Portland Maine is a vibrant harbor town with a creative spirit and a gritty, working class past. Access to some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast( including Maine’s succulent lobster) and scores of small scale farms and artisan food producers has attracted a new wave of forward-thinking chefs eager to showcase some of Maine’s best culinary offerings. Recently named the “Foodiest small town in America” by none other than Bon Appetit magazine I knew I had to sample some of Portland’s goodies for myself but I was only stopping in the city for one day. One of the best things to do in Portland is explore it’s food-Maine Foodie Tours to the rescue!
The tour began at Vervacious, a specialty foods shop offering up hand-blended spice mixes,salts and vinegars. We met our guide Chris, a former Culinary Institute of America administrator, and quickly got down to the tasty business of eating. First up was a decadent mac and cheese featuring Maine’s finest crustacean. No butter or cream, this lobster mac was made with Parmesan cheese water created by sous vide which resulted in a luscious sauce with much less guilt. The mac and cheese was a foil to sample some of their delicious finishing salts which ranged from spicy curry to savory cinnamon but the standout for me was their fiery sichuan salt. We then moved on to the sweeter side of thing sampling fruit drizzled with their award winning balsamic glazes(chocolate and espresso). The espresso balsamic was sweet and complex, I loved it so much I brought a bottle to take home.
The sunny weather made for a pleasant stroll through the Old Port section of the city and Chris regaled us with tales of the history of Portland. As nice as it was outside we had some tasting to do, and it wasn’t long before we came upon Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery. Known for their award winning Back River Gin, they also offer a vareity of liquors featuring classic Maine flavors like blueberry and cranberry. The showstopper here was their maple smash, a blend of maple syrup and brandy. It wasn’t too sweet but offered up a classic maple flavor with a smooth caramel finish.
Teetotalers, there’s something on this tour for you as well. A quick jaunt across the street lies Vena’s Fizz House, a craft soda bar. Owner Johanna Corman takes the high art of the cocktail and applies it to beverages everyone can enjoy. You’ll find classic flavor combos like cherry-lime and orange-cream but Johanna thinks outside the box too. My favorite libation here was the lumberjack, an intriguing drink made with pine syrup. Yep, pine syrup and it was quite refreshing.
We made our way back toward the waterfront to a Portland institution, the Harbor Fish Market. Family owned and operated for over 40 years this is the local’s choice for Maine’s best seafood. Judging from the steady flow of customers (some of who appear to have stepped from the pages of a Herman Melville novel) and the line of boats at the back dock, this place is the real deal. Stepping inside you’ll find two huge lobster tanks, a variety of oysters and shellfish and a few friendly fishmongers ready to help you pick out the day’s best catch. They also sell some prepared seafood items like the locally smoked Maine shrimp and smoked mussels.The cold smoked seafood had a sweet smokey flavor and delicate texture that would be perfect for a cocktail party.
As we walked through the gleaming lobby of the Portland Harbor Hotel, we knew Chris had saved the best for last. Our final stop of the day was at Eve’s at the Garden where executive chef Timothy Labonte warmly greeted us and presented his take on Maine’s famous lobster roll. Succulent lobster with corn, pea shoots, pickled ginger and creme fraiche ended our day on a high note.Sipping our Chardonnay at Eve’s beautiful garden courtyard, it had been a very tasty afternoon indeed.
Hungry yet? Maine Foodie Tours offer several food tours throughout Portland as well as Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor,these tours are a great way to taste what Maine has to offer.
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Disclosure: I was generously offered a discount by Maine Foodie Tours however as always all opinions are my own.
Emma says
That lobster roll? I would fly there today for that alone! It looks like a great place to do a foodie tour! 🙂
Brianna says
It seriously was one of the best things I tasted in the entire state of Maine.
Corinne says
I think Portland is one of the best places in the country to get really good food. Yum!
Brianna says
I was really taken by the quality of the artisnal foods there.
Esther says
Ooh, that all looks amazing! I should definately do that sometime.
