Charlie Delray

Postcards from our (first) Five Days in Maine – Great restaurants, chefs, and amazing coincidences!

Plenty here will get detailed in future separate posts, but here’s the down low in short…
 
📷 Arrived in Portland Tuesday, started with outstanding lunch of Fried Clams at scenic Two Lights, perfectly seasoned batter.
 
📷 Tuesday evening, enjoyed the epic Bread and Butter w Sabayon (and much more), as great as ever, at Central Provisions…
 
📷 Afterwards, I grabbed a delicious Substance Ale from Bissell Brothers at Bar Futo, the newer spot from Jordan Rubin of Mr. Tuna. As I was leaving, I thought I spotted a South Florida Chef friend at a 6-top, but nahhh, what would the chances be…
 
📷 Wednesday, we lunched on steamers in Freeport at the very scenic Harraseeket Lunch (pro tip: there’s a hidden upstairs deck in back).
 
📷 Then it was a mind-blowing dinner at Twelve. Reminded me of some of my most elevated meals in the past from spots such as The Modern and EMP, but still casual and easy-going.
 
📷 Thursday, we hit Leeward for more great bites. Lobster bucatini fra diavolo, yes please.
 
📷 After dinner, had time to say hello to Cameron Lewin, formerly of Contra, now GM/Owner at Regards, my must-do on next trip.
 
📷 Friday it was time to head North. Stopped by the Lost Kitchen, just to see the spot we’ve spent so much time enjoying on tv and in books. Beautiful spot, and had a few nice words with Erin’s mom, Deanna Richardson, while she was preparing flower arrangements (of course)!
 
📷 On Saturday morning we arrived up in our Blue Hill cabin for the next week. Needing provisions, we went to the tiny TINY Farmer’s Market, and who do I see as we’re walking in…
 
It’s Chef Dean Max, South Florida friend, and mentor to many chefs. And where has he been dining? “Hit Bar Futo when I was in Portland”. Crazy. It was him in Portland and now him again in a tiny town 140 miles north. Anyways…
 
A great time so far - and thanks to all the folks who make it possible.

Absolutely terrific dinner from Chef Colin Wyatt, capped by this breathtaking dessert from pastry chef Georgia Macon.

She has been named as a  Rising Star, Class of Coastal New England 2023.

📷: TCHO Chocolate Sundae - Miso Caramel, Candied Cocoa Nibs, Cocoa Tuile, Urfa Biber Chile

Father’s Day / Welcome Summertime lunch. Same-day local sweet corn is now coming in here, and it’s fabulous.

With chips, watermelon and a Lobster Roll, I’m happy! 🦞🌽🍉🍠

Back for a second life visit. And these ribs are as spectacular as I remember!