October brought in the first fall weekend that seemed like classic autumn in Maine: puffy cumulus clouds hanging from bright blue skies; the farmers’ markets in full swing with squash, apples, Brussels sprouts and vibrant root vegetables looking as luscious as ever. Even what we eat and where we go to have it takes on the hues of seasonal change. I made my first meatloaf since last year. Sweaters were unpacked, socks covered ankles, jackets donned and a wool blazer worn in the evening. Even a stroll through Portland’s Saturday farmer’s market made me think I should have worn gloves since the brisk winds made the 48 degree temperature feel much colder.
Clockwise: cows grazing on pasture at Bisson’s Farm and butcher shop, Topsham; farmer’s market at Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust
After a late night on Saturday I awoke Sunday morning thinking I must have restorative sausage gravy over biscuits for brunch. I found it at Marcy’s Diner though places like The Front Room and The Porthole would have been good choices too.
Top, clockwise: At Marcy’s Diner on Sunday–sausage gravy over biscuits with extra-crispy home fries; Darla and crew on the range and Darla’s new assistant, Dylan, who makes those humongous pancakes
Dinner at Caiola’s Friday night is where I enjoyed an incredible caponata served with semolina crackers followed by a maple-brined chicken that tasted the way you always want chicken to taste. It had that deep gamey flavor, which is not easily encountered even with the flocks of pastured organic chickens everywhere. Caiola’s gets the chickens from Sunset Acres in Brooksville. The farm is more known for their cheeses, but this was one of the best chickens I’ve had in a long time.
Caiola’s vibrant caponata and maple-brined chicken
Earlier in the day I stopped into Salvage BBQ for lunch where the scene was a sea of plaid shirts and jeans. I had a very good pulled pork sandwich with a side of an unremarkable (too saucy, not enough crispy edges) mac and cheese.
The lunchtime crowd at Salvage; excellent pulled pork sandwich on a terrific roll with pickles and slaw; mac and cheese on the side
And on Saturday for the first time I bought some of the Indian dishes from Mulberry Delicacies whose stand at the Crystal Springs in Brunswick is a popular one.
Mulberry Delicacies: savory pies, hummus and naan
By the way I’ve mistakenly labeled this market as Crystal Springs. Its proper calling card is the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmer’s Market, which is held at Crystal Springs Farm. It’s about the best farmer’s market in the state. If you’ve never been go there before they move indoors after November 7th.
Over 40 vendors at the BTLT farmer’s market at Crystal Springs
