Went on a road trip, ended up on MDI. This time of year, almost nothing is open and the tourist crowds are long gone with the expected end of "Foliage" season. Only this year, "Foliage" was about two or three weeks late. It was nice. No cars, no bus tours, very few people, great views. In any case, we went looking for places for lunch and dinner one day and found two very nice "local" places. Lunch was over in Southwest Harbor, a small bakery called "Little Notch Cafe". See the blackboard for the selection that day as it changes all the time. Their own breads are the feature, sandwiches are creative, and you can get everything from Vegan to lots of meat. Or you can go for one of their interesting Pizzas. Prices were cheap, less than most sub shops or a "meal" at one of the fast food joints, which, thankfully are not to be seen in the area. Directions: South on 102, and if you go past the blinking light in the center of town, you have gone 100 yards too far. It's in the right (west) side of the street. After a beer at one of the local tourist traps (O.K., they had about 25 taps, and a good scotch and bourbon selection), we headed out to "151" in Northeast Harbor. Think "Gourmet Comfort" food. When you walk in, grab a small bowl and fill it with an assortment of hot nuts from the counter. Wine and beer selection was decent, the bar features locally produced beverages. I had a delightful Scottish Ale from Atlantic Brewing (on tap). "Small Plates" for starters. We went with the Maine Crab Cakes. (Fresh lump crab, dijon, scallions, and fresh herbs with a grapefruit and key lime aioli.) Not a lot of breading. They are broiled rather than deep fried, as some places do. While they also have Pizza, we skipped that part, but the White Clam and Bacon (roasted & fresh garlic, chopped clams, bacon, and cheese) was tempting. Wife went with a Pasta dish: Shrimps Gambino. Large shrimps sauteed with shallots, garlic, hot sauce, white wine & lemon, served with Linguine & garnished with bread crumbs, parmesan, and scallion. My dinner was "151 Meatloaf", a twice cooked pork and beef meatloaf with a wild forest mushroom gravy over garlic mash with veggies. After, I asked and found out that this is the single most ordered item on their menu, and with good reason. Runners up in my selection were the Duck Confit and the Vegetable Curry. I won't tell you about desert, but both my wife and I (who never order desert) were glad we had some excellent coffee with ours. Menus (main and desert) change often. Prices: Large Plates and Pasta range from $10 to about $20, Pizza is about $10, and small plates are $5 to $10. Directions: 151 Main Street, Northeast Harbor. South on 102, then Rt 3. Continue straight onto Rt 198, and continue straight onto Main St in the center of NE Harbor. (Rt 198 goes right at this point.) 151 is the last building on the right in the center of town. Main St. is one way during summer months and two way from late fall to spring. Watch for cars. They close in mid-December and open sometime in April. 207-276-5188.
Maine