off to Maine

This weekend is my friend's son's wedding. She's asked me not to blog about the details.

So instead, I'll write about other parts of the weekend; the parts that don't involve the bride and groom — two people I adore.

I leave the house before the sun is up, to arrive at JFK for an 8:37 flight to Portland. I get to the airport at 8, and am told by someone at the gate, "You better hurry. They're boarding." I am one of the last people on the plane; and all the overheads are full.  I'm forced to check my luggage. Ugh! 

By 8:22 the doors are locked and we are taxiing down the runway. 15 minutes before our scheduled departure. I can almost hear my mom whispering in my ear, "See, that's why you should always be early."

My friend V picks me up around 10, and because we can't check in to our hotel until 3, we decide to troll around Portland. Our first stop is some kind of famous donut place where mashed potatoes are used in the batter (though you'd never know it). Our weekend eating binge begins early.



The choices are massive. I go with a rather bland —though still delicious — maple glazed donut.

We walk around the downtown area and hit a few stores. Except for three mini jars of Stonewall Kitchen Jams, I buy nothing.

A place called The Highroller is highly recommended for lunch.  The sign outside and the line inside confirm it must be good.



Our lobster rolls arrive, and the meat is generous. It's $19 and  served on a toasted brioche roll —no sides. 

It looks great.

But it isn't. 

The roll is warm. The lobster ghee (something like melted butter) is warm. And the rather tasteless lobster is ice cold — a disappointing combination.

We leave Portland, and drive about 40 minutes to our destination. —an  idyllic little camp nestled in the Maine woods. 

I stay in the main lodge in a gorgeous room with a wood-burning fireplace, the perfect lake view, and no locks on the door. It's a trusting environment.

The extraordinary lobster bake ( also including steamers, chowder, corn, and a home-baked  blueberry cobbler)  for dinner more than compensates for our paltry lunch.

It's a great start to what undoubtedly will be a memorable weekend.