Ah yes, my favorite time of year is almost here! You know it well: Maine Restaurant Week! So in honor of the best time of year, check out this post for my recommendations on restaurants to check out this year and the events of Maine Restaurant Week 2020!
SOLD OUT: Friday, February 28th, Incredible Breakfast Cook Off
Well, you can’t get tickets to this great event as it’s sold out, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s for a great cause. For those that bought tickets, this kick-off event supports Preble Street and is hosted by Sea Dog Brewing Co.
It’s also broadcasted live by WBLM’s Captain & Celeste, so even if you can’t be there, you can still experience it! Featuring competitors from:
- Congdon’s Family Restaurant & Bakery
- Black Tie Company
- Congress Squared @ Westin Portland Harborview Hotel
- Noble Kitchen @ Brunswick Hotel
- Pilot House @ Sebasco Harbor Resort
- Sea Dog Brewing Company
- Baristas + Bites
- Bowdoin College Dining
- Harraseeket Inn
- Verbena
Sunday, March 1: Crave Tasting and Competition 2020, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Looking for weekend plans? Why not make plans to attend the Crave Tasting and Competition at the Coffee By Design Roastery on Sunday?
For anyone who calls themself a foodie (like me) or just likes sweets, cocktails, and craft foods made by local makers and craft makers, this is the event for you! You’ll also get to try single-origin and award-winning Coffee By Design blends at the same time.
What more could you ask for? Participants include:
- Botto’s Bakery
- Black Tie Company
- Coffee ME Up
- Sur Lie
- Bam Bam Bakery
- Three of Strong Spirits
- Gross Confection Bar
- Norway Brewing Company
- Ice It! Bakery
- CVC Catering Group
- Landry’s Confections
- Dean’s Sweets
Anyone else starting to drool or is it just me? If it sounds too good to pass up (and you know that it does) buy your tickets here!
SOLD OUT: Sunday, March 8th, Spirit Quest 2020, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
You snooze, you lose, and in this case, if you didn’t buy your tickets to this year’s Spirit Quest, you’re really missing out. Insert a sad face emoji here.
Look, I’ve waxed poetic about MRW and Spirit Quest before. In fact, I’ve done it every year that I’ve gone. Bottom line: it’s a great time! What’s not to love about an event that pairs drinks with bites at various Old Port establishments?
You already know I love it but it’s sold out. If you didn’t get tickets, keep your fingers crossed that you have a friend looking for someone to go with who has an extra. There’s no better way to spend your Sunday!
Maine Restaurant Week 2020 Picks
Wilson County Barbecue
Okay, Wilson County Barbecue may be new (like open a month or less new) but they are serving up some delicious barbecue and fried chicken. I’ve only been once, but knowing that they are participating in MRW, I’m definitely going to try and stop by for dinner.
They are doing lunch or dinner for $25, which is a great deal!
Hugo’s
Ever since Tempo Dulu closed due to going bankrupt (RIP), I’ve needed to find a new place to go for an upscale MRW dinner. Luckily, Hugo’s decided to participate in MRW starting last year, which solved that dilemma.
Best news ever: they are participating in MRW again this year. They are offering 4 courses for dinner for $55. As everything at Hugo’s changes daily, the menu is not posted online.
Eighteen95 Restaurant
The Portland Regency recently rebranded their restaurant, and I’ve been meaning to go in and check it out since this change. It doesn’t hurt that the MRW menu looks delicious as well!
FIRST COURSE
Sea scallop Chowder w/house smoked salmon
or
Stuffed Comte Gougere w/mushroom confit
or
Citrus Salad w/grapefruit, pomegranate, Lakins Gorge Ricotta
SECOND COURSE
Pine Ridge Acres Farm NY Strip – 30 day dry aged
or
Crispy Skin Arctic Char w/crabmeat, lemon-chive beurre blanc
or
Roast Chicken Leg stuffed w/sun-dried tomato & fennel chicken sausage, lemon saffron risotto, wilted
THIRD COURSE
Traditional Bread Pudding- whiskey sauce, toasted pecans
or
Mexican Chocolate Lava Cake
or
Mini Brulee Cheesecake w/mixed berry sauce
You get all this for $45, which really is a steal in my opinion. Especially for that 30 day dry aged NY Strip steak.
As always, these are just a few of the many, many restaurants that there are to choose from during MRW. Let me know in the comments where you’re planning on going for Maine Restaurant Week 2020!
