked beef with two strips of crispy bacon. It wasn't overdone either. Gotta give a 5 for food, everything was perfect. 5 for food.
Service: First of all, our server (A girl I had class with before and has served us several times) brought over pretzel rods when she took our drink order, something I haven't seen Sebago do before. All our food came out pretty fast (albeit by a kitchen person, but when I asked for another soda, the server brought it over.) Friendly and speedy gets another 5 for me. I don't have much more to add on, but it's no a surprise that we had good service. They know how to treat us well. Also a 5.
Overall, a perfect 5! We can't recomment Sebago enough, but a lot of our readers don't need us to tell them.
See you in a week!
Thanks for reading, we'll keep eating!
Atmosphere: One thing I enjoy about Sebago is that in the bar area, you can see through to the vats of beer brewed on location. Not gonna lie,it's fucking awesome. Not only do you see the vats themselves, but you see the lines coming from the vats, to the draft stations behind the bar. You know you're getting fresh beer. Again, not that I (we) drink, but I think it's cool that they let you see some of the production. I also like that they give you a small overhead light at each of the tables instead of a giant metal lampshade or something. It's pretty swanky feeling. The booths that we regularly sit in are only one section of the restaurant. There is also another seat-yourself area with high-top tables, in which you are surrounded by windows and televisions with the latest new england game. Overall, I love the decor (mostly wooden bars, paneling, etc, with raised booths at the bar area. Not just the bar feel, but a real sit down restaurant feel. I gotta give it a 5, no complaints whatsoever. I also give it a 5.
Food: This visit, I order my regualr appitizer; the Pub Pretzels: three warm, soft, doughy, salty pretzels from heaven with this killer mustard sauce made with their IPA beer. Totally a comfy food that could be a meal in itself. As per tradition, I had one of her pretzels. See, Sea Dog? THIS is how you do a pretzel. Hot, salty, and with a very good mustard. It starts out very sweet, then you get the tangy mustard taste on the way out. Then for the entree, I had something I never had before. It was called the Hop Daddy chicken sandwich. This very tasty sandwich is grilled chicken breast, smothered in a IPA mustard glaze, lettuce, tomatoe, and onion (I believe). Did Sebago smother it in IPA mustard, or did you? Both. I've had so many other things on their menu, but this was just as good as my regular. My entree was the Brewhouse Classic burger, basically a bacon cheeseburger, but I also get a side of their equally excellent barbecue sauce. Good, thick sauce that tastes fantastic on bacon and beef, and Joelle says it's also good on chicken fingers. The burger itself was delicious as well, with a nice homemade-tasting roll and a half-pound of well-cooked beef with two strips of crispy bacon. It wasn't overdone either. Gotta give a 5 for food, everything was perfect. 5 for food.
Service: First of all, our server (A girl I had class with before and has served us several times) brought over pretzel rods when she took our drink order, something I haven't seen Sebago do before. All our food came out pretty fast (albeit by a kitchen person, but when I asked for another soda, the server brought it over.) Friendly and speedy gets another 5 for me. I don't have much more to add on, but it's no a surprise that we had good service. They know how to treat us well. Also a 5.
Overall, a perfect 5! We can't recomment Sebago enough, but a lot of our readers don't need us to tell them.
See you in a week!
Thanks for reading, we'll keep eating!
New Format/Other Notes
Hello everyone, Dan here!
We just want to establish a couple things about us and the blog. One, despite our frequent trips to microbreweries, bar and grilles, and restaurants names for mixed, frozen drinks, neither of us actually drink. Two, we're establishing an actual format to our reviewing. We're going to try to go out each weekend, then post the review on Monday. On Friday and if we can't get out on a weekend, one or the both of us will offer up a discussion topic until we can blog again. Coming soon, our review of the Sebago Brewing Company in South Portland!
Also, please please PLEASE send us any suggestions if you know a good restaurant in the Portland area!
Thanks for reading, and we'll keep eating!
