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A second helping @ Dimillo's

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:08:00 GMT

DiMillo's Floating Restaurant
PH: 207-772-2216

25 Long Wharf
Portland, Maine 04101

I went back to Dimillo's in my latest lobterfest roll out, and this time around they had something that totally blew my mind...hence the reason for mentiong Dimillo's again....

Of course i got my normal fair of HUGE SHRIMP COCKTAIL which still stands as the biggest and best shrimp cocktail i've ever had...their mussels are really amazing and perfectly done as usual (trust me, you'll be dipping the bread in the white wine garlic sauce like there was no tomorrow) and of course their lovely hardshell lobsters.

and i always get their rice pilaf...always very well done.

Now what was the most surprising, and unfortunately its only on special...so they don't always have it.

I'm really thinking that they make their own whip cream.

oh my goodness soooo many blue berries.

This is by far the best blueberry cheese cake i've ever had....it was warm, and what really catches your attention is the fact that the blue berries are still bursting in your mouth when you take a bite with wholesome goodness....amazing...my hat goes off to the chef that made this...absolutely amazing.

We had actually gone back the next day to try and get the blue berry cheesecake again...unfortunately that's when we learned it was only on special...DOH! but i did find something that is permanently on the menu that is VERY GOOD...the blue berry cobbler...but you MUST get it ALAMODE (huge dollop of Vanilla ice cream)...the blue berries, the granola bits...nice and warm, contrasted with the ice cold ice cream....DEEEELISH!

Summation: At Dimillo's, the items that i can say are consistent and can recommend are the mussels, lobster, shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, blue berry cobbler and rice pilaf. Dimillo's is not my go to place for steak of anykind. I say stick with what i just told ya and you should be disco. CHEERS!!!

Red's Dairy Freeze | Since 1952

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Red's Dairy Freeze
PH: 207-799-7506

167 Cottage Road
South Portland, Maine 04106

I remember the first time that i went to the Portland Headlight house i passed by this joint and saw the HUGE CROWD and line. I finally was able to stop here a few years back. All the time i thought that there was some kind of event or something...but the crowd/line occurs on a regular basis...and after trying them out...i can totally see why...they always have like up to 8-10 different soft serve flavors....i loves me some soft serve...and so does fatnation. LOL.

Mom got a small, i got a regular, i can only imagine what a large looks like.

You can even
twirl some of their flavors together...

The soft serve is some of the best i've ever had. and i've even ventured to try some of their other flavors...even some of their VERY INTERESTING milk shakes. 0_o

Summation: Pumpkin was definitely very good, the grasshopper milk shake was very refreshing...like mint ice cream in it...and as usual, the fall back of Vanilla is always good to go. CHEERS!!!

The Standard Baking Co in Portland, ME

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:08:00 GMT

The Standard Baking Co.
PH: 207-773-2112

75 Commercial Street
Portland, Maine 04101

I had actually been to this place a few years ago, but Fatnation had just eaten and none of us were in the mood for baked goods...but i will tell you this, the one thing that stood out in my mind was the amazing smell when you walk into this joint...but nevertheless i never returned...as i'm not big on sweets let alone baked goods. It was only until my recent trip to Maine for 09 Lobster Festival that a fellow FatNation Member (ImprezaGirl) had gone with her group and brought home some treasures and let me try them back at their hotel room. my literal reaction was 'whoa....'

One of the things you'll notice immediately when you walk in is the display of everything.

the setup is really nice and to any bake good addicts, this is definitely heaven.

I bought a couple of items to try and also a repeat of an item that ImprezaGirl had hooked me up with.

Blue Berry Buckle...i was hesitant on this one, cause it looked overly dry...but holey sheeet...I love blue berries, but this took it too a whole other level...and since Maine is known for Blueberries before lobsters...this was definitely proof that people in Maine know how to do blue berries....*drooolz...so moist and soft and the blue berry flavor just hits you and you're left drooling from a mouthgasm...

The raspberry filled pastries that hooked me in. Crunchy outside, moist inside, then warm raspberry filling i don't even need to explain the flavor, the description alone should already have you daydreaming about it.

And the finale that i was really looking forward to...the Blue Berry Tart....they only do this when blue berries are in season...and i was so happy that i was able to try this...my only regret is that i only bought one....god this was insanely good...

Summation: as for the oatmeal scone like thing, mum dogged it before i had a chance to try it. lol. This is definitely another MUST GO place whenever i visit Maine...hands down...CHEERS!!

FatNation @ a Brewery in Maine

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Shipyard Brewing Co.
PH: 800-273-9253

86 Newbury Street
Portland, Maine 04101

Thanks to Sandy at Rock Lobster, I now know where the brewery that bottles my favorite rootbeer is. WOO HOO!!!!!! So i decided to stop there whenever i get the chance, and buy a few cases. (mum loves the rootbeer too) lol.

at $22 for a case of 24, who could ask for anything more? Ever since i had my first one at Dimillo's, i've been hooked ever since.

