It’s a Maine Thing - Hezzy’s Sidewalk Talk

What is this thing about there not much going on in Maine during the winter months? WRONG!!! We have found so much to do that there are not enough hours in the day to do them. If your car starts, the tank accepts the cheap fuel and you have a sense of adventure, hit the road and check out what MaineMaine fun! offers in the winter months. We are sharing some of our favorites with you. So get off your duff and have some

Portland: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum: www.mngrr.org

Did you know that the first 2 foot wide gauge tracks were laid in Maine in 1879 in what became known as the Sandy River Narrow Gauge Railway? Or how about this! You can rent an entire antique narrow gauge train or coach for a special occasion. If you are a train buff, enjoy Maine history or are simply curious, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is right up your alley. Family friendly, great displays and good energy are what makes this another one of Maine’s great museum treasures. This interesting museum houses their own collection of over three dozen train cars as well as having others on loan. After Feb. 21 the narrow gauge trains are up and running again for a fun 1 ½  mile excursion along the Portland waterfront. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Robert McDonald’s informative book Maine Narrow Gauge Railroads from Arcadia Publishing. Filled with lots of tidbits about Maine history and how it relates to the success narrow gauge railroads before their demise in the late 1940’s.

Portland Museum of Art: Lynne Drexler-Painter, through March 1.www.portlandmuseum.org

This is the first major museum show of artist Lynne Drexler who was one of Monhegan Island’s only two year round resident artists during in the1980’s. The ever- consummate artist, her prodigious career included works in mediums from drawings to textiles to paintings. She received little recognition and was comfortable with that arrangement, going for years without gallery representation. Oftentimes eclipsed by Monhegan Island superstar artists like Rockwell Kent and James Fitzgerald, she lived in the shadow of their success and was at ease working tirelessly in her island studio because she believed in her art. Enjoying and embracing island life, she never let go of her own personal artistic vision by being tempted to paint popular island scenes that had become so commercialized by other island painters. Lynne Drexler’s style was branded by her vibrant colors and free brush work with her larger pieces having a patch-work quality, while it is evident that so much of her work draws on her inspiration from the natural environment. In time her work changed and she incorporated realism into her approach, but those later pieces remained consistent to her personal, individual style. This show has 50 pieces of Lynne Drexler’s works that represent her decades of artistic work. The vibrant colors, interesting patterns and range of mediums offer a sense of warmth to the chilly days of winter. A must see!

Portland Museum of Art: “Family Festival: Music in Large Scale”, January 10, 1-3PM

Children and parents listen, compose and create music while be accompanied by classical musicians from the Portland Conservatory of Music. Lots of family fun!

Maine Huts & Trails: Cross Country Ski and Snowshoeing: www.mainehuts.org. We’ve been writing about this year round, recreational trail for some time. Maine now has a fabulous opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a real winter adventure. Ski, hike or snowshoe hut to hut in Maine’s western Mountains! We’ve done it in the Canadian Rockies and Europe so we were so glad to see this type of outdoor experience come to Maine. Fresh air, solitude, adventure and fun are what this type of adventure is about. The latest hut to open, Flagstaff Lake, was named by Outside Magazine as the “Best outdoor adventure lodge”. So sign up for a few nights on the trail, get your equipment in order and head out for what will be a fabulous outdoor, winter adventure…where your day ends in a warm hut with a congenial group of like-minded people. And you can have it right here in Maine.

Musings: Topless Coffee Shop….So did the Ellsworth resident, Donald Crabtree, get the permit he needed from the town of Vassalboro to turn his property into a topless coffee shop? This story was one of the biggest blog stories ever reported on the Bangor Daily News website. You have to check out some of the online comments! Only in Maine! The irony of it all is that the planning board was charged with considering whether the site can handle the traffic the business is expected to draw. The topless aspect of the proposal was not a consideration, but don’t you think the amount of traffic will clearly increase with everyone wanting to check out the action?  We say…go for it! Anything for entertainment value and to improve the Maine economy!

