Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Honey Paw | Portland





Portland was a surprise stop for lunch on our drive North up the coast; we later checked into The Inn at Ocean's Edge and got engaged on Islesboro Island! 

We attempted to lunch at Eventide but with a 2 hour wait we opted to try the hip looking restaurant next door. As it turns out, Honey Paw is the same owners (Big Tree Hospitality Group). Serving local cuisine, their kitchen borrows traditions, techniques and styles from Southeast Asia with a focus on hand made noodles. 

This fused menu of Far East meets New England fare is served in a bustling space with communal seating. We scored two seats at the wraparound window front bar almost immediately. I along with the rest of Portland was desperately craving Eventide's famed brown butter lobster roll, but one taste of the Lobster Wontons ($15) with a striking lobster dashi and earthy confit mushrooms and I forgot all about it. We shared a lovely plate of Halibut Crudo ($13) dotted with calamansi, sour coconut and pineapple before tucking into a sumptuous bowl of Smoked Lamb Khao Soi ($22). The hand made egg noodles in Burmese coconut curry with fermented mustard greens, tender shredded lamb, crispy fried noodle and lime are immensely satisfying.

Honey Paw not only kicked off our engagement weekend, it kicked of a weekend of incredible meals. Primo in Rockland and Hartstone Inn in Camden are two of many reasons why the Maine coast is a bucket list worthy destination.

78 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101

Monday, June 26, 2017

The Inn At Ocean's Edge







This inn is everything. That infinity pool + hot tub. Those grounds capturing spring in full bloom. The delicious breakfast - Blueberry pancakes! Smoked salmon quiche! The sprawling, comfortable rooms. The incredibly welcoming + accommodating staff. The beachy pool house with a sauna, a spa, and a fridge stocked w local beers and mini boxed wines. The cozy outdoor fireplace. 

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Inn at Ocean's Edge for a romantic, relaxing, low-key getaway. That Maine Coast is something special. 

20 Stonecoast Road
Lincolnville, ME 04849

Monday, June 19, 2017

ENGAGED!!








In the happiest moment of my life to date, Bob proposed!!

I don't typically gush about my relationship on the blog - but everyone wants to hear an engagement story so here goes...

He planned a surprise Memorial Day Weekend getaway to the Camden / Rockport area of Maine, a coastal region of New England we both had never been to. On the drive up we stopped for lunch in Portland - where I was surprised to learn that was not the final destination and our journey continued onward - North! 

Our road trip ended when we arrived at The Inn at Ocean's Edge, an incredibly romantic and beautifully kept oceanfront resort in the town of Lincolnville. We checked into our spacious room with a balcony overlooking the ocean and a gas fireplace set in crown molding; where a platter of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of red wine awaited. At this point I sensed something was up. This place was NICE. Like, really nice. We immediately hit the infinity pool and hot tub for just a little too long before hurrying to make our dinner reservation at The Hartstone Inn in Camden Village. Our meal at this precious + historic inn was truly memorable. Bob outdid himself on day one of this trip (but still hadn't found the perfect spot to propose ;) )

The next day we decided to take the Maine State Ferry from Lincolnville Beach to Islesboro Island. We drove around the very pretty cove filled and quaint residential streets looping from North to South. At the southern most point we decided to park the car and explore. We were walking the beach and wandering along the rocky coves at Pendleton Point overlooking Penobscot Bay, relaxing and taking photos (us in sweatshirts are "before" photos - and oh my gosh on that note I really should have dressed nicer!!) 

It was sunny and breezy, quiet and romantic. Next thing I know I'm looking at a shiny shell on one of the rocks and I had a feeling....

Sure enough, there was a ring was nestled inside! We hugged and kissed first, then he took a knee.... 

ENGAGED!! 

We walked the beach some more gathering sea glass and shells before heading into town for lunch. Dark Harbor "town" on Islesboro consists of three shops - an old school deli / ice cream counter, an antique store, and a fine home décor shop. 

Little did I know there were even more sweet surprises in store for me this weekend. He really went all out - and I've been on cloud nine ever since!