On a sidenote, the brewery actually has a tour that you can go through to see how they bottle and brew the shtuff. pretty nifty gift shop that also has some hot sauces and rubs to buy, not to mention touristy shtuff like t-shirts, hats, etc..etc..and of course they sell all of their beers and brews at great prices. I highly recommend stopping off at this joint to try out the different soda's they got. alot of fatnation members seem to like the blueberry soda. Its not for me...but you might likes it.

WOOT!

Lobster Pad Thai @ Siam Grille

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Siam Grille
PH: 207-773-8389

339 Fore Street
Portland, Maine 04101

So i actually walked by this place the last time i went to Maine, and ran in to see if they had lobster pad thai...and low and behold...they did! but i was soooo full...so i made a mental note for the next time that i went to Maine, i'd 100% try this place out.

Menu:

- click for bigger menu -

FEAST!:

All three of us got Thai iced tea. ($2.00 each)

Coolest thing was that they give you a shot glass of syrup and the cream, so you can add as much as you want or as little. Sometimes a place adds too much syrup or too much condensed milk and it becomes painfully sweet...so i liked this alot. (you can ask for more syrup if you need more, they just fill up the shooter glass again for yaz.)

Wasabi Pork Dumplings - Deep fried marinated pork served with Ginger Soy sauce. ($7.00)

Presentation was really nice, and crispy hot shell.

ginger soy sauce with some scallions.

the crispy outside and hot (temp wise) soft insides, accompany by the salt/ginger soy made this really good. Though i don't really know why they call it wasabi, as there was no hint of spicyness or wasabi flavoring...maybe it was a part of the outer crust? and maybe when you deep fry wasabi it looses its 'heat'? *shrug. Whatever the factoid, it was good and i'd recommend it.

Siam Crispy Fresh Roll - hand-rolled with rice paper, tempura shrimp, rice vermicelli, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, Thai sweet basil with sweet and sour sauce on the side. ($7.00)

This was really good, all the ingredients very fresh, and the shrimp tempura tasted and textured like it had just been friend and not sitting around (it was warm to the touch) This was really good, and presentation was gorgeous.

Accompanied by the sweet and sour sauce, the roll was really good. I'd recommend it.

Nam Pik Pao (Seafood: Maine Lobster, Shrimp, Jonah Empress Crab Claws) - fresh wide rice noodles, marinated Thai chili paste, egg, onions, ginger, peppers, scallions and thai basil leaves. ($14.00)

This reminded me of a pad se-ew but not spicy. This was really good. don't let the picture fool you, it was alot of food when you stir it up. Check out the huge crab claws! really flavorful...i was so afraid it'd be like nasty, but it was actually really good.

The shrimps were really fresh, PERFECTLY cooked and quite flavorful, perfect accent on the dish. I really really liked the fact that the shrimp was not overcooked.

Spicy Lime Noodles (Seafood: Maine Lobster, Shrimp, Jonah Empress Crab Claws) - Fresh rice noodle, roasted pork, shrimp, scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, and ground peanuts. ($11.00)

once again, plethora of ingredients, shrimp perfectly good...all the flavors orchestrated together to produce a symphony of taste and texture. This was not that spicy, had maybe a tiny bite to it, but the lime really put the plate together.

I was a little worried about the roast pork, cause it looked like it would be dry, but the acid from the lime loosened up the meat and made it not only juicy but an interesting flavor. I'd definitely recommend this dish.

Pad Thai (Seafood: Maine Lobster, Shrimp, Jonah Empress Crab Claws) - Rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, scallions, and ground peanuts. ($14.00)

Once again, when you mix up the dish it like explodes and becomes alot of food. This seafood pad thai was ridiculously good. and I already know that i will be back for this. The lobster, claws, and shrimps along with the mix of all the ingredients played off each other really well. I highly recommend this dish.

Summation: I think one of the first things you will notice when you walk into Siam is how small and cozy it is.

At the time we went was lunch hour and it was quite busy...we actually felt kinda sorry for the single waiter that dealt with all the tables...but he did a great job, even though it took him a while to get us some shtuff, but its expected when its a one man crew handling over 10 tables from the front to the back.

I have attempted to go back, but it would seem they have kind of weird hours, so i definitely recommend calling in to see if they are open before showing up 'unexpectedly'.

All of the dishes were prepared with great presentation and the flavors were all wonderful. It was a great experience and i'm glad that i came here.

And lets not forget to mention what a great price for all that food for three people. woot!

Food Blog Dictionary: Azriha Edition!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Foodie: “I masturbate to food porn.”
anyone that likes food and drink. it does not necessarily have to be libations or any food in particular, its any kind of like of food. Whether it be a person that just enjoys a good meal or food in general, to a person that goes out of his/her way to get to a festival or food event.

Food Journal: “I ate a banana, a cheese burger, and two grapes…”
Anyone that journals their daily diet. Sometimes accompanied by some pictures either of their own or found randomly on google. Usually, there is no formulated opinion(s) of the food they eat (unless they make it themselves).

