I’m finally posting about my final trip of this past Summer. For Labor Day weekend, I decided to visit Maine for the very first time. Bon Appétit named Portland, Maine the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year so you know I was super excited to check out its food scene! Off to Maine!
I stayed near the waterfront in the Old Port District at the Hampton Inn Portland Downtown-Waterfront. The location was ideal since it was near some of the top-rated restaurants in Portland. My king bed room wasn’t quite ready yet, so I took a room with two queens.
I was all checked in then went out for lunch. The Eventide Oyster Co. was conveniently located behind the hotel.
The popular tiny seafood joint always has a line out the door as soon as they open and I was lucky enough to skip the long wait and get a single seat at the bar.
The place was bright and bustling. Ryan greeted me and gave me the menus as soon as I sat down. To drink, I had the refreshing ET Cooler made with gin, sake, cucumber, and lemon soda. You gotta start things off with goodies from the raw bar.
I went with half a dozen each of local Oysters of their choice and Littleneck Clams. I enjoyed them with Kimchi Ice and Horseradish Ice because a little spice is always nice.
Super fresh and clean, the oysters and clams were incredible.
I had to try their famous Brown Butter Lobster Roll. A unique twist on a classic, their version contains lobster mixed with a rich brown butter sauce and served in a Chinese-style steamed bun. It was smaller than expected, but it was exquisite.
All their specials and crudos were so tempting, but I decided to try another unique savory dish. The Scallop Waffle-Yaki is a waffle made with emulsified scallops topped with eel sauce, umami, mayo, tempura crunch, and bonito flakes. It turned out to be a satisfying combination of flavors. I also enjoyed the tropical Empire of the Sun made with gin, Campari, pineapple, lime, orgeat, and grenadine.
My seafood lunch at Eventide Oyster Co. was wonderful. I can see why the restaurant is so popular and even though I was able to be seated immediately, I would not mind waiting for a spot. Service was outstanding and Ryan was awesome. This is the kind of place I would return to over and over again. Thanks, Eventide!
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
Website
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown-Waterfront
209 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-1454
Website