Passages….Andrew Wyeth: One of Maine’s most famous artists, Andrew Wyeth, died January 16 at his winter house in Chadd’s Ford, PA. Spending time between his homes in Port Clyde, Maine and Chadd’s Ford, PA, Wyeth was considered one of America’s great painters. His mark is all over coastal Maine from his fellow residents in Port Clyde to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland that has the largest collection of Andrew Wyeth’s in the world. His most famous painting, the iconic work Christina’s World, was painted in Cushing and is now at the Museum of Modern Art. For more information about Andrew Wyeth and his career check out Maine art critic Carl Little’s  article, Appreciating Andrew Wyeth, that was recently in the weekly, the Ellsworth American. It is a thoughtful and interesting examination of Andrew Wyeth’s work and career.

Cabin in the Woods: From the Ground Up blog, nytimes.com. We came across an article about this blog in the New York Times. The writer, Lou Ureneck, is building a writer’s cabin in the woods of Western Maine, near Kezar Lake. He, with his brother’s help, intends to build a simple, homey structure for $30,000. Nothing fancy, just comfy, warm and practical. He appears to be thrifty, cautious and experienced as he built a house in another part of Maine 20 years ago. We’ve had numerous experiences with projects like these (oh, former husband!) so is it possible to have a tight structure, timber framed pegged and mortised, and a wood stove, for such a low cost? We won’t be critics of Mr Ureneck’s undertaking, that he is so clearly passionate about, but if you are interested, stay tuned. In his own words he said that “building a cabin…can be a lever into a middle-aged man’s rural fantasies.” Here in Maine we have witnessed many projects like these, some successful, some not, so let’s not think that Mr Ureneck’s undertaking is simply a fantasy. This is a wonderful undertaking, shared by two brothers who have a vision, experience and trust in each other. Stay tuned. Maybe we will pay a visit to the project and let you know how it’s going.

CELEBRATE MAINE! REALIZE THE SPIRIT!

The Lion of Winter is here and the state of Maine is covered under a blanket of snow. All of us Mainers have our personal relationships with the snow and the cold; some like it, some don t. However, the beauty and the natural phenomena  that accompany winter deserve notice. Yes, the snow, the ice on the ponds and ice flows along the rivers are the obvious visual delights. However, it is the subtleties of winter that enhance the entire seasonal experience. Here s a little lesson about the three different kinds of frost that casually casts itself upon any outside surface that will accept it. There are three distinctly different kinds of frost that warrant attention and understanding so that the next time the topic comes up among other Mainers, as it does here in Maine, you will be prepared to give your “short lesson on frost”. Nothing better than being informed, right?

 Rime Frost:
This frost is usually occurs in the fall and late winter. Ice droplets are formed when a damp, icy breeze blows over branches, leaves and other surfaces. Usually the air temperatures hover around 32. The droplets of frozen water look like icing that outlines surfaces. The sightings in the fall are always a reminder that winter is not far behind.

Hoar Frost:
This occurs when water vapor comes in contact with a very cold surface and freezes instantly. If one is near the seaside or rivers that empty into the sea the phenomena oftentimes is combined when sea smoke envelopes the morning quays and coves. In the early morning hours the surface of the water will look as if fog has moved in. The nearby trees and rocks will be covered with ice crystals that look like spiky fingers, the hoar frost. As the sea smoke dissipates the ice oftentimes remains on the trees throughout the day creating a magical winter wonderland. An odd name for such a beautiful sight.

Fern Frost:
The extreme cold weather is when we bear witness to this friend of Jack Frost. This occurs when tiny droplets of water form on cold surfaces, glass being the most obvious. As more moisture freezes on the surface the molecules are freezing at different rates creating fern-like patterns on windows that oftentimes look like feathers. The patterns are astoundingly beautiful. Before insulated windows many of us lived with fern frost inside and out. Are you old enough to remember those days?It was before the term “insulated” was part of our Maine lexicon.