We just want to establish a couple things about us and the blog. One, despite our frequent trips to microbreweries, bar and grilles, and restaurants names for mixed, frozen drinks, neither of us actually drink. Two, we're establishing an actual format to our reviewing. We're going to try to go out each weekend, then post the review on Monday. On Friday and if we can't get out on a weekend, one or the both of us will offer up a discussion topic until we can blog again. Coming soon, our review of the Sebago Brewing Company in South Portland!
Also, please please PLEASE send us any suggestions if you know a good restaurant in the Portland area!
Thanks for reading, and we'll keep eating!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Miss Portland Diner
This past Monday, we set out to a landmark here in Portland, the Miss Portland Diner,(Pronounced Din-ah for the true Mainer) for a Monday brunch. Those who have driven Interstate 295 through Portland have probably seen its trademark red DINER sign as they pass by. This wound up being a fantastic choice. Not kidding, absolutely fan-fucking-tastic and here's why!
Atmosphere: The building itself looked like it was pulled from the 50's.Well, the part we sat in. However, I'll let Jo explain in more detail. The original part of the bulding where the traditional booth and bar seating was straight out of the fifties. The extension that they built on was definitely more recent and less diner more family eatery. The booth in which we sat in was cozy, but not too tight, especially for people our size. It made me feel thin! The view was of Marginal Way, but the windows let in a wonderful amount of light. It felt warm and inviting. I will say though, after a while it was a little too bright, but they thought this through and had window blinds put in that each booth could control. Overall, I was pleased and felt at home. 4 for decor. However, I have to give a 5 for decor, it was perfect for it's theme.
Food: I had a steak and egg plate, with homefries and toast. And I had a plate smothered with French Toast, eggs, homefries, and toast, served with a steaming cup of coffee. Dan almost got what I had, but he wanted to give you, the readers, so variety. Isn't he sweet? ;) The scrambled eggs were perfect, *YAAY* wet enough to stick together but not runny. I cannot tell you how bad runny eggs are...they make my soul bleed. ...And now that we've had a nice giggle fit over that visual... The homefries were closer to skillet potatoes, and tasted fantastic. I concur, since I had the same homefries. Nice change to deep-fried homefries. The steak was overdone (I prefer a medium steak/burger, this was cooked through), and just a bit tough. Not the worst steak I've ever had, but I wish they had gotten it right. 4 for me on the food. Toast is toast, and eggs are eggs (when done properly), but OH MY GOD, the french toast was to die for. I mean, it was eggy and thick, but not heavy. The balance was splendid and I happily gobbled it up. I also had some bacon on my plate and it too was cooked to perfection. Crispy, but not burnt. YUM. And I love coffee, so that was always a winner (unless too strong or weak). I give a 5 for food. So freakin' good.
Service: Our server was also fantastic, filling our cups before we asked, got everything out pretty fast, and really made us both feel welcome. 5 on service. Is it just me, or does it seem like I "talk" way more in these entries?? I was very pleased to have a friendly waitress who did her job right. Kudos to you, Delores. (I'm not sure if that was her name or not.) Anyhoo, not only did we leave her a big tip, but was also wrote on the slip and thanked her for her kindness and hospitality. 5 on services from me as well.
Overall, a 4.5 Definitely a return again and again, and it could even fill the void left by Eggspectations...well, I wouldn't go that far yet. It's too soon. I don't know if that void can ever be filled. But it's the best contender so far.
Thanks for reading, and for all the support. and we'll keep eating!
The Full-Fledged Fatties: Dan and Joelle
Atmosphere: The building itself looked like it was pulled from the 50's.Well, the part we sat in. However, I'll let Jo explain in more detail. The original part of the bulding where the traditional booth and bar seating was straight out of the fifties. The extension that they built on was definitely more recent and less diner more family eatery. The booth in which we sat in was cozy, but not too tight, especially for people our size. It made me feel thin! The view was of Marginal Way, but the windows let in a wonderful amount of light. It felt warm and inviting. I will say though, after a while it was a little too bright, but they thought this through and had window blinds put in that each booth could control. Overall, I was pleased and felt at home. 4 for decor. However, I have to give a 5 for decor, it was perfect for it's theme.
