Places to See in Portland, Maine

PORTLAND, MAINE

Family-friendly trip to Portland, ME

             Maine  is located in the Northern East side of the United States along the borders of Canada, Vermont and New Hampshire. Portland, Maine is sometimes confused with Portland, Oregon or Portland in the UK. But this state is unique and known for its coastal waters, fresh lobsters, national parks and its lighthouse. 

Portland is on the largest city in Maine. It is about a 6-hour drive from New York. It is a great place for all seasons, but we picked our summer trip to enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. Here are some tips on how we manage a family trip.

Prepare for the long drive.

Traveling with kids is no joke, especially if it is a long drive. Pack lots of snacks and drinks, as well as their favorite toy. (We decided that this is a gadget-free trip, so no tablets or gaming consoles.) It worked out okay as we have their favorite DVDs. Although headset is a must, so they can enjoy the show, while we enjoy our music. Have a cooler plugged in so they can have a cold drink on the way. We packed enough comfortable clothes for the kids, including swimwear, sunblock/sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

 

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Plan for the Stay

As much as I want to share where we stayed, it was a disappointment. But as a tip, hotels around Portland is quite pricey as you go farther away from the tourist destinations, it gets cheaper. We booked a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay which I think should be good enough time to explore Portland.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

 

Both us and the kids enjoyed the Botanical Garden trip. One that made the trip interesting is the search for the trolls, the kids loved it (and us, too)! It gave the kids a "quest" as we walk around the park. They are called the Guardians of the Seed; five giant works of art were hidden around the park and we slowly trek around to find them. Along with it, are stories where the children learn about the forest, the trees and how to be connected in nature.

 

 

 

It may sound tiring, but feeling the fresh breeze, hearing the sound of nature and looking at the beauty of the flowers and trees makes it all worth while. This trip is not just for youngsters and youngsters at heart, but for all ages. There are shuttles around giving an option to take a ride. You really do not have to roam around if walking is not your favorite, you can simply sit down in our of the many parks and just be with nature.

 

 

Family Fee: $55 (check out their website for up to date fees)

 

 

Victoria Mansion

A National Historic Landmark, the Victoria Mansion showcased the exquisite architecture, beautiful interiors and history. It brings you back in time and the guided tour immerses you through the vast collection of almost all original artifacts and restored wall to wall artwork.

Family Fee: $35 (check out their website for up to date fees)

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth

https://fb.watch/eqyaHv0PKO/

It was a beautiful view of the coast while enjoying a lobster roll! 

Parking Fee depending on duration of stay.

Dining

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Okay, the main reason we came was really the food, seafood.... lobster to be exact! So we heard that Maine is famous for its lobster, so why not check it out...

 

We tasted both the lobster in a restaurant and lobster as a street food, and is equally delicious. We had the famous Cousin's Maine lobster roll in their food truck by the Lighthouse. We booked a dinner at Saltwater Grille for their baked stuffed lobsters; the children loved the clam chowder and fried calamari. I am not a fan of raw, but hubby loved the freshness of the oysters. You can never go wrong with fish and chips for the kids' entree.

But if your craving for seafood and lobsters now, you cane have lobsters delivered to your home through Get Maine Lobster, they offer 10% off your first order and choose from a wide-selection of fresh catch seafood!

Stop-Over Worthy

 

Don't miss the Holy Donut, our favorite is the Maple Bacon Donut, Bacon Cheddar, and Triple C!

 

Planning for your next adventure check out The Sightseeing Pass for a worry-free tour!

The Basic of Wine Tasting and Pairing - A Beginner's Perspective

Wine... 

...the subtle sound of a classy drink and yet can be overwhelming from wine selection to wine tasting. 

This article is for novice just like me. So, if you are a wine expert, you can stop right here, as you more than likely, know more than what I know. This is for a beginner who would love to genuinely learn how to enjoy a glass of red wine or white wine without the fear of being judged. 

As a novice, I would honestly say wine tasting can indeed be enjoyable and yet can be complicated at first. It is quite overwhelming to learn wine tasting from an expert, as the terms can be complex. So, we'll start from the very basic, simple tips on how to enjoy the wine that you received last holiday that is still sitting in you cupboard somewhere in the kitchen waiting for your attention.

Wine Pairing 

Now you're seated at the table in a fine dining restaurant with the overwhelming selection of wine, how do you do this?

You have to understand the rationale of wine pairing is to compliment the taste of the food with wine, creating a balance, a rhythm of flavor, a circus in your palate.