Found you through #SundayTraveler
Brianna says
Food tours are a great way to get a taste of an area and Portland was one of my favorites!
jan says
I shall remember Portland Maine. It is on my American Mental To Do and Eat list now. 🙂
Brianna says
It’s not too far from Boston and would make a great day or weekend trip.
Dave Cole says
Wow, there are so many things I just read about that I want immediately! I’ve had lobster mac & cheese before, but the one at Vervacious takes the dish to a new level. Also, I’m game to sample those locally distilled spirits. Looks like an excellent way for a food lover to experience Portland.
Brianna says
Dave, the quality of the artisinal food scene all over Maine was really impressive.
Axelle says
Although my stomach goes in hunger-mode by reading this, I really liked your post. Maine is definitely something I would visit when going to America 🙂
Brianna says
Maine is very much a genuine slice of America with its own distinct way of doing things. Definitely worth a stop when you’re on this side of the pond.
Michael Huxley says
I wish you’d stop making me wish I was in Maine right now! I always get hungry as hell after reading your latest posts! That Lobster roll sounds amazing!
Brianna says
Mike, I can’t help it! I now know why Maine’s nickname is “Vacationland”. I didn’t want to come back!
Karen Warren says
Maine has been on my bucket list for a while, and you’ve just added to my desire to go there!
Brianna says
I loved Maine a lot more than I expected to, it’s just a very genuine place.
Tamara Gruber says
Sounds awesome! We thought of doing that tour the last time I was in Portland but didn’t have time but maybe next year! We did a food tour in Rome earlier this summer and loved it and my daughter is quite a little foodie too. In the meantime we just chowed down at Duckfat and Vinland on our own.
Brianna says
I love that your daughter is a little foodie 🙂 I will definitely be heading to Duckfat next time I’m in Portland.
Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal says
Um yes, I’m hungry now! You enjoyed some amazing sounding foods. Great idea to do a food tour. You’re able to cover so much ground within a small amount of time. I love the big letters spelling out Maine on the brick wall in Vena’s Fizz House.
Brianna says
I’ve been on a few food tours and I absolutely love them. A great way to sample several eateries when you’re in town a short amount of time.
Lauren says
Espresso and balsamic – I never would have thought of those flavors going together! I do love both of those things though so I would like to try it! Sounds like you had a great time!
Brianna says
Me neither but they go together splendidly!
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
Everything sounds great, but I’m especially intrigued by the fiery sichuan salt.
Brianna says
Vervacious has online ordering so you definitely can try it for yourself!
Sandra @ Tripper says
And I thought Maine’s food was just about lobsters. Great tour.
Brianna says
I was really surprised about the quality artisinal products coming out of Maine, there is some really great stuff!
Revati Victor says
Always wanted to taste the pleasures of Portland, and this post has made me want to with a renewed urgency. The sous vide lobster in particular sounds so delicious!
Brianna says
It is definitely a tasty town to visit!
Marie-Carmen says
I love food tours and would love to try this one out when we make it to the States!
That lobster roll looks amazing! Crème fraîche, lobster, I’m already sold! Yum!
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with lobster but this took it to a completely different level.
Bente Vold Klausen says
I love seafood! Do they have a season for lobster or can they catch them all year round? In Norway we only eat lobster in autumn and the best way to prepare them is fried.
Brianna says
Lobster is more summer and fall. The best place to get lobster is one of the many roadside seafood shacks serving lobster freshly caught that morning.
me says
Lobster is a bit less expensive in Maine toward the end of summer, but it’s definitely available all year long so don’t worry about what time of the year you visit.
Bonjournal says
Portland, Maine is on the very top of my list of US cities I want to visit. I am based in NY, and I really have no excuse not to take a road trip some day. The food looks so good.
Brianna says
New England is perfect for road tripping!
Anne Klien says
That lobster look yummy
Brianna says
It was spectacular. I should go back to Portland just to get another one.