Food: I had a steak and egg plate, with homefries and toast. And I had a plate smothered with French Toast, eggs, homefries, and toast, served with a steaming cup of coffee. Dan almost got what I had, but he wanted to give you, the readers, so variety. Isn't he sweet? ;) The scrambled eggs were perfect, *YAAY* wet enough to stick together but not runny. I cannot tell you how bad runny eggs are...they make my soul bleed. ...And now that we've had a nice giggle fit over that visual... The homefries were closer to skillet potatoes, and tasted fantastic. I concur, since I had the same homefries. Nice change to deep-fried homefries. The steak was overdone (I prefer a medium steak/burger, this was cooked through), and just a bit tough. Not the worst steak I've ever had, but I wish they had gotten it right. 4 for me on the food. Toast is toast, and eggs are eggs (when done properly), but OH MY GOD, the french toast was to die for. I mean, it was eggy and thick, but not heavy. The balance was splendid and I happily gobbled it up. I also had some bacon on my plate and it too was cooked to perfection. Crispy, but not burnt. YUM. And I love coffee, so that was always a winner (unless too strong or weak). I give a 5 for food. So freakin' good.
Service: Our server was also fantastic, filling our cups before we asked, got everything out pretty fast, and really made us both feel welcome. 5 on service. Is it just me, or does it seem like I "talk" way more in these entries?? I was very pleased to have a friendly waitress who did her job right. Kudos to you, Delores. (I'm not sure if that was her name or not.) Anyhoo, not only did we leave her a big tip, but was also wrote on the slip and thanked her for her kindness and hospitality. 5 on services from me as well.
Overall, a 4.5 Definitely a return again and again, and it could even fill the void left by Eggspectations...well, I wouldn't go that far yet. It's too soon. I don't know if that void can ever be filled. But it's the best contender so far.
Thanks for reading, and for all the support. and we'll keep eating!
The Full-Fledged Fatties: Dan and Joelle
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sea Dog Brewing Co
How this will work, we'll each gauge each restaurant on three key areas: Environment/Atmosphere, Food, and Service, on a 1-5 scale, one being the worst and five being the best, then average each number between our individual numbers. It's just easier that way. I should also mention that Dan and I have very different tastes. I'll likely be mostly steaks and burgers, Because he doesn't "do" vegetables. Neither does he eat chicken or fish; basically, he's a cave man...(Hey!) I, on the other hand, am more adventurous...but once I find something I love at a place, it will be a regular. Just wanted to warn you. :)
A week ago we visited the new Sea Dog restaurant with empty stomachs, but also with heavy hearts. Very heavy... *cries*See, the Sea Dog took up the building left from one of our absolute favorite locations, Eggspectations. It was so yummy!!! Best.Breakfast.EVER. Unfortunately, the evening really never got better from there. That's an understatement. It was shitty. REAL shitty. (By the way...this is an R-rated blog...we don't censor ourselves).Atmosphere: I personally thought the new decor wasn't terrible, considering it was largely painted black. I thought it was pretty interesting. The interior designer had a tight palette of colors; black, navy blue, and touch of white, and a lot of gray as well. However, missing all of the "unique" knick-knacks of the previous business also didn't make it seem all that different from other steakhouse/breweries, except with no random crap stapled to the walls like any Applebees/Ruby Tuesday/what have you. The lines were clean; very industrial and urban. Usually, I enjoy spaces like this. It was pleasant. We sat in the bar area, to watch the Pat's first game against the Buffalo Bills. Lots of TVs, alcohol, and loud Pats fans. The chairs were tall and pretty solid (which is good for fatties like us...) but not the most comfortable. I guess I would rate the atmosphere at a 4. 3 overall for me.