Sea Smoke: With frigid days as we have been experiencing this week the opportunity to see Sea Smoke is all around us if you are fortunate enough to be by the seaside. Early in the morning until about 9:45, the sun hits at the right angle, the Sea Smoke lingers over the water providing a splendid visual experience that is not to be missed. The trees and bushes nearby are covered with Hoar Frost creating a magical winter wonderland. So, get up, get out and hit the shore. It’s a beautiful, moving act of nature that should not be missed.

Winter Happenings at the Maine Grind

Coffee and Good Food = Happy Ellsworth Townies

Behave…Buy Local…. Be Local.

So what’s this nonsense about so little to do in Downeast Maine during the winter months? The Maine Grind in downtown Ellsworth has challenged while defying that mindset by taking action. The popular community café has created and organized a slate of interesting activities for the mind, body and soul with the Maine Grind Winter Speaker Series and Workshops. Along with activities organized by the Maine Grind a host of active community organizations use the building on a regular basis. Most all of the happenings are free and open to anyone who wants to embrace our interesting community and all that it has to offer.

Maine Grind Speaker Series & Workshops:

January 17, 2-4 PM, Marathon Training with Gary Allen. Rescheduled from January 11 due to snow, the race director of the MDI Marathon will be offering training tips and reflecting on his personal experiences of over 30 years as a marathon runner, trainer and organizer. Free racing tshirts will be available to all who attend. A casual run will begin at 1PM. Free. For more info: racedirector@mdimarathon.com.

January 17, 9AM. Kick off Celebration of the Maine Grind Runners Pack, weekly Saturday runs. Running is a year round sport that those who run Maine’s roadways, paths and trails know all so well. The Maine Grind announces the forming of the Maine Grind Runners Pack that will be meeting on Saturday mornings at 9AM sharp rain, snow or shine. This is a non-competitive social run where runners of all levels and paces will feel comfortable and welcome. The 4 mile casual runs are a great opportunity to enjoy nice scenery and the company of people who share in the sport of running. The Maine Grind will provide an area where packs can be stored and an area for a change of clothes. Each participant will become a member of the Maine Grind Runners Pack which entitles the participants to coffee discounts. Free. For more info: info@itsamainething.com.

January 17, 2-4 PM. Promoting Your Website Online. Nicole Ouellette of Breaking Even Communications , will be addressing the interesting world of online communication and commerce where she will cover the many aspects of marketing web sites. For those with a web site or are considering creating one this informative workshop will give you strategies for spreading your message or giving your product enhanced attention online by applying techniques used by major web site marketers. Learn about many innovative and primarily free marketing techniques that are available to promote businesses, products or yourself via the web. A quick overview about useful features on a website will lead into an introduction to the fabulous online world of social networking, social bookmarking, blogging, and search engine optimization. Free. For further information contact info@itsamainething.com.

January 18, 2-4 PM. Sierra Club Monthly Meeting. This is the second year that the Hancock County chapter of the Sierra Club has met at the Maine Grind. This month’s meeting will be discussing the book Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken. New members are always welcome!Free. FMI: please contact Debbie at 288-8111 or go to www.sierraclub.org.

January 20, 10AM – 5:30 PM. Inauguration Day on the Big Screen. Celebrate the occasion with friends and community members at the Maine Grind. Complimentary goodies will be available throughout the day. President Obama has pressed upon on all of us for a “call to civic action”. A percentage of the daily sales will be donated to the Emmaus Shelter in downtown Ellsworth.667-0011.

January 25, 2-4 PM. College Goal Sunday . Sponsored by FAME of Maine this state-wide information and assistance session/workshop will be helpful to all college bound students who need help with the federal student aid forms, FAFSA . Attending the session are college aid officers and other qualified professionals who are volunteering for this state-wide effort. Free. For further info: www.collegegoalssunday.com .

January 31, 4 PM. Tango Dance Festival. Come dance & party the popular Argentinean tango at this event. Lessons and dancing for all levels. For more info: tangodowneast@yahoo.com.

