Rockland, Maine

I was SO excited about going to Rockland.  It was all about the food!  My SI and I had watched an episode of  Anthony Bourdain's show "No Reservations" which took place in Maine.  One of the featured restaurants was a place called PRIMO.  The restaurant raises its own food, veggies and pigs!  We had to go.  A birthday in Maine was the perfect excuse.  I wish I had taken more pictures but I was too busy eating, sorry.

Primo was beyond fabulous!  I was in a beautiful house with 3 floors surrounded by incredible gardens.  With the first step in the door came heaven.  It smelled of warm, tasty food and a wood burning stove.  It felt like walking into a warm log cabin after a cold day of hard skiing.  Very cozy.

A lot of the menu was gluten free on it's own.  Good fresh food.  The waiter was very knowledgeable about gluten and even thought of a few things that I wouldn't have asked about.

First, the amuse bouche.  My companions had something that looked quite good but the waiter brought out my own special GF treat (without me requesting it).  Endive, creamy cheese and a fig topped with a sinful vinegar.

I continued with a fresh, wonderful salad.  Then the most fabulous special appetizer.  I don't know that I can even really explain it.  It was basically a corn puree flan topped with marinated pork belly and drizzled with a pepper sauce and then served with tiny roasted peppers.  It was one of the best things I have ever eaten.  Dinner was a great duck dish.  It had caramelized onions and mushrooms.  Really good!

Next, well dessert of course.  And, oh my goodness, they had GF cannolis.  I'm not talking about some gross processed GF canolli shell stuffed with their filling.  Oh, no.  A beautiful home made shell, like a florentine cookie, stuffed with luscious, creamy filling, dipped in pistachios and served with marinated cherries.  I haven't had a cannoli since I went GF.  When I lived in SF and lived in the Italian area I was tortured daily.  Finally, sweet relief in my mouth.  Who cares if my stomach bursts open from fullness.  My mouth and soul were happy.

Despite visceral  protestations, there was more.  A sweet coffee drink topped with whip cream. A little caffeine for the drive back to Boothbay. Mmmmm.

The bill was requested (ouch!) and we leaned back with painful satisfaction, when it happened.  A post meal treat. (I thought that is what dessert was.  Apparently I was raised by wolves.)  We were brought a long tray of homemade dark chocolate truffles with hints of orange and other yumminess and soft, spongy marshmallows and chocolate dipped gooseberries.  I did walk into heaven!!

Boothbay Harbor, ME

Boothbay is such a wonderful place.  It is like turning back time.  It is full of lobsters with butter on the ocean at sunset, sea kayaking, combing the beach for sea glass and basically just a slower, less complicated life.   Thankfully, it is also somewhat accommodating to the GF life.  It gets better every time I am there.  On my first trip, years ago, there was very little gluten free.  At that time, I would send 365 bread mix ahead and be sure to get a cabin with a kitchen so I could back up a few loaves.  Toast and yogurt for breakfast, PB&J for lunch and lobster for dinner.  Not bad.  I also always pick up some GF ice cream cones on the way (Portland Whole Foods) so I could have soft serve ice cream (safe every time I have checked) at the East Boothbay General Store.  They are always happy to check ingredients for me as well as make one of there great sandwiches on my GF bread (I just bring my Udi's with me in a Ziploc).

This trip was very successful, celiac speaking.

After a late night of travel, shopping and dinner in Freeport we stopped at the Hannaford (say it with a Maine accent) for a few more supplies.  I had a plan for GF chocolate chip birthday pie in the morning.  For a small town (I'm talking one traffic light) grocery store, Hannaford has a nice little gluten free section.

pasta and crackers and flour, oh my!

Next stop, bed.

We stayed at the Tugboat Inn in the crow's nest.  It was perfect.  It had a full kitchen with a full size oven.  Perfect for my gluten free baking.  Not to mention the incredible views from the deck.

Boothbay Harbor

After a sound nights sleep, it was time for some breakfast!!  After a few morning mimosas we wandered down to the Blue Moon Cafe.  I have been here numerous times over many visits to Boothbay.  The same gentleman is always behind the counter and always willing to answer all my questions.  I always get about the same thing.  Omelet with veggies and cheese, potatoes and coffee.  The cheese and potato spices are all safe.  I confirm on each trip.

For lunch we had plans to meet family for a birthday lunch.  While waiting outside I saw the local popcorn stand that just moved to the center of town (http://www.coastalmainepopcorn.com/).  I told my companion that I didn't feel like asking all  the gluten questions but wanted to just LOOK at the popcorn.  Maybe we could go back later and ask.  I just didn't have the energy.  Turns out...I didn't have to!

They had all the gluten free flavors right there! On the board. No asking.  The woman behind the counter was lovely and gracious and gave me multiple samples.  Yum!!

Alas, I could not have popcorn for lunch ... on to Jordan's.

Jordan's does not have a dedicated GF menu but the staff is very helpful and patient.  I have also eaten here a few times throughout the year.  They have been consistent with their service, great food and helpfulness with all my questions and requests.

We went up to Rockland, ME for dinner.  Wow!!  More on that to come.

Though I did not get there this trip, I also must note 93 Townsend as a dining option.  They are probably the most upscale restaurant in Boothbay Harbor.  Though they also do not have a gluten free menu, the former chef is celiac.  So, they are used to getting celiac customers and are helpful in finding safe options.  Plus, they have a crazy martini menu!

Next trip I plan on trying the Chinese restaurant.  I know... soy sauce.  I have been told by an employee/family member that they are happy to cater to gluten free and do so often.  No time on this trip but definitely on the the list for next.

Freeport, Maine

On the way to Boothbay Harbor I stopped in Freeport for a little shopping.  I wanted to check out L.L. Bean in preparation for my Feb trip to Antarctica.  Of course, after a long day of travel and shopping, I needed food.
I had a lovely dinner at the Harraseeket Inn.  They have a restaurant in the main inn as well as a tavern.  We went to the tavern.  There menu specifies gluten free. http://www.harraseeketinn.com/site/batmenu.shtml

We started with the Oven Baked Lobster and Artichoke Dip with Crudite.  OMG!  SO GOOD!  Huge chunks of lobster.

Did I mention lobster?

For dinner... Line Caught Haddock.  Also, quite good.  It was a huge portion.  I forgot to take a picture.
To be honest I can't remember what was gluten free on the dessert menu.  I was so full I couldn't have taken another bite.

Portland, Maine

First stop in Maine is Portland for some GF staples.  I headed straight to Whole Foods for some Udi's bread, gluten free ice cream cones, granola, etc.   I have heard people complaining recently about the lack of gluten free at the Portland Whole Foods.  I disagree.  I would say it is pretty close to the selections we have here in Austin.  It looks smaller because most of it is on end caps but there was nothing they didn't have that I needed.  Makings for gluten free snacks, chocolate peanut butter pie, great breakfast and mimosas...check!  On to Freeport.