Kristen Sarra says
It all sounds sooooo yummy. I love Maine and they do have some amazingly fresh seafood. I normally spend a bit of time in and around Bar Harbor during the summer at my friend’s vacation home but I have never made it up to Portland. I’ll have to tell her we should try this food tour! Sounds like a great experience. Thanks for the post 🙂
Brianna says
Loooved my time in Maine, it was a great place to road trip!
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
I’m officially starving and booking my next holiday to Portland just for this tour! Lobster mac and cheese and craft sodas… sounds like heaven!
Brianna says
Its a very artsy and creative town too, right up your alley!
Hannah says
I’ve never taken a foodie tour but it sounds like such a fun (and filling!) day. The craft soda bar is pretty neat!
Brianna says
I’ve been on a few, they are so much fun!
Eimear says
As both a teetotaler and a vegetarian, food is always such a challenge when I’m travelling, a guided tour seems like a great option to find the best local spots.
Brianna says
While Portland is known for its seafood, there were plenty of veggie options too. I thought Vena’s fizz shop was such a wonderful idea!
Christina says
Foodie tours are great.
Do you know if they offer any tours for vegetarians/vegans?
Brianna says
I don’t believe they do specifically but if you contact them beforehand they may be able to customize a tour.
Tim says
It’s been a long while since I was in Maine but your tour and the associated photos bring back a lot of memories. Great harborside seafood and lobster dinners with a glass of wine and side of history. I really enjoyed your post and the memories it brought back.
Brianna says
I enjoyed my trip to Maine much more than I expected too. There is some great food up there!
Alli says
How lovely! This is something I would absolutely LOVE! I love a whole excursion dedicated to food. I would love to try that maple splash, sounds so delicious!
Brianna says
I was sad I had no more room in my luggage,it was delish!
noel says
Yeah, I love foodie tours and this looks yummy!
Brianna says
Food tours are great aren’t they?
Brianna says
What’s not to like?
Richelle of Adventures Around Asia says
Wow! I need to get to Maine. I LOVE lobster but it’s so expensive elsewhere
Brianna says
Definitely the best lobster I’ve had anywhere.Period.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
I’ve never been a big fan of macaroni and cheese, but that looks really delicious. I really need to spend some time in the Northeast some day!
Brianna says
There are so many cute little towns throughout New England, definitely worth some time.
Urska says
Mmmm this lobster looks so delicious! Would love to try that food tour!
Stacey Veikalas says
OH MY GOSH do I love Lobster and I have to say not much of around here in Germany 🙂 What I would do for a Lobster roll – what a fun tour and I dont think there is anything better than eating your way through a town YUMMM !!!
Brianna says
Eating is definitely my favorite way to savor the local culture. While in Maine I ate lobster every day!
Sarah Ebner says
Wow, this sounds absolutely fantastic, though you had me early on with the maple syrup and brandy!
Brianna says
It was such a yummy drink, I wish I brought some home!
anna parker says
i’ve never done a food tour but they definitely look like the best way to see the hidden gems of the city!
Brianna says
I highly recommend a food tour, especially if you only have a short amount of time in a city.
Bianca @itsallbee says
This is such a great way to explore the city’s food spots. Eating your way through them. The makings of a great day!
Brianna says
The tour starts and ends with lobster, how can that be bad?
Jessica @She Dreams of Travel says
First of all, I had no idea that there was a Portland in Maine so I learned that today from your blog! Secondly, that food looks absolutely delicious! I personally think I would love that mac and cheese with the different finishing salts and the drink with pine syrup. I’m big on trying new foods with strange or uncommon combinations like that so I’m sure I’d love it. There are some food tours down here in Miami where I live. I have been wanting to try one for a long time, but I keep putting it off. Your post has convinced me that I must stop doing that! I don’t know if the tour here will be as great as the one you did in Portland, but it’s certainly worth a try!
Brianna says
I bet there are some absolutely fabulous food tours in Miami! You’ll have to let me know about your experience.