There is much complexity in knowing, for example, which wine has high tannin to compliment fatty foods. So the simple way to approach as a beginner is by two ways:

1. Pair by color.

    Typically, chicken and fish/shellfish pairs with white wine; pork can be paired with white or red; steaks/beef can be paired with reds.

2. Pair by flavor/taste. 

    Given that we are not familiar which wine is which, just bear in mind that you would not want to pair a bitter food with a bitter wine, rather pair, say a spicy food with something sweet to balance the pair. It will be safe to say, pair a fish with a light white wine, so not to overpower the taste of fish. 

Wine Tasting

You have seen how others hold the wine glass, then swirl it, they smell, then sip... (but, what are they doing, really?) Let chop it down, so next time you will not just copy it, but really understand what's going on.

How to hold a wine glass

You can hold the wine glass by the stem or by the base (one reason behind it, is the temperature of you hand can affect the serving temperature of the wine when you hold the body of the glass). Although holding the bowl of the wine glass is not a sin, it just feels right to hold it by the stem or base.

Swirl the wine

Secure the stem and base of the wine glass between your pointer and middle finger (or whichever finger you are comfortable with) and swirl it around like making circles, but not big swirls otherwise it will be spill all over the table; just enough to coat the sides of the wine glass (reason behind it, is aeration, you what to release the aroma of the wine).

Stick your nose in the glass and smell the aroma

This, I think is the most difficult to appreciate. The idea is to smell the aroma of fruit, spices, smokiness, and/or earthiness of the wine or any other aromas. It takes practice to sense these aromas. But for the purpose of knowing the reason why, now you know that it is to smell or find the aroma of which the wine is made of or aromas associated in the making of the wine. 

Enjoy the first sip

You don't gulp the drink right away, take the first small sip, enough to have the wine travel from the tip of your tongue and around your mouth. This is the opportunity to taste acidity, tannin (bitterness) or the sweetness of the wine (or the opportunity to tell the sommelier to change if you didn't like it).

Common Wines

Red Wine

The most common is Cabernet Sauvignon /ka-bər-ˈnā-sō-vin-ˈyän/

Try a streak or lamb rack with a  Cabernet Sauvignon

 

White Wine 

It includes Chardonnay, Reisling, Pinot Grigio /ˈpē-(ˌ)nō-ˈgrē-j(ē-)ō/

Try chicken with Chardonnay

 

Rosé

Try a grilled salmon with a Rose

 

Start practicing your swirl, sniff and sip in the comfort of your homes, here are some wine stores that offer delivery.

In Good Taste 

Learn more about Wine 101 in the Learn About Wine page of  In Good Taste. They also offer wide variety of Red, White and Rosé, as well as wine categories by region such as France, Italy and California.

 

 

Vinesse Wines

Currently, they have a Special Offer of 6 Exceptional Wines for Just $41.94.

 

Wine Library

 They have a wide selection of Reds, Whites and Summer Sale of  Rosé.

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Wired for Wine

 Other than wine by the bottle perfect for your home, they also offer gift sets.

So, next time that you are invited in a wine tasting party or dining in a fine dining restaurant. Do not be overwhelmed. Try a simple wine pairing technique as above or the least is ask for a suggestion from the sommelier, it wouldn't hurt. 

Enjoy your meal and drink responsibly!

Top Gun: Maverick 4DX Experience (NO SPOILER!)

 It was a long wait for a sequel, three decades! Finally, Pete Mitchell is back!

80s and 90s kids are probably excited to see this, no surprise because the highly anticipated Maverick has rated higher than the original Top Gun (1986)

IMDb rated 8.5/10 stars

Rotten Tomatoes rated 97% Fresh and 99% audience score

We had our date night in the movie theater and the best way to experience Top Gun: Maverick is through 4DX. We went to Regal Cinema.

 

It is like going to Universal Studios, but only paying for one ride. It includes moving/tilting chair as the fighter jets fly and wind swooshing to the side of your ears as the speed picks up! It is feeling the wind in front of you, over your head and under your feet. Did I mention water?!? Yes! It was a total experience plus the surround sound and external lights beyond the big screen. (You do have an option to turn off the water though.) 

It was great that they did wait until the cinemas are open before showing Top Gun: Maverick; it is the only way to really enjoy it, in the big screen!

Other than the experience, it was the story line that makes us agree with both the ratings of IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, or even higher! (NO SPOILER!) They have completely correlated the original Top Gun. Although, you do not necessarily have to know the story of Top Gun, you can understand the Top Gun: Maverick in it's own respect. I still would encourage that you watch the original Top Gun as a refresher or just to love Tom in a different time and age.