Food Critic: “the dirty hole in the wall cooks better than your mom…”
Anyone that formulates an opinion of food or drink that they have eaten. Usually posted in the form of a review (ie article/blog/book/tv show). Sometimes but not limited to is a survey of decor, service, price, history, and sustenance.

Food Snob: “its not good cause I don’t like it, and you’re ugly.”
Anyone that formulates an opinion of food or drink and implies it onto all others as though their opinion was handed down by god himself.

Maeda-en Green Tea Ice Cream

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:08:00 GMT

I think this is the best take home green tea ice cream i've had as of yet.

of course i'm still on the hunt for anything better. SO IF YOU GOT ANY RECOMMENDATIONS!!!! let me knowz!

THANKS JW1976!!!!

And of course there's the PARTY SIZE!!! lol.

Mum's Satay Chicken Dinner

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Mum likes to cook me dinner after a long hard day in the office...and she always makes the best shtuff! SATAY CHICKEN AND a simple stir fried veggie dish!

Simplest and easiest dish to make...oil, garlic, veggies and BAM! instant healthiness. har har har. (secret to making this work? SALT CONTROL!)

Mum's satay chicken. so juicy and flavorful...the sweet onions and the little bit of spiciness...just welcomes you home.

Best part? taking it to work the next day and it tastes even better. WOOT!

Working Dinner @ Happy Taco

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Happy Taco
PH: 212-826-8868

1167 2nd Avenue (61st & 2nd)
New York, NY 10021

I had been fiending for some mexican food, so i was looking around seamlessweb at work, and one of the recommended joints was happy taco...i wonder if happy taco would make me happy... :P

order came fast and hot. (15-30 minute delivery was expected, it came in 10 minutes though.)

Chili Taco: I have a weakness for the crunchy....$1.39 each, i got two.

I know i know, you're thinking, but if you order it take out by the time you get it it won't be crunchy anymore...

CRUNCH! totally not the case here...man these tacos totally hit the spot...next time i'm getting some sour cream and quac to stuff them with. lol.

Montery Jack Cheese & Chicken Quesadilla: I love grilled chicken Quesadillas...so of course it was only natural that i try them out. *grin.$3.49

lots of chicken. though i wouldn't have minded more cheese...

but it was very flavorful and juicy and good and the sourcream with it made it mouthgasms all the way.

Steak Burrito: Well just incase the tacos and quesadilla sucked, i got something that would just fill me up. $5.49

Holey crap was this thing STUFF JAM PACKED!!!

Veggies FRESH!, cheese gooey and good! RICE GOOD!!! BEANS HEARTY AND FIRM!!

STEAK SO JUICY AND SMOKEY FLAVORFULRIFIC!!!

Summation: I think that for $14.74 for this entire meal, it was very good...and very cheap for midtown prices. This place definitely hit the spot for me for my mexican needs...i can't wait to try their other dishes such as mexican rice and steak with chili...mmmmmm...i recommend this place for lunch and a Mexican fix...i bet its run by chinese people...

Lunch @ Ramen Setagaya

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Ramen Setagaya
PH: 718-321-0290

37-02 Prince Street
Flushing, NY 11354

My favorite ramen joint is Ramen Setagaya in Manhattan...so when someone mentioned to me that they had opened up one in flushing (NOT TO MENTION NEXT TO MY FRIEND'S TOYSTORE TOYQUBE!! WOOT WOOT!!) i had to go and check it out. First i had gone with Yuejau, and this time around i took mum (since i had forgotten my camera the first time. =P)

Ambience:

its a nice clean joint...well its new...hence clean? i like the set up...for quick eating, not a sit down and chillax joint...they want you to eat your food and GO! which definitely works for the lunch rush.

a cool sign on the wall.

and if the tables run out, there's actually an upstairs.

Menu:

- click for larger menu -

FOOOOOD!

cups and bottles of water on the table to help yourself too...ice cold water for the perfect hot day.

I told mum to get her lunch set with the Oyako Don (Natural Salt Taste Chopped Chicken with Rice and Organic Egg)

This was really good, very fresh and mum liked it alot...and to think its chicken! if you want you can order it separately or for dinner at $4.50)

I got Pork Gyoza with my Lunch set. This was a far better experience than the seafood gyoza i had at the Setagaya in Manhattan. =P x2

nice crispy outside, welcoming hot insides...it smelt great.

and lets not forget the wonderful gyoza dipping sauce that comes with it.

a cross section of the delicious dumpling.

Shio Ramen Lunch Set: (one with Oyako Don and one with Gyoza) $9.50 each.

the noodles were really fresh and springy. but the egg was somewhat lacking and definitely no where near as good and perfectly cooked as the Setagaya in Manhattan.

The fatty pork was delicious!!! mmmm sooooo goooood.

Summation: Though the place was not as good as its manhattan cousin, it does fullfill the ramen need. maybe the place is too new? and the flavoring hasn't set into the pots/pans? *Shrug...no idea...but i've eaten here twice and it was really good...so i do recommend that you give it a go! I look forward to going back and trying the curry rice and the other ramens. woot!!!