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VISIT PORTLAND / 33

EAT. STAY. LOVE

Culinary artistry is nowMaine’s calling card—if food is the way to

your heart, then you need to make your way toMaine this year.

Of course Maine is legendary for lobster, and you should have it any way you like—

steamed with butter and corn, in rich chowder or bisque, or packed into a toasted roll. But

let your taste buds also discover why the region’s culinary scene has garnered a national

reputation for innovation and style. Farm-to-table, sustainable seafood, community-

supported agriculture—in Maine these aren’t trends, they’re traditions. Fishermen haul

fresh lobster and seafood to the docks every day. Organic farms and dairies support year-

round farmers’ markets with locally raisedmeats, vegetables, and herbs bursting with natural

flavor. And our five James Beard Award-winning chefs and countless other talented food

artists in residence use these freshest of ingredients tomake gastronomic magic.

Locally-made products are everywhere, from handcrafted cheeses, to prize-winning

jams, sauces, and condiments, to artisanal chocolates. On a culinary walking or trolley tour

you can sample delectable foods while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the craft makers

and their industry. And let’s not forget to toast the state’s breweries, wineries, and

distilleries that give Maine’s foodie culture a little extra sparkle with craft beverages that

include local ingredients like blueberries, raspberries, and potatoes. Mobile brewery tours

will drive you to safely sample the wares from a variety of the region’s best brewers.

Whether you come here primarily for the beautiful scenery or for the fabulous food,

there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy both once you arrive—often at the same time!

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: CHEBEAGUE ISLAND INN; COURTESY DAVID TURIN

Upscale eats at Chebeague Island Inn

CUISINE

RELUCTANT TRAIL BLAZER

DAVID TURIN, CHEF-OWNER

DAVID’S CREATIVE CUISINE

As a chef, Portland is amazing for its incredible

food from many different sources. Local, organic,

sustainable is natural, authentic,and affordable. I

think the bigger surprise for visitors about Greater

Portland is just how much there is to do, how nice

people are. We really do have great hospitality

in Maine. Portland is a city feel without all the

city hassles—no traffic, people are nice, stuff isn’t

crazy expensive, and it’s gorgeous all year long,

through all of the seasons. I moved here against

my will, but someone really important to me made

me do it. I was mad about it until I got here and

I’ve thanked them ever since. It’s been 26 years!

I like eating in other restaurants and I enjoy the

outdoors…I surf, ski, hike, and bike quite a bit.

LOCAL TAKE