D. Taylor's Food & Travel

I wanted to surprise my wife with brunch at the Artemisia Café in Portland. She worked in the building 40 years ago when she taught the foundry course at the Portland School of Art. As such, it was a trip down memory lane for her as the Artemisia Café is in what was once the silver smithing studio.   Artemisia Café   ( Photo courtesy of Google Maps ) We arrived in the area about opening but couldn’t find a place to park. When we found parking, the restaurant was packed with no tables available and an expected 40-minute wait for a table.  Rather than waiting outside, we decided to sit at their bar.  Pre-ordering Erin mixed a great Bloody Mary; she was also fun to talk with. The drinks were excellent and priced nicely.  Ordering We ordered with the expectation we’d be eating at the bar; however, before our food arrived, a table opened up and we were able to relocate to it. I ordered the “Smash Burger,” and my wife ordered the Bene, served with home fries and extra...

Background – We spent the day before riding the Cog Railway and stayed in North Conway for the night.   In the morning we looked for a good place for breakfast, and a very good place we found. Arrival – We arrived at about 9:30 on a Sunday morning and they were busy.   We had about a ten-minute wait before being seated. Pre-ordering – The server arrived quickly with cups and a pot of coffee right away. We sais yes to the coffee and ordered "waters with lemon," and a Mimosa. The arrived quickly--about the time we were ready to order.     Ordering – There were so many luscious sounding items available.   My wife struggled between the traditional Eggs Benedict and Florentine and Irish versions. I wrestled with several omelets and "biscuits and gravy."   I ordered the Biscuits and Gravy and my wife chose the traditional Eggs Benedict. Traditional Eggs Benedict at Banners   Food – The food arrived quickly and without incident and was...

The New Moon, Saco ME Photo by Google Maps We had some business in Biddeford and decided to grab lunch on the way home in Saco .   Downtown Saco has several restaurants, and we haven’t been to any of them. We turned in at Pepperell Square to see what might be good. Within a half a block there was pizza, sushi, a diner, and an adorable little place called “The New Moon Restaurant.”   Looking like something transplanted from the Swiss Alps, The New Moon has a mountain-steep roof and yellow paint. A sign on the front door let us know that they are closed from 2:00 PM (the end of lunch) until the start of dinner (5:00 PM). It was a bit after Noon, so we were good.   Tables and chairs were close; but our hostess brought us to a table that seemed to have enough room, although it would have been uncomfortable if someone was sitting directly behind me.   Bloody Mary at The New Moon We ordered our usual water with lemon and took a look at the me...

The Miss Portland Diner is a 1949 Worcester Lunch Car Company railroad dining car. It was originally located on Forest Avenue, but moved to 49 Marginal Way in 1964. Besides the original dining car there is an addition which provides additional kitchen, storage, bathroom, and dining space. Coffee Mug Miss Portland Diner - Est. 1949 A “seat yourself” sign let us know to wonder a bit.  The upstairs was fairly full, although there were some spaces at a long lunch counter area, so we decided on a booth in the addition. Our server took our coffee orders quickly and was back in a flash.  The coffee was served in absolutely beautiful, old fashioned cups.  The cup was the kind that would make a great souvenir. I later learned you can purchase one for $10.00. A great addition to my cups at home.   Corned Beef Scramble Our server was really helpful and attentive.  When I asked if the hash was locally made or Mary Kitchen™ out of the can she indicate...