Dining Out: Blue Spoon

This weekend my family spent four very blissful days in Maine. We left Boston on Friday morning and headed north to Portland. Our eventual destination was Camden, Maine, but we had peppered in a few stops along the way. 

We had a 12:15pm lunch reservation at a restaurant called Blue Spoon, which is on Congress Street in the Munjoy Hill neighborhood. Since we had arrived about a half hour early, we decided to walk down the street to the Eastern Promenade (or the Eastern Prom, as the locals call it) to take in the view. 

It doesn't get more classic New England than this! 

I loved watching all the little boats bob in the water. 

We also noticed a fort out on a small island, which we later learned is Fort Gorges, built in 1864. 

The Eastern Prom is a lovely place for a walk or a picnic. Tons of people were out with their dogs. If you're traveling with young kids, it also has an amazing playground overlooking the bay. 

When the clock struck 12, we headed back up Congress Street, ready to eat. You can't miss the Blue Spoon, with its blue umbrellas, blue awning and blue sign (and blue water bowl for pups!). 

We were pleasantly surprised to see they had some outdoor seating. 

When we approached the hostess, she let us know she already reserved a star table for us. We were escorted over to a corner booth, beneath the most hysterical art work. 

Yes, those are chicks and dinosaurs. 

As soon as we sat down, my dad and brother-in-law started perusing the beer list. They decided to try the Rising Tide Pale Ale and the Austin Street Brewery Double IPA.

Judging by how quickly both disappeared, they seemed very pleased with their selections!

I ordered an ice tea (my usual). Blue Spoon's version has a hint of hibiscus, which was super refreshing. 

To begin, my dad ordered a cup of the soup of the day - a chilled pea soup. 

He let me have a few spoonfuls and I have to say, I liked it! There were whole peas, carrots and a generous amount dill. The only thing I wish it had was a slice of crusty bread for dunking. 

My mom and brother-in-law were excited to indulge in some fresh Maine seafood, so both chose the fish stew. The bowl came with Casco Bay mussels and Atlantic hake in a tomato broth with basil butter and garlic crostini on top. 

After a few bites, my mother said, "These mussels are so sweet. The hake is tender and flaky. And this broth! It's perfect for dipping the garlic bread."

My dad and my sister also opted for the same dish, the pulled chicken salad club. This sandwich defied gravity! 

Both halves of the sandwich were served on top of each other, creating quite the vertical presentation. 

The sandwich was stuffed with chicken, smoked cheddar cheese, thick cut bacon, lettuce, tomato and dill. 

When his plated was cleared, my dad described, "This sky high sandwich was on delicious, crusty, sourdough bread. Though the chicken was a little dry, the bacon was excellent and the lettuce and tomato were super fresh." 

I wound up ordering the grilled vegetable panini, which was eggplant, asparagus, red pepper, capers, mozzarella cheese and dijon vinaigrette. Though the sandwich looked thin on the plate, it was actually packed with goodies and flavor.

My only gripe is that at lunch time I like French fries or chips and Blue Spoon serves all their sandwiches with a side of greens. 

Though Blue Spoon does a have dessert menu, we already had our hearts set on stopping at Gelato Fiasco in the Old Port, so we skipped it here. If you visit Blue Spoon, you can also do dessert right across the street at Rosemont Market & Bakery.

If you're looking for additional Portland recommendations, here are some of my favorite spots from my trip in September 2016:

• Chadwick Bed & Breakfast
• Holy Donut
• Standard Baking Co.
• Green Elephant
• Local 188