Finding the edible senior seven

Chow Maine: Diners in Bruswick hit or miss, but still worth a visit

One of the biggest blessings of my college career has been that, after a night of revelry (always moderated and safe—don't worry, Randy!), I never get hungover. What I get instead is hungry. And, after four years of the (albeit delicious) same ol' same ol' at Thorne brunch, I've started to branch out a bit more in my morning-after munchfest. Brunswick offers several options for brunch on the weekends, some more formal, such as the family-style afternoon meal at Trattoria Athena and some that offer just the basics, like Broadway Delicatessan. This weekend I checked out two restaurants, both very economical, that are worth at least one visit in your four years at Bowdoin.

Chow Maine: Figa offers a promising experience

Portland, named "America's Foodiest Small Town", has no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. Still, I rarely stray from the small list of my favorites and find myself recommending the same restaurants. My efforts to branch out landed me at Figa, whose chefs draws inspiration from a number of cuisines—Greek, Brazilian and Indian, especially. Figa's menu manages to be eclectic and harmonious at once.

Chow Maine

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Kaye Verville

Columnist

February 11, 2011

Senior spring is something every Bowdoin student seems to look forward to. It's not all fun and games though—there is a lot to accomplish and take advantage of in the last semester of Bowdoin. Naturally, my bucket list involves several food-related items. I have already shared with you some of my absolute favorites—the dal makhani at Shere Punjab and the Rose Begonia at Scarlet Bs, for example. There are several more "hidden gems" that, in my opinion, don't get the credit or notice they deserve. The following list contains a few of these little known treats, as well as a few food experiences I think ought not be missed in four years at Bowdoin. So, in no particular order, my senior seven:

1. El Camino's guacamole

In my opinion, El Camino is the best of Brunswick's many Mexican options. This decision is based almost solely on its phenomenal guacamole. The restaurant serves guacamole in a homemade nacho bowl (though the term "nacho" hardly seems to do it justice). It is an ideal blend of creamy avocado, with chunks of tomato and onion, and just a hint of spiciness. I have yet to taste a guacamole that compares—and believe me, it's not for lack of trying.

2. Little Dog's house salad

It's easy to overlook Little Dog's salad and panini options, which admittedly seem out of place in the coffee house environment. However, if you graduate without trying their house salad, you will be missing out. The key to the genius of this salad is Little Dog's unbelievably delicious honey vinaigrette—I would eat it by the bottle if I could. It's an ideal complement to the flavorful garlic croutons. Finally, Little Dog's local goat cheese, an optional addition to the salad, is creamy and milder than most goat cheeses and the perfect accompaniment to this dish.

3. Little Tokyo's Scorpion Bowl

The exact ingredients of Little Tokyo's alcoholic concoction remain a mystery to me. In fact, that there is any alcohol in it at all is somewhat surprising if judging only by taste (if you're judging by the resulting hangover, then it's a different story). The Scorpion Bowl, despite its negative aftereffects, is absolutely an experience to have before you leave Brunswick. The menu declares that it serves two people, but I think three is slightly more realistic. It is served in an enormous bowl with extra-long straws, floating pieces of tropical fruit and a flaming shot. It is a fun way to spice up a Friday night dinner and is not to be missed.

4. Wild Oats cranberry mayonnaise

Perhaps a more obvious choice from Wild Oats Bakery would be one of its delicious brownies or soups. The cranberry mayo, for reasons unbeknown to me, goes largely unnoticed, though it is truly outstanding. It is delicious on the Over Roasted Turkey and Cranberry sandwich, but I put it on just about anything: veggie wrap, grilled cheese, plain bread, you name it. Next time you are at the Tontine, make sure you work the cranberry mayonnaise into your lunch, you won't be sorry.

5. Gelato Fiasco's "Fiasco"

Akin to Ben & Jerry's "Vermonster," the Fiasco is an enormous treat comprising several brownies, numerous scoops of gelato (any flavor that's available), and various toppings of your choice . It theoretically serves 10 people, which is good since it will set you back about $40. As one of Gelato Fiasco's most loyal customers, I cannot recommend their gelato highly enough—be sure to include Double Stuff, Peanut Butter Dream, and Stracciatella in your Fiasco creation!

6. Fat Boy's crinkle-cut fries

When spring actually does arrive, you can find me at Fat Boy's enjoying a vanilla milkshake and their delicious crinkle-cut french fries. I have always been of the crinkle-cut bloc and I think Fat Boy's does a great job. The fries are never soggy, as the crinkle-cut variety often can be. Plus, my 20 years of eating at this unique drive-in prove that the novelty of being served in your car does not wear off. So, when the weather turns nice and Fat Boy's opens again for business, drive over and get a large order of its delicious french fries.

7. Lobster at Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster

It seems practically a crime to graduate from Bowdoin without going out for steamed Maine lobster. My favorite local lobster place is Harraseeket in South Freeport. The restaurant is part of the Harraseeket Yacht Club and it literally hangs over the ocean. The lobsters here come straight from the lobstermen who dock their boats in the marina. If you want a real Maine experience, Harraseeket is nearby, charming and delicious. Make sure you get cornbread with your lobster—it's perfect.

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