For Classics Week, a collection of 15 of the state's iconic dishes. Some are prototypes: blueberry pie is known as a "Maine" dish, so lots of places make it with varying degrees of success. Other iconic dishes are specific to individual chefs or restaurants. You'll find examples of each here, and they are all at the top of their game. You'll disagree with the selections or gasp at the omissions, and that's okay — the comments are for sharing your picks, and perhaps influencing a future version of this map.
Seven Napkin Burger: A notoriously messy burger drives local and national traffic to this unassuming spot. Go see what all the fuss is about. [Photo: Tom Minervino]
Italian: For better or for worse, Amato's is the "Home of the Real Italian," a famous local take on a grinder, hoagie, sub, or whatever other regional term you've heard for a sandwich on a long roll. Salt, pepper, and oil?
Whoopie Pie: The whoopie pie looms so large in Maine's culinary canon, it was recently named the official state snack. Two Fat Cats' take, up to and including the seasonal pumpkin version, is where you will begin to truly appreciate the cakey treat.
Steamed Lobster: Critic Bill Addison called its picturesque setting overlooking Sheepscot River "the Maine of the imagination." Picking apart a freshly-caught, freshly-steamed lobster on a picnic table is all part of that pretty picture. Don't forget to tuck in your bib.
Wood Oven-Roasted Mussels: Portland's seminal farm-to-table restaurant is home to one of the state's best sea-to-table dishes. A delicate touch with a hot oven is a beautiful thing.
Hot Dog: Wasses' hot dogs don't even need the region's signature red casings to stand out. Peanut oil as cooking fat is one secret to the popularity of these dogs.
Fried Clams: Original or Lillian-style — where the clams are dipped in a milk wash before frying — is no choice at all. Order them both ways and enjoy.
The Hippy Dippy Shake: The menu at Silly's is all over the map, and the name of this incredible milk shake — which involves peanut butter and crunchy pretzels — embodies the wacky deliciousness at work.
Scallops in Pernod and Cream: A beautifully sweet and herbal preparation. Owner Dana Street told a critic he's thought about replacing this dish, but can't bear to disappoint his customers.
Rudder Chips: "House chips" are enough to get most diners excited. Muddy Rudder continues down a dark and delicious path, topping its chips with shrimp or chicken, parmesan cream, and bacon.
Fish Chowder: Open only half the year and self-described as "off the beaten path," Dolphin Marina and Restaurant lives and dies by its views and its fish chowder, a standout in the state.
Blueberry Pancakes: Do things just taste better in diner cars? Dotted with Maine's most famous fruit, A1's pancakes are worth going out of your way for.
Seven Napkin Burger: A notoriously messy burger drives local and national traffic to this unassuming spot. Go see what all the fuss is about. [Photo: Tom Minervino]
Italian: For better or for worse, Amato's is the "Home of the Real Italian," a famous local take on a grinder, hoagie, sub, or whatever other regional term you've heard for a sandwich on a long roll. Salt, pepper, and oil?
Whoopie Pie: The whoopie pie looms so large in Maine's culinary canon, it was recently named the official state snack. Two Fat Cats' take, up to and including the seasonal pumpkin version, is where you will begin to truly appreciate the cakey treat.
Steamed Lobster: Critic Bill Addison called its picturesque setting overlooking Sheepscot River "the Maine of the imagination." Picking apart a freshly-caught, freshly-steamed lobster on a picnic table is all part of that pretty picture. Don't forget to tuck in your bib.
Wood Oven-Roasted Mussels: Portland's seminal farm-to-table restaurant is home to one of the state's best sea-to-table dishes. A delicate touch with a hot oven is a beautiful thing.
Hot Dog: Wasses' hot dogs don't even need the region's signature red casings to stand out. Peanut oil as cooking fat is one secret to the popularity of these dogs.
Fried Clams: Original or Lillian-style — where the clams are dipped in a milk wash before frying — is no choice at all. Order them both ways and enjoy.
The Hippy Dippy Shake: The menu at Silly's is all over the map, and the name of this incredible milk shake — which involves peanut butter and crunchy pretzels — embodies the wacky deliciousness at work.
Scallops in Pernod and Cream: A beautifully sweet and herbal preparation. Owner Dana Street told a critic he's thought about replacing this dish, but can't bear to disappoint his customers.
Rudder Chips: "House chips" are enough to get most diners excited. Muddy Rudder continues down a dark and delicious path, topping its chips with shrimp or chicken, parmesan cream, and bacon.
Fish Chowder: Open only half the year and self-described as "off the beaten path," Dolphin Marina and Restaurant lives and dies by its views and its fish chowder, a standout in the state.
Blueberry Pancakes: Do things just taste better in diner cars? Dotted with Maine's most famous fruit, A1's pancakes are worth going out of your way for.
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For Classics Week, a collection of 15 of the state's iconic dishes. Some are prototypes: blueberry pie is known as a "Maine" dish, so lots of places make it with varying degrees of success. Other iconic dishes are specific to individual chefs or restaurants. You'll find examples of each here, and they are all at the top of their game. You'll disagree with the selections or gasp at the omissions, and that's okay — the comments are for sharing your picks, and perhaps influencing a future version of this map.:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62455219/ohgs_exterior.0.0.0.jpg)
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