EVERY SATURDAY:

Gilbert & Sullivan Rehearsals Saturday & Sunday afternoons

Community Supported Fisheries Shrimp pickups, 9AM, Outside Parking Lot

Tai Chi Chih classes with Tom Viner, 11 AM

Stay tuned for lots of other ongoing activities. Check our blog often.

info@itsamainething.com

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 Our readers love this recipe! Downeast Maine’s BEST Finnan Haddie…where to buy it. How to prepare it. All you need to know…right here!

Finnan Haddie

Be a Local Hero…Support Locally Made Foods!

There is a re-energized food movement afoot in Maine that is setting new standards for independently produced, quality edible offerings made available here in the state. Referred to as artisanal producers, many of these independent food entrepreneurs have been inspired by the Slow Foods movement that was originally organized in Europe in 1989 to counteract the disappearance of local food traditions. The fundamental philosophy of these small food producers is achieved by paying critical attention to detail to both ingredients of origin and production standards where they apply old-world methods in the manufacturing process, all without the use of preservatives nor additives Maine has a long-standing tradition with established entrepreneurs where they produce interesting, artisanal foods that range from award-winning wines to handcrafted cheese to popular lines of condiments and preserves.

Seafood also plays a role in this movement, but it is not always so evident because of the perishability issue as well as the dwindling fish stocks and politics within the seafood industry. However, we have discovered a fabulous artisanal seafood that is produced on the Maine coast that will blow your socks off. It is one of our all-time favorite artisanal foods from the sea, Finnan Haddie, aka smoked haddock.Many harbors and coastal towns have bragging rights to enterprising souls who are engaged in the seafood business. Road-side signs posted along the coast exult freshly picked crabmeat, smoked salmon, fresh scallops and of course, the quintessential lobster pound and co-op.

The beautiful coastal town of Stonington is home to one such enterprise, Stonington Sea Products. Their master-smoker, Richard Penfold, masterfully produces Finnan Haddie weekly. It is made in small batches from an authentic recipe that has been passed down for generations and hails from Scotland’s Shetland Isles. The sublime smoke and carmel-colored, shimmery glaze of this finished product are the trademarks of this outstanding food from the sea. The exceptional quality of Stonington’s Finnan haddie, originates from the top- grade, large haddock that is used in every batch. Unlike other producers of Finnan Haddie, Stonington Sea Products has excelled with this old-world method. They are masters of having access to fresh, healthy, pleasantly fat, whole haddock that comes from responsibly managed sources. The fillets are hand-cut at the Stonington facility and are then cured by hand-rubbing Kosher salt along the flesh of the haddock. After rinsing the fillets under a cascade of cold water they are cold-smoked in the kilns using a mixture of hickory and cherry woods. After just a bit of time lapses, Voila! Award-winning, mouth-watering smoked Finnan Haddie: ready to be prepared and made into a fabulous dish using the time-honored recipe below.

Back in the day, when there was an abundance of Finnan Haddie produced along the Maine coast. Everybody’s grandmother had a special recipe for this delicious dish. Ask any old-time Mainer and they will regale you in a story about their favorite recipe for this old-word dish. Much of that has changed as the stocks of haddock are no longer plentiful as they once were and almost nobody hangs out in the dooryard anymore with their own smoker preparing this marvelous food from the sea. However, the passion for this age-old traditional food still exists through the thoughtful culinary ways of Richard Penfold at Stonington Sea Products. The recipe below is an unforgettable dish that everyone should enjoy together. Serve it up with artisanally-made bread from Borealis Breads here in Maine, http://www.borealisbreads.com, and pair it with a lovely white wine from Maine’s Bartlett Winery, http://www.bartlettwine.com for a memorable dinner. This Finnan Haddie, which was recently recommended by the New York Times, http://www.newyorktimes.com, can be purchased directly from Stonington Sea Products. Let Cheryl or Richard know that you read about it our blog. http://www.stoningtonseaproducts.com , 207-367-2400.

