To be honest, majority of the “sit down” places in Portland are just plain good compared to other places I eat at home. I guess it’s because there are so many restaurants here that you have to serve good food in order to survive. So that brings me to the East Ender.
I started with “The Gypsy”: Vodka, benedictine, ABSINTHE, and rhubarb bitters… mmmmm
Now that the Gypsy has settled in, lets talk about the food. Maaaannn. I started with an arugula salad with tender spinach leaves, pitted cherries, and the creamiest cheese. The older I get, the more I eat something other than iceberg lettuce in salads.
After the salad, I was treated to a mid-course sampling of northern oysters and sardines. Now at home, I hate oysters and sardines…HATE… but since the lobster tastes completely different up here, I thought I’d give them a try. D-Lish. Once again, something out of the ocean that tastes completely different here in Maine than it does at home in Georgia. The oyster was soaked in a type of vinegar base, and a spice that made it taste nothing like the oysters from the gulf. The sardine tasted like a little salted treat, but not like the salt-lick fish you find on a pizza.
Next came the main course of Lobster Poutine. Guys… seriously… good. Its a pile of the best shoestring fries covered in cheese curds, creamy heaven, and chunks of Maine lobster. It still amazes me at how much better the lobster is here.
Lastly was dessert. Rasberry and Corn ice cream with fresh grown mint leaves. Did I mention they make everything here? Oh yeah… everything. Even the mint came from the garden downstairs.
Overall dinner price: $39 (including alcohol and dessert)
Overall: Excellent
Will I come back with Ray on the next business trip up?: definitely.
Do I wish I had a better camera phone?: affirmative
