This week I’m writing from the road. Have you been looking for a new foodie town to visit? Well, do I have the place for you, Portland, Maine. I’ve been in Portland for a conference, and what a fun, foodie town Portland is! This week, I’m sharing where to eat Oysters, best tour I took, an electronics tip of the week, and of course this week’s travel video of my 5 favorite tacos in Austin.
The Other Portland
Portland, Maine is such a charming city, and it’s known for the lobster and other seafood. I remember eating my first Maine Lobster when I was 6 at my Dad’s boss’ house in Michigan, and it was at this dinner that I realized I wanted to be a traveler. My Dad’s boss had been to Africa, Alaska, all over Europe and of Course Maine. Well, 43 years later, I finally made it to the lobster capital of the world. Portland is the largest city in Maine with 67,000 residents, and is located on the gorgeous rocky coast surrounded by small islands. In 2018, Portland won Bon Appetit’s Restaurant City of the year, and OMG, it’s foodie heaven. A couple days I had to have 2 lunches or 2 dinners just to fit in all the incredible dishes.
Oysters!
I’ve always been a west coast oyster girl, as I prefer the juicy melony flavors instead of the bright briny mollusks of of the East Coast. Well, I’ve been converted. I had the most decadent, plump Norumbegas and Maquoit Bays. Best spots to try these babies are The Shop in the up and coming Munjoy neighborhood where all oysters are $1.50 all day, all night. The shop has a laid back, picnic table kind of vibe and a great place for casual dining. The coup de gras was the upscale restaurant on the wharf named Scales. These are the best east coast oysters I’ve ever tasted; they were heaven in a shell :). Insider tip: Go for happy hour Sunday – Thursday, 4-6pm when all oysters are $1.00. Yep, $1.00!
Best Tour - The Lucky Catch Cruises
There are so many great day tours to take in Portland, from the Maine Foodie Tours to The Real Portland Tour, but the most exciting tour was The Lucky Catch Cruises where I went lobster fishing in the Casco Bay. We got all dressed up in the orange aprons, and gloves (perfect photo opp), and headed out to catch our dinner. Not to worry, this was not The Deadliest Catch, but a nice cruise through the bay learning about the Lobster industry and how the fisherman sustainably catch lobster. Random fact: Did you know that a 1lb lobster is typically 6yrs old or older? Random Fact: The largest lobster caught in Maine was 44lb. That’s crazy! The Lucky Catch Cruises only operate in summer, and the boats tend to fill up quickly; make sure to book early.
Electronics Tip of the Week
When I’m filming on location, people continually stop me on the street and ask about the strange contraption I’m using with my phone. Well, it’s a stabilizer, and it keeps you, the viewer, from getting seasick watching my videos. The one I use is the DJI Osmo Gimbal II, and it’s been a lifesaver for my videos. It’s super simple to use, and a great option for any video including your vacation videos. Check it out on my Shop Page under electronics.
This week’s YouTube video
Today, I’m taking you on a tour of the Top 5 Tacos in Austin, from a local’s perspective, me :). From the traditional to the gourmet, I’ve got you covered. Enjoy & buen provecho (that’s good eats in Spanish)!
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