Finnan Haddie

1 LB Stonington Sea Products Finnan Haddie
2 3/4 cups whole milk
1 oz. butter
1 1/2 tbl white flour
1/2 tsp turmeric.
1 tbl Colman’s English Mustard Powder
1 tsp ground black pepper.
1 very small pinch chili powder
2 medium leeks
Mashed potatoes
Method:
Cut the haddock filets into large chunks leaving the skin on. Cover with milk in a pan, preferably cast iron, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Remove pan from heat and let it sit until haddock is cooked. Pour the milk into a glass jug and cool avoiding any loose fish scales from falling in. Remove the haddock from the skin in large flakes. Notice the nice sticky quality. Avoid getting scales from the skin into the flakes.
Make a white sauce with the flour, butter and the haddock flavored milk, using only half of the milk. Add turmeric to give nice yellow color. Add at least two heaping teaspoons of Colman’s mustard powder. Add more if you want more of a bite. Add a small pinch of chili powder, enough to ‘pick up’ the flavor but not enough to add heat. Add black pepper.
Add the haddock flakes including any juice that has accumulated. Stir, increasing the heat. Add more turmeric if you like color. Remove from the burner. Blanch 2 fresh-diced leeks for 2 minutes. Add leeks to sauce. Thin with most of remaining milk to desired thickness. Heat to serve. Use remaining milk to thin each time you serve. Add more butter if you wish. Add more pepper to taste.
Serve with mashed potatoes on the side.
Photos courtesy of Stonington Sea Products.

Maine Grind Winter Speaker Series: Marathon Training Workshop & Run

January 11….2-4. Come early at 1PM to take part in a casual winter run

The Maine Grind Winter Speaker Series announces Marathon Training Workshop & Run on Sunday, January 11, 2-4 PM. Long distance runner and MDI Marathon Director Gary Allen will focus on marathon training techniques that are useful for beginners to seasoned veterans. His discussion and workshop will offer insights, tips and stories to help runners who are planning training strategies for marathon running or for those who simply enjoy the pleasure of running. Gary Allen, who has logged over 100,000 miles on foot, is respected in the world of running as an innovator who has helped pace Lance Armstrong in the Boston Marathon and is currently training for his 16th run for the 2009 Boston Marathon. He is a contributor to Marathon and Beyond Magazine and is a recognized motivational speaker. Light refreshments will be available at the Maine Grind and there will be FREE grab bag race shirts for all attendees. For more info contact: racedirector@mdimarathon.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 667-0011.The Maine Grind is located in Downtown Ellsworth at 192 Main Street.Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit! at www.itsamainething.com .

For more information on the MDI Marathon, see www.mdimarathon.org.

The holidays are here with the theme of giving and sharing the order of the season. Let’s face it, everyone is feeling shortchanged on the money end of life, but despite it all we do like to think of others by expressing our feelings when giving a nice gift. Especially of it is practical and offers great value. Here at the Maine Grind or our web site, www.itsamainething.com we have a terrific range of affordable, hip, practical and fun gifts that are Made in Maine and will make the giftee one happy person. All of the products we sell have been personally used and tested by us. You know, like the Consumer Reports testing grounds, only we do it with a bit more of Maine style. We ship or you can drop into the Maine Grind in downtown Ellsworth and see these great offerings yourself. Here are a few of our holiday gift suggestions:

Sea Bags of Maine Wine Bags: The chicks down in Portland at Sea Bags are continually coming up with great items made from recycled sails. This year’s big hit has been the Sea Bag Wine Bag and they hit paydirt with this one. InStyle Magazine, the Today Show and other lifestyle publications have hailed this as the Best Gift of the Year. Made from recycled sails the bag holds two standard size bottles of wine, has a hand-spliced handle for good grip and stands upright. The fun aspect to giving this as a gift is that the front boldly reads Recyle!Regift!Rejoice! The back has a tag where the name of the giftor can write the name of the giftee. It’s lots of fun to pass around and eventually see where these great bags end up. Or simply use it as THE bag that one reaches for when taking wine to parties. It’s a hip, fun and edgy gift appreciated by men and women. Also, makes a great bridal party gift!