A friend who is rather older than us watched the Top Gun (Paramount + and other cables are showing it lately) with her daughter (in her 20s) told us how her daughter made fun of her reaction (thrill/excitement) to Tom Cruise's scenes; now understands what is it about as she watch Top Gun: Maverick. I love that the new characters and older characters (no pun intended) were collaborated well, not to compete but to compliment each other's role.

Before I get tempted to spoil it, check it out yourself; click the affiliate link for a Dinner and Movie Treat by Restaurant.com

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Other movies coming that has 4DX Experience includes:

 

Jurassic World Dominion

 

Doctor Strange: Multiverse Madness

 

Nope

 

Thor: Love and Thunder

 

Minions: The Rise of Gru

 

Elvis

 

Lightyear

Daniel NYC: Double Date || on our 11th Wedding Anniversary!

This year is something different, instead of dinner for two to celebrate our anniversary, Mitch collaborated with my niece's boyfriend to have a double date.

Mitch loves surprising me with something that does not come from a box. As usual, there is no way he will spill the beans; that is, if Fernando can keep the secret from Bridgette. 

Ahhh, young love! Sweet and exciting. It was not so long ago when we had the same spark. Not that we lost it; but at this point, we have evolved from enjoying that spark to fireworks! What best way than to share some points to this young lovers. Well, this young lad has not much to learn as he knows how to treat a woman. Fernando has taken Bridgette in dinner dates at Michelin-star restaurant such as Per Se and Gabriel Kreuther. So, it is safe to say, I am expecting no less tonight!

I am trying not to jinx our night as it appears that the traffic is smooth sailing. I do not want us to be late, just like in Per Se or too early, like in Atera. But as soon as we hit New York City... the curse of the bumper to bumper traffic. So my fingers are crossed, nervous but excited! Where is it going to be tonight? As I am tempted to use Google Maps to navigate the easiest way to get there, Mitch keeps saying, "I did not hold the secret, just for you to find out minutes before. So chill, we'll make it on time!

And we did! (how can I not trust this man?!)

I was genuinely surprised! I have been wanting to dine at Daniel!

Daniel Restaurant NYC

Daniel is the flagship restaurant of Daniel Boulud, a two-Michelin star chef and restaurateur. Daniel is located in the former Mayfair Hotel in Park Avenue. I was tip-toeing with excitement as we walked inside! But wait, there's more!

Daniel Boulud

As we are being walked to our seats, one of the host whispered, "He is here." Mitch, turned around and told me, "that's Daniel Boulud!" I know he will not be star-struck with Hollywood actors, but with culinary stars, he gets excited! At the same token, Mitch will be embarrassed to approach, so I immediately grabbed his hand and walked towards where Daniel is. "Chef, we are a fan, can we take a photo with you?" "Of course!, with the lovely French accent. "Are you leaving now?, he asked. "No Chef, we are just coming in." (I am thinking maybe he will ask how was the dinner?) In reply he said, "Enjoy!" as we walked back to the Main Dining Room. We are surprised to see him because Eddy Leroux is now the Executive Chef at Daniel.

With all this excitement, I forgot, this is a double date! Mitch and Fernando already had in mind, the seven-course tasting menu is the dinner of choice with the wine pairing for Mitch. 

For starter, they had us love broccoli presented in a way you'll love greens differently.

 

 

and this carefully crafted baguette, but it was the butter that will make you want to have more of it  

The first of the seven-course was Midland Farm Beef - "Pressé" of Scharbauer Ranch Wagyu Oxtail and Foie Gras, Smoked Eel, Young Beet, Horseradish Kendall Cream 

The generous portion of Foie Gras makes you appreciate its unique taste, as well as making Mitch have a taste of beets (which he does not like, in this case he did!)

The second was Pacific Hiramasa - Michigan Cherry, Fresh Almond, Spruce Tip, Pink Celery Chutney

I am not sure about having sweetness in a main dish, but the cherry actually complimented the sashimi, as the hint of pepper lingered which I was not a fan of.

The third was Fennel "Vichyssoise" - Basil Glazed Morro Bay Oysters, Burrata, Seaweed Pearls

They serve the dish followed by the pouring out the vichyssoise to our plate (talk about presentation here).

The fourth course was Cape Cod Diver Scallops - Foraged Seaweed, Fingerling Potato, Watercress Emulsion

These three layer of goodness is Fernando's favorite. The scallops were layered over the potato and topped with the seaweed and covered with watercress emulsion; this dish is easy to enjoy, not overwhelming to the palate, as you taste the gift of both the sea and the land.
 

The fifth is Maine Halibut - Espellete Crusted, Morels, Minnesota Wild Rice, Nettles, Baby Shallot Tempura

This is a feast of the eyes and the palate. It is as if you are presented with an appetizing garden with pleasing colors. 

