Off the Maine Road

Month: March 2015

The Sea Dog Biscuit: A Destructive Breakdown and Analysis

March 27, 2015 /

(Just to be clear, the title is supposed to be the opposite of constructive analysis, but since we’re breaking down the product, I decided to make it destructive. Do not think I am trashing this lovely and delicious treat.)

The Sea Dog Biscuit is an integral part of Maine cuisine, and directly derives its name from the Portland Sea Dogs, Maine’s MiLB baseball team. The product is rather exclusive – aside from being sold at the Sea Dogs’ home stadium Hadlock Field, it is only available in a handful of other locations, including the Ice Cream Dugout. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the structure of this treat, I have set aside the next few words to explain it to you. It is very similar to a chipwich, just wrapped in signature Sea Dogs packaging. The outer layers are a chocolate-chip-cookie-type-biscuit confection, which in my opinion, is the most delicious part of the package. If you have a few Sea Dog biscuits to spare, I recommend you eat the cookie outer “shell” on its own one time.

The inside is filled with Shain’s of Maine premium vanilla ice cream, which is rather self-explanatory. If you like the filling, I suggest you sample some of their other flavors at their retail locations.

I really don’t know why I spent the last 212 words talking about what on the surface seems like such a simple product. Here at Off the Maine Road, we’re all about taking the simple and breaking it down in further detail. If Maine was that simple, this blog wouldn’t exist today.

Fuji Restaurant, Old Port: A Taste of Japan

March 26, 2015 /

Food is a central tenet of Off the Maine Road. It’s what brings Mainers together. Some treats are uniquely Maine, while other delicacies come to the Pine Tree State from all around the world. Today, we’re going to travel to Tokyo…well not really. We’re going to the Old Port, on Exchange Street, to Fuji Restaurant. As cliché as the name sounds, this is no ordinary eating establishment. The restaurant divides itself into 3 parts (longtime readers know that I like lists):

  • Standard “western” booth seating
  • Tatami mats
  • Hibachi (which is downstairs)

Of course, the take-out option is always available.

Fuji Restaurant's Hibachi grill.

Fuji Restaurant’s Hibachi grill.

During the few visits I made to Fuji, I had the opportunity to sample each seating option, and try many of the dishes. After a long day walking around the Old Port, it was a welcome treat to sit around the hibachi table and watch a culinary experience unfold right before my eyes. Hibachi portions are generous, and include an appetizer, soup, salad, rice, vegetables, and your choice of poultry, meat, fish or seafood. While not part of the traditional Japanese cuisine, fresh Maine lobster is also available. Sushi is fresh, and quite tasty. Of course, I wanted to sample everything on the menu, but due to time constraints (and budget), was unable to. That being said, I encourage you as readers to head out and enjoy Fuji’s take on Japanese cuisine! Feel free to comment below any new discoveries you made at the restaurant!

That wraps up today’s edition of Off the Maine Road. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for daily updates, Maine-worthy articles, photos and more!

A View of Maine from Above!

March 23, 2015 /

I want to make Off the Maine Road an interactive experience so you, as the readers, can experience Maine from different viewpoints and angles.

Today’s mini-post comes from 23,400 feet above sea level, in a Boeing 777. It’s a photo I took two days ago of the Southern Maine coastline, still somewhat covered in snow. I was able to recognize some “landmarks,” including:

  • Portland, the Old Port, and the Back Bay
  • Portland International Jetport
  • Sebago Lake and its surrounding lakes
  • Cousins Island
  • Falmouth and Yarmouth
  • Mackworth Island

I created an interactive picture, in which you can click on some of the places (marked by dots) and find some cool links related to the location. Hope you enjoy it!

North Conway, New Hampshire: A Weekend Getaway

March 1, 2015 /

Today, Off the Maine Road is going on an adventure. It’s an adventure which crosses state borders, into the state of New Hampshire. We’re taking a weekend off from Vacationland and will be going on a vacation of our own.

A short journey to the Northwest of Portland along Route 302 brings us to North Conway, New Hampshire. It’s a destination known for its activities during the summer and winter. One of the most valuable guides to the area is on this website. I’ll briefly mention some of my favorites in this post.

Lodging

There are a number of good hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area, which are all on the guide below. For families, the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is a good choice, with an indoor waterpark called Kahuna Laguna in the hotel.

Dining

The Flatbread Company has some of the best artisanal pizza in town. It’s thin-crusted, and cooked in a brick oven right next to you. They also have a location in Portland, among others.  Another upscale choice is dining on the historic Conway Scenic Railroad. There’s a Ben and Jerry’s right across from the railway station.

Shopping

Shopping in North Conway can be divided into two parts: the outlets and stores in the center of town. Settlers’ Green Outlet Village contains many of the store you may be looking for, but the L.L.Bean outlet is just down the street. The main street in town (White Mountain Road) across from the railroad station is full of small shops chock-full of gifts and other New England goodies. Zeb’s General Store is one of the biggest.

Activities

If you’ve ready Off the Maine Road before you’ll notice that I like lists, so I’ll mention my suggestions in a list format.

Skiing

Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Everything Else

That’s it for now. Next time you’re left with a free weekend, consider North Conway as a possible destination!

See the gallery below for photos of North Conway’s dining, shopping and attractions.

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