Grill Lid Openers: Mainers are always applying their Yankee ingenuity by creating clever widgets that actually make sense. You know, the kind of useful gadget you have always thought of making yourself in your garage, but never have gotten around to doing. We have certainly found it with the Grill Char BBQ Lid Opener made by our friends in Oakland, Maine. Think about all those times that the BBQ grill lid does not need to be closed shut when BBQing ribs, burgers or fish. The inside of the grill gets too hot, food cooks too quickly and spoils the fun of grilling. Problem Solved with the Grill Char BBQ Lid Opener. The aluminum fins of the fish serves as the guide that determines how high you need the grill lid open to. The oak body is nicely finished which gives the Grill Char Lid Opener an overall clean, polished look. The Grill Char measures about 7 inches. Everybody who grills should have one of these great gadgets.

Toothbrush Holders can be so damn ordinary. Ramp up the look in the bathroom with a unique Granite Toothbrush Holder. Made in Maine these lovely bath accessories are made from stones collected from Maine’s beaches. Each stone has been individually chosen for its unique color, texture and shape. They are easy to keep clean. This gift idea is always well-received and appreciated. Keep posted with our blog as we have lots of great holiday offerings.

New Art Gallery Opens: Harlow Gallery…on Maine, Ellsworth, Maine.
Despite our economic woes life still goes on. Yes, less money is exchanging hands, but life does not end at the money line. Creative juices still abound while talented individuals continue their artistic projects with a segment of the public continuing to purchase art made by talented souls. Recognizing that this exchange continues we have taken the plunge by opening an art gallery in downtown Ellsworth, Maine in the Maine Grind Building. The Harlow Gallery…on Maine opened in early November with a grand opening splash on November 15 to coincide with the Gifted Hand Art Show.
Specializing in Maine art, the Harlow Gallery…on Maine will be offering a range of mediums from original paintings, photography to high quality prints. This new business venture will be specializing in flat art works created by Maine artists that retail for under $1000. There is a need in the area for approachable, affordable art that reflects the creative spirit of local, Maine artists. The Harlow Gallery…on Maine represents the energy and work of emerging, young artists as well as the works of established, older artists, whom collectively embrace the timeless mystique, wonder and inspiration of the Maine landscape. We hope to introduce the public to many of Maine’s creative tribe. Some of the opening invited artists include Philip Frey, Sarah Elizabeth Look, Joseph Haroutunian, Gifford Ewing, Shiela Shanti, Dan Snyder, Alan Claude and Mark Harrell, to name just a few. The Harlow Gallery..on Maine also offers historic, archival photographs of Ellsworth and the vicinity that have been made available through the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport. The images are digitally made from the original glass negatives from the Eastern Illustrating and publishing Company that was a Maine based company known for their “real-photo postcards”. The company made over 30,000 photographs of New England towns from 1909 to 1954.  The photographic portrait works of Robin Farrin Photography are also on display in the gallery. Ms. Farrin, as a portraiture artist, specializes in documenting life’s celebrations with her fluid, light-spirited style. Family portraits, weddings, pet photos, interior room shoots or professional shots for your business needs are Ms. Farrin’s specialty. Appointments for sittings or events can be scheduled through the Harlow Gallery…on Maine. November 15 will be the grand opening splash that coincides with the Gifted Hand Craft Show at the Holiday Inn, which will go on all day. An artists’ reception will be on December 6, 4-7 where one can meet the artists. The public is invited to join the celebrations.

Celebrate Maine! realize the Spirit! Frey photo from www.courthousegallery.com, Ewing photo from www.artfulhome.com

Museum News: Farnsworth Museum, Opening: “Confronting Abstraction: Painting in Maine 1954-1955”. This current exhibit of 20 paintings is from the permanent collection of the museum. The theme of the show explores the affect that the Maine landscape had on the work of a group of Abstract Expressionists who lived in New York after WW II. Many of these artists eventually became influential, internationally recognized artists who continued their relationship with Maine throughout their careers. The show includes the work of realist Andrew Wyeth to abstractionist John Marin as well as works by James Fitzgerald, Rockwell Kent and Andrew Winter. These are the painters from the generation that paved a new way of looking at the Maine landscape which influenced the next 50 years of painters in Maine. Go to www.farnsworthmuseum.org for museum hours and other shows.Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit!

