It's All About ME (continued)

Just like around these parts, there are farmers' markets all over the place in Maine and the small towns near where we stayed--Brooklin, Blue Hill, etc--were no exception.  We stopped by a very small (only about 5-6 tables) farmers' market in Brooklin (a very small village) and were bowled over by the great stuff--breads, veggies, jams and jellies.  We got some fresh mozzarella (actually from the seller's friend in Vermont), some fresh carrots and dragon beans (Jake has loved them since getting some at one of our local markets this summer), some incredible blueberry/blackberry jelly and a delicious whole-wheat baguette (one of the best breads we've ever tasted).  We were all set for our pasta dinner back at the cottage.



At the summit of Blue Hill Mt.



The next day was pretty relaxing.  We took advantage of yet another beautiful day to hike up Blue Hill Mountain, with great views of the village of Blue Hill and the bay.  We got to bed early because we were headed to Acadia the following morning.

Acadia is why MB & I have returned year after year to Maine.  If you've ever been there, you know what I mean.  Deep forests, mountains, ocean, lakes--it has it all.  There's really not much better than hiking up one of the many mountains, reaching the summit and just standing there to take in the breathtaking view.  We hiked up Connor's Nubble that day.  It was a little rough-going for Jake at the beginning as we had to follow the boulder-filled shoreline of Eagle Lake.  But we saw some loons and, once we left the shoreline and headed up the side of the small mountain, he was much better.  We worked up an appetite--good thing, too.  After hanging out at Jordan Pond for a while, we had reservations for Cafe This Way.

You've probably heard me talk about this restaurant before.  It is one of our favorite places to eat anywhere.  Comfortable, casual, friendly--you can go in your shorts and hiking boots and enjoy creative and delicious meals.  The menu is interesting--very hard to decide on what to order--and the flavors are incredibly well-balanced.  It's food that you'd expect in some fancy place, yet there we were with our hat head hairdos.  It's great.  We started going there the first year we visited ME--and their first year of operation--at the suggestion of Roy & Helene at the Ullikana B&B.  They have steadily grown bigger and more well-known, but never losing the feel that makes it so special.

OK.  Here's what we had.  MB & I shared Wild Mushroom & Brie Fondue as an appetizer.  If I knew it was this good, I wouldn't have shared it.  Jake got a kids' meal--grilled shrimp, corn on the cob, applesauce and pasta (not the usual kids' menu).  MB had Maine crab cakes (3 of them about 2" thick) with garlic mashed potatoes (one of their specialties), butternut squash puree (delicious) and broccolini.  I had Brazilian Mussels, Shrimp and Scallops--with a sweet, spicy and complex Tomato/Coconut Broth with lime.  It was great.  MB & I shared Chocolate Mousse (excellent) and Jake got a Chocolate Chip Brownie with his meal.  If you go to Bar Harbor, you HAVE to go here.  Do you understand me?  You HAVE to!

OK.  Next time, more fried shrimp, Acadia again and LOBSTERS!