Food: My own plate was Italian sausage, provolone cheese, mustard of some sort, and a "warm" pretzel. If you can't tell from the quotation marks, not only was the pretzel not warm, it didn't taste entirely cooked. I'm not sure what kind of mustard they served me, but if it was intended to be honey mustard, they forgot the honey. Or anything sweet. You mean, sweet like me? Actually, I was thinking sweet like Sebago's IPA Honey Mustard, it's a whole different beast. But that's another entry soon to be written. I can't give credit either way on the provolone cheese because, well, it's cheese. It wasn't spoiled or anything. The sausage was actually quite good, cooked well, and went well with the cheese. I'd have to go with a 2 on my food. My meal consisted of a cup of their broccoli and cheddar soup, which was very tasty. I was savory, warm, well seasoned, and perfectly executed. I wish I had order a bowl. It came with some oyster crackers, (never enough to last through the entire serving). And since I'm a pepper fiend, I doused it with my favorite spice. My entree was the fish and chips, a pub classic. The presentation was decent. Simple and understated. No fancy garnish, nothing garish, just kind of thrown on the plate. My fries were crisp and thick, a good start. They tasted fresh and weren't too salty. But the fish...oh, the poor poor cod. It was a disaster! It was soggy, and basically the consistancy of chicken nuggets that weren't completely cooked. I couldn't eat it. And I LOVE fish! Such a disappointment. I mean, how can you fuck up fried fish? I have to give a 3 for my meal, since the soup was the saving grace.
Service: I can't say I was terribly impressed with my server. Me either! She was friendly, but she never refilled Jo's drink, Which is a huge pet peeve of mine. Even if I have a half-full glass, at least ask me when you ask another at the table. It's common decency. I only got one water after finding out another Sea Dog root beer would be another 2.00 since it's not fountain (and why it's not I'm not sure, the company makes the stuff.) I'd say 3 overall, nothing great, but nothing memorable either. She seemed to be too interested in hooking up with the bar tender. As the female who can't be swayed by her looks, and the person who paid for the meal, I was pretty much ignored the entire meal. Not Kosher. I give the service a 2. Not the worse service I've ever had, but definitely she needs improvement.
Overall: Between us, we'd give it a 3. Not something we'd repeat, but if you go and have a different experience, please tell us all about it in the comments. I really hope that you would have a better experience. Considering the prices (which we hadn't mentioned previously, but are on the menu, which is linked below.) it wasn't worth any of it. Well, maybe the soup and french fries. One last food for thought GROAN! I said to Dan as we were waiting for the bill "is it bad that I'm still hungry and want to go to Mickey Ds?" Now tell me if that's bad or not...
Thanks for reading, and we'll keep eating!
The Full-Fledged Fatties: Dan and Joelle
Menu: http://www.seadogbrewing.com/menu.pdf
Logo Picture from: http://www.mainebrew.com/img/logos/seadog.gif
Interior Picture from http://www.mainetoday.com/barguide/041106.html
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Let's Introduce Ourselves...
Hello, fellow foodies, and welcome to our blog! I'm Dan, and my responses will be in orange.
And I'm Joelle, the other variable in this equation of eating. As you can see, my posts/ramblings will be in this color. Cool, huh?
About us, neither one of us is a professional culinary reviewer. Just two fatties who love food and want to share our opinions on our local flavors. (FLAVOR FLAV! teehee. We're also big goofballs who almost fist-fought over who was going to have that *gem* in their "voice". )
Basic concept is we'll discuss the chosen restaurant instead of "Here's my review, then her review, then Jeff with weather" newsie-style blog. Also, we won't be reviewing fast food chains. Heck no! We're going to focus on local restaurants and only Maine or New England-wide chains. Hope everyone enjoys reading along as we gorge ourselves on the unique flavors and sights of southern Maine! Also, we hope that we don't piss you off or make you seize with our opinions. These are our opinions and ours alone. We suggest that if you are in the Portland area, you should try some of them yourselves. And if you have a better (or worse) experience, feel free to share it in the comments! We'll try not to ignore you! One fatty's fortune is another foodies failure. (Sorry, I'm really big into alliteration.)
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