Check out the seafood selection tab at US Wellness Meats for wild Alaskan Halibut delivered to your home.

The fifth is Scharbauer Ranch Beef Striploin - Eggplant, Garbanzo and Black Butte Chickpeas, Pommes Anna, Sesame-Beef Jus

I would think it takes careful and artistic knife skills to male the delicate Pommes Anna. The perfectly cooked beef striploin will make you love steak even more.

 

If you are craving for steak, check out Grassland Beef for a wide variety of steak and other meats delivered to you.

At this point, we really feel full but there is more for dessert...

There were two selection of which we had both to share with each pair.

Michoacán Vacherin - Avocado-Lavender Sorbet, Marzipan Ice Cream, Tequila Foam, Lime Meringue, Crèam Chantilly

 

and Dominican Republic Milk Chocolate - Elvesia Crémeux, Cubeb Peppercorn Sablé, Café Aue Lait Gelée

I feel like the desert is overflowing as it keeps coming... a selection of hand-crafted chocolate of which is a great pair with freshly-brewed coffee.

With an additional special dessert to greet our anniversary.

Craving for more chocolates, check out zChocolat for selection of luxury French chocolates!

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For the wine pairing, I stick to a choice of reisling as I honestly cannot enjoy different wine to pair so I had Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Sharzhofverger Riesling Spӓtlese, Saar 2017

The Head Sommelier, Chris Dooley presented Mitch the taste of:

• Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2017
• Do Ferreiro, Albariño, Rias Baixas 2014
• Domaine Jean Monnier Les Rougeots, Meursault, Burgundy 2019
• Domaine Dufouleur, Cuvée du Chateau, Nuits-Saint-Georges 2016
• Domaine Jasmin Côte, Rôtie, Rhône Valley 2013
• Lenkey, Cuvée November, Tokaji, Hungary 2012
• Graham's 20yr Tawny Port, Portugal

Check out In Good Taste for perfect wine gift, every time!

Enjoy 6 exceptional hand-picked wines at Vinesse Wines as they support small batch independent winemakers!

Here are some savings if you feel like grabbing a bottle of red or white: 

Save up to 70% and Get Free Shipping on select wines at Wired for Wine

Save $5 on your first order in Ohza Wines

It was indeed a great night of good food, exceptional experience, and most importantly the one of the best time spent with family. Cheers for more years to us and to this young couple! Until our next dinner!

 

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Summer is Here! Take a Vacation!

It has been a tough year, both for the kids and us parents. Summer is here, let's take a vacation!

I browsed through our vacation pictures and when it comes to the best place we have been that caters more for the kids, it is Great Wolf  Lodge!

Leland celebrated his 2nd birthday here, look at that smile!

We stayed in Great Wolf in Pocono Mountains, PA. We love that the hotel stay in included in the indoor water park. There are a lot of indoor activities compared to other indoor parks we have been. They have spacious rooms for the family. We booked a standard room, but they have themed and premium suites that can make your stay more interesting.

We then set this living room up to celebrate his birthday to this...

 

 

 

Here are a few to help you save on your next stay.

 

• Calling all Heroes! I love saving and as a healthcare worker I can save up to 25% off Stays at Great Wolf Lodge. This affiliate link is an exclusive discount to military (active, retired and veteran), fire, emergency medical service personnel, doctors, nurses, 911 dispatchers, police and correctional officers.  

 

• Take advantage of their newest sale, School's Out Sale, get 30% off your stay from June 6 to September 8, 2022! 

 

• If you are thinking one night is not enough, you can also save 30% when you stay 2 or more nights with this link Save 30%

Activities at Great Wolf Lodge, Pocoonos, PA

 

MagiQuest - swing your wand around the facility and follow the Quest!

 

Oliver's Mining Co - discover gemstone, minerals and more!

 

Ten Paw Alley - enjoy bowling with the family!

 

Northern Lights Arcade - pass the time with games and excited prizes!

 

Moonstone Mine - is an interactive mining experience!

 

Howl at the Moon Glow Golf - glowing mini golf.

 

Build-a-Bear Workshop - bring home a souvenir!

Grab those Big Savings and plan your summer vacation at Great Wolf Lodge! 

Our Tenth at Atera, NYC

A decade... As we reminisce our wedding day, I wonder what would be a fitting celebration Mitch has in store. If there is one thing we share in common, it is the love of finding good food and good place to celebrate food. The predictable side of him is knowing that he will take me out for dinner, the thrill of it is not knowing which place this time...

You would not think it is still the pandemic as the traffic to New York City remains as heavy. We walked in a door, and I thought, is this the place? Are we going to a doctor's office? Not knowing there is a secret spot that NYC is hiding. We are a little too early for his reservation and we are directed to its sister company, a wine bar next door, Farra. 

We had Salmon Tartare and Foie Gras Mousse paired with white wine. It was a great start that I even joked to our server, should we just move the reservation here, he smiled and in a very assuring claim, "No, you will love Atera!"

As we enjoyed our hors d'oevre, my husband whispered, "Look that is Chef Ronny", glancing to the side. Why, do you know him? I laughed. I knew then that Atera is a special place. Mitch knew who the executive chef is, read his style and the story behind the food (or should I say the craftsmanship) of Atera.

As we walked back to Atera, we were greeted 'Happy Anniversary'. I love that welcoming tone and it is seldom that a conversation can even be long and leading in most dining as it is likely that they have to attend to another guest. Meanwhile, Atera has the luxury of time and attention because it is reserved for only a few guests. What else can make this night special? How about walking inside with one of your wedding music playing? ..."every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on. Even though my life before was tragic, now I know my love for her goes on..." Brought us down to memory lane, nostalgic and romantic. Well, no it was not requested, (but maybe it can?) I later found out that, through their Instagram post, that Michael (one of the team member) curates songs daily. Apparently, this night was booked with all couples, some celebrating anniversaries too; the music is a great touch in the soothing ambience of Atera.

The main dining room can be reserved in the Chef's Counter or in the High Top Table. He booked the High Top Table (can be reserved for 2-5 people) for both of us. It was as if a couples' night as there were (just) four other couples seated in the Chef's Counter.

Atera serves a tasting menu along with wine pairing or temperance- non-alcoholic beverage pairing, which I would love to talk about! It was my first to try such pairing, as it is typical to go along wine pairing. It was a great choice, at least on my vote, since my husband would argue that the wine is one of the best he had, as well! 

Find out more about wines and wine pairing at Wine Library.

A tasting menu is always intriguing, to taste the food in itself is a journey. As I was unfamiliar with Atera, I would have not known that they define a "sensory kitchen" - as I later found out in their website. Needless to say, I eventually found it! As food is to be enjoyed by your senses, the way the food looks, how appetizing the smell is, the texture and feel of it, the sound of the drink pouring or food crackling and most especially, the taste. Atera has it all!

We traveled from sea to land and tasted the gift of nature; the ingredients respected at it is, and food elevated to a higher level. It requires intricacy and artistry to combine ingredients together to come up with a flavor so unique, it's unforgettable! Who would have thought that caviar can be served warm, in a custard? It is genius! And tasty! There is boldness in flavor and they are not afraid to give emphasis to it!

The tuna/king crab/rice is a layer of interesting, from a delicately sliced (thinly) tuna, enveloped the surprising king crab and held by the crunch of the rice. The chicken skin/ham/rye is another food of the senses. I could not imagine the work behind this artistry; to make this not look like chicken skin. Did I mention the crunch? What makes this more special is that Executive Chef, Ronny Emborg served it!

"How was Farra?", as Chef Ronny engaged in a small talk. In my head, this Chef has an eye to detail, a keen eye for attention to detail. He noticed us in Farra when he passed by. I am instantly a fan!

The distinctive rotation of who serves your food to me is a great way to experience food. You would not traditionally see the chef do such thing. But I think it shows how proud he is of his craft and we are star-struck! It is like Picasso presenting you his painting himself!

Although we did not meet the Master Sommelier of Atera, Mitch was telling me who he is (did I mention he really did his research, as he would always do before taking me to a surprise dinner). I really enjoyed the juices in their temperance pairing, it is having the unique take on champagne, martini, and wine. There is brilliance in looking at a glass of wine and tasting beets but not the awful taste of it (sorry I am not a fan of beets), but today was a good turn. My favorite was cucumber as it goes well with the halibut/cucumber/parsley/roe. I cannot help but make Mitch smell and taste the cucumber juice. Well, he is enjoying his wine pairing anyway as he toured the vineyards of France, Austria, California, Spain and Germany; and had a kick of it!

There is more to experience in Atera and words cannot give justice to the craft and the artisans within its walls. Unlike some fine dining experience, Atera gives a different definition of "fine", it shows finesse but in a relaxed atmosphere; that I think what makes the experience more enjoyable. This place is highly recommended for couples and small groups to enjoy the intimacy.

Thank you Atera, all your hard work for the love of food is appreciated. It was a great night to be remembered making our 10th year very special! I hope you get your third Michelin star!

Check out their website at atera.com and reservation is through tock.