We traveled to the oldest state, Maine - to visit the celebrated foodie city of Portland. We ate at Becky's Diner, Honey Paw, East Ender, Duckfat, and Central Provisions.
Situated on a peninsula in Maine’s Casco Bay, Portland is home to some 70,000 residents and an abundance of artistic and outdoor adventures. The nearby Portland Head Light has been guiding ships since its completion in 1791 - providing a stunning backdrop to Portland's rugged coastline. But as of late, the city has developed into a booming food and drink scene - and notoriety has followed. James Beard awards have been bestowed upon the local chefs and in 2018 Bon Appétit tagged Portland as the Restaurant City of the Year. Join us as we share our experiences in this small city with a big heart for food.
CONTENTS
00:00 Intro Teaser
00:45 Map & Overview
01:36 Becky's Diner
03:54 Honey Paw
09:21 East Ender
12:33 Central Provisions
13:30 Duckfat
Becky’s Diner
Becky’s Diner opened its doors in 1991 to service fisherman and waterfront workers, flourishing into an award-winning staple on the Portland coastline. It made a name for itself with fresh ingredients, locally sourced seafood, and homemade breakfast dishes, but after a major renovation in 2007, they now serve up spectacular lunches, dinners, and occasional late nite slices of scratch pie. This eatery is so legendary, it has been featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Honey Paw
Honey Paw serves up hand-made noodles, American fare and other international favorites - all with a Asian flare. They also serve up creative cocktails and local craft brews to compliment their mouth watering dishes. This contemporary bistro was destined for greatness as it was started in 2015 by chefs Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiler, James Beard Award winners and current owners of neighboring Eventide Oyster Co. and long-popular Hugo’s.
East Ender
East Ender is a charming seaside-inspired tavern, bringing the pub atmosphere to elevated food and drink quality heights. Bill Leavy and Karl Deuben translated one of Portland’s first beloved food trucks into this brick and mortar in 2015. It immediately hit Bon Appetit’s list of best new restaurants: “Comfort classics and cheffy twists make this Portland, Maine, gastropub stand out from the crowd.” It is also listed on the Food Network’s “Where to Eat in Portland, Maine”
Central Provisions
Upon opening in 2017, Central Provisions became a James Beard finalist for the best new restaurant in the nation, placing chef Chris Gould in good company. This rustic-chic restaurant sits within a 200 year old building in Portland's historic Old Port - and serves up international tapas-style small plates from bone marrow toast to clam fritters. Today it remains as a stronghold on the city’s premier dining short list - and is one of our personal favorites in the U.S.
Duckfat
Duckfat is a small restaurant emphasizing specialty sandwiches, gelato shakes, craft beers, homemade sodas, and, of course, their hand-cut Belgian fries that are twice cooked in duckfat.
Chef/owner Rob Evans is a James Beard Award winner when he owned nearby Hugo’s, but has since opened Duckfat, which is now a three-time Food Network Chopped Champion restaurant. The eatery’s tuna melt was named one of the top sandwiches in the country by Esquire magazine and is a perfect compliment for their famed poutine.