Maine Street USA Meet & Greet: Run for One Planet….Last week on Main Street in Ellsworth, Maine we randomly met the folks from Run for One Planet, an environmental awareness foundation that is traveling throughout the US and Canada spreading the message of Environmental Action. Traveling in their customized van, these two ambassadors, Matt Hill & Stephanie Tait, are a young, engaging couple who are working to inspire the public to Environmental Action through their project. Their commitment to the cause is by using the platform of marathon running as the base for getting their message out, as well as visiting schools and attending public events. On May 4 the pair departed Vancouver, British Columbia escorted by the Vancouver Marathon Society, and set their compass on attending marathons throughout the US and Canada for a year where they carry their environmental message. Their platform is simple: 10 simple actions each of us can accomplish on a day to day basis such as eating locally, turning off lights, recycling, drinking tap water, using cloth bags at the grocer, etc. to become an Environmental Action Ambassador. Sponsors include Asics, Planet Organic, Power Smart. Check out their web site www.runforoneplanet.com It’s a good cause. Matt and Stephanie have great energy. Never know who you’re going to meet on Main Street, USA. Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit!  

What’s Going On: Eat Maine Lobster

Got Yours? Maine Loves its Maine Lobsters…. We are all cutting back, including the high rollers who eat Maine lobster as a ritual when celebrating the good times. Gambling wins at Vegas, hedge fund gurus making big gains, monster real estate deals, winning the lottery, over the top party celebrations where the lobster signified financial and personal success is all a thing of the past. We don’t need to dwell on the details of another era. However, the trickle down effect has negatively hit the Maine lobster industry with many lobstermen and women worried. With the winter lobster season upon us the Downeast Maine lobstermen, coops and dealers are faced with the hard economic reality that the good times are over. Boat payments need to made, licenses need to be secured, bait still needs to be purchased and fuel tanks need to be filled. It’s grim. However, Mainers being the resilient, creative and independent types that we are have banded together to support our ailing lobster industry by eating the delicious crustateans ourselves. With creative energy of the Maine Lobstermen Association behind the effort the idea has been met with great success in Maine and throughout the country, especially amongst those with a Maine connection. With prices as low as $2.50 per pound, lobster has been the main course on many Mainers dinner tables over the past few weeks and everyone has their own particular secret to cooking the Maine State symbol. Lobster bisque, lobster pie, lobster salad, sautéed lobster, lobster crepes, hot boiled, broiled lobster….it’s all delicious. Everyone knows someone who works within the lobster industry so getting them from boat to table without a middleman is an easy task. Nothing better than a eating a freshly harvested lobster the day it was caught. Or having a FRESH lobster roll as I did last week in Jonesport, the vortex of the Downeast Maine lobster world. Hands down, Tall Barney’s in Jonesport made the freshest, most succulent, divine lobster roll that I have ever had. Served on a warm, buttered roll with crisp Maine French fries. And a pickle to boot. Surrounded by proud Downeast lobstermen from Jonesport and Beals Island, who were in the restaurant on their lunch break, it could not have been a better experience. How about the James Beard Classic Award for Tall Barneys for Best Maine Lobster Roll. Well worth the trip. Or if Jonesport is too far, eat a Maine Lobster in a restaurant that offers this delicious treat or you can order it online from Capt Morrill’s seafood. Packed in cold packs, your Maine lobster will arrive fresh and ready to cook. Want to buy a shirt and support the cause? Gundren’s, the clothing manufacturer for the working guy, has come up with a shirt just for the cause. Check out Hamilton Marine’s web site to place your order. Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit!