A Connecticut Writer In Vacationland

Lobster and blueberries (sigh) are the lead-in to New Haven Register food columnist Stephen Fries' mid-coast ramble. He does venture beyond the predictable to explore restaurants in Belfast and Searsport, Cappy's Bakery and Riverhouse Ice Cream in Camden and a tasting class and lunch at Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville. In Belfast, Fries visits the traditional Weathervane Seafood Restaurant and the far-less traditional Marshall Wharf Brewery and Three Tides.

Built in the 1860s as a grain auxiliary, the weathered building and huge pile of shells representing eight years of shucking is true New England. The creative names and concoctions of beer are the brainchild of David Carlson. ... I sampled the Deep Purple Rauchbier... this Bamberg-inspired smoked ale is bacon in a glass. To brew the Pemaquid Oyster Stout, 10 dozen briny Pemaquid oysters are used ... Wrecking Ball Baltic Porter is brewed with molasses and is also used as the base for Happy Dog Coffee Porter, incorporating hand-roasted Green Tree Coffee from a local source

· No Maine Vacation Is Complete Without Lobster, Blueberries [NHR]
· All Coverage of Three Tides [~EMAINE~]

[Photo of Three Tides: Ted Axelrod]