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) says
Both the fish and the lobster look delicious. We love going to wine/food festivals in town all the time.
Brianna says
There is no better way to celebrate than good wine and a fabulous meal.
Elaine says
The food looks awesome. I’ll have some lobster roll!
Brianna says
I enjoyed every sip and bite!
Jessica says
I would not have guessed Portland, Maine to be the “foodiest” town in America! It all looks and sounds so delicious though I can see why! I’d be hanging around that lobster market everyday if I lived in the area 🙂 Thanks for the tour!
Brianna says
It has the highest number of chef owned restaurants per capita and there is some serious food coming out of Maine. I was really surprised.
lorrie says
thanks for sharing this great photos enjoyed reading it
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says
I love food (and even more than that, I love food tours). I had never heard of Portland, Maine (and for that I am quite ashamed) but now I am adding it to my list of destinations that I must visit for the food!
Brianna says
The short distances between New England Towns make it great for a road trip
Micamyx|Senyorita says
I have a friend whose husband is from Maine. Bookmarking for future reference 😀
Brianna says
We had a great time, its a beautiful state!
City Bitches Abroad says
I love Portland too – but I’m biased since I’m from there! I have a lot of memories of visiting Harbor Fish Market so I was happy to see that included in your list. I’m continually amazed at how many new awesome eateries there are every time I visit. ~ Mel at City Bitches Abroad
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by Mel! I had a great time in Portland and the rest of Maine as well. Definitely some good eats up there!
Nicole Brewer says
This sound awesome! I’ve never been to Maine, but will have to put this on my list as a foodie tour fan!
Brianna says
Maine really surprised me,its so much more than lobster!
Leah says
So I never knew much of anything about Portland until reading this, but WOW does it sound like my kind of place. I’m not big on seafood but the rest of it sounds divine! Chocolate and espresso balsamic glazes!?!? YUM
Brianna says
It’s such a funky, artsy little city, you’d love it.
Katie says
I’d really like to explore this part of the US. It looks so quaint and relaxing 🙂
Brianna says
Maine surpised me, it was such a great destination all around.
Howard @ Backroad Planet says
I have roadtripped through Maine and sample many fine meals, but I definitely need to get in on one of these foodie tours!
Brianna says
All you really need is a good lobster roll 🙂
Travelwith2ofus says
I have always wanted to go on a foodie tour. I think it is such a fascinating idea to combine travel and food. After all, one of the best experiences while traveling is trying new and different cuisine from around the world. FYI! Lobster roll will love to try it.
Brianna says
I love food tours, especially when I’m in a place only a very short time.
Meg Jerrard says
Shouldn’t have read this before I had lunch – now I’m craving a lobster roll!! Everything looks and sounds delish – I’ll have to make sure we make time for a foodie tour when we do our tour of the East Coast!
Brianna says
Make sure you get all the way up to Maine, definitely worth it!
Dave Briggs says
Mental note made to check the food tours out in Maine – Looks just my thing!
Brianna says
How can you go wrong?
Yvonne says
YUMMY! I absolutely love foodie tours, especially when you get to taste what the locals have to offer.
Brianna says
Food tours are one of my favorite ways to explore a city.
RaW | Ramble and Wander says
OMG! That lobster roll!! Where am I supposed to find that at 3 a.m. in the morning?? *drooling* T_T
Brianna says
You might get lucky at one of the gourmet diners 😉
Jenna says
Love food tours, and this one sounds great! We are hoping to make it to Portland soon, so we will have to try and check this out!
Brianna says
Portland is a great town for eating, you’ll have a great time!
Veronika says
Yeah, that sounds like lots of foods there. Are there any vegan option though? Its always hard to find something tasty to eat when you try to stay healthy..
Brianna says
While Portland is a seafood town its also very artsy and its not too hard to find Vegan options.
Mary says
So many great spots to eat there! I mean of course the seafood would be great but I had no idea about all the other options. Great info!
Brianna says
Vena’s in particular was so much fun!