Mmmmm The East Ender

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it. Before I started blogging, I was nervous because I am pretty poor. I am definitely making rent and paying the bills, but can't always be going out to the swankiest restaurants and buying the coolest healthy products to show you guys.

So, when I do go out somewhere a little fancier than the West End Deli or Borealis for a coffee, I hope it is good and something worth writing about. The East Ender is definitely worth writing about.

The East Ender has been completely renovated  from the old Norm's East End Grill. The restaurant features two beautiful bars complete with flat screen TV's and comfortable bar stools.

I love dining somewhere where the surroundings can be a conversation starter. Look at these funky booths. Some of the tables are refurbished bowling alley lanes which actually was an argument starter for my Valentine's Day Dinner. I wanted to go bowling after our dinner but Andrew didnt. Hmph.

We started our meal with the mussels mirepoix- carrots, celery leeks, parsley, white wine, thyme.
 They were as good as mussels get. I think the best part was dipping the homemade bread in the sauce afterwards. Mmm. Andrew asked our waitress for more bread for dipping and his needs were happily met with two more slices of crusty French bread.

After so much indecisiveness on my part, we finally chose our entrees around 8:30. I couldnt decide between a burger ($10), a salad and a cup of soup (together for $10) or the pork chop ($16).

The restaurant was hopping by this point with two parties of 6, a couple deuces, and a couple parties of four. The music was tasteful and relaxing and it was so nice not to be rushed by any means to get our order in by the waitress.

After being meat-free for 40 or so days, I finally gave in to a craving for it. I ordered the Pork Chop with soldier beans, sauerkraut, and glazed carrots. Andrew went with the ny strip ($16) with sweet potato mash, pearl onions, and a "boozy shallot cream" - as it said on the menu! :)

These pictures do not do our entrees any justice.

Yum. We both couldn't stop raving about our dishes. Everything was done perfectly. The sweet potatoes were to die for and my pork chop was definitely worth the 40 day wait! This was one of the meals where we both took a bite, would look up and tell the other "oh, you HAVE to try this!" It was great.

After we finished our entrees, I ordered a coffee. The coffee is from Katahdin Speciality Coffee. It was a nice change from the Coffee by Design Coffee you get at most restaurants in Portland.

Andrew decided to get a dessert. The treat he chose was homemade apple ice cream with spiced pound cake ($6). Mmm, I am glad he decided to share a bite because it was very good!

Anyway, what I am trying to say here is that you should definitely try out The East Ender in Portland, Maine for something new and wonderful. Whether you are going all out with a delicious (and great value) meal or just grabbing a cocktail, it is a delicious, lively, and wonderful establishment!

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I need to share one of my favorite vegetarian lunches with you as of late, because it is such a wholesome and satisfying meal that you need to try.

This lunch is simply an avocado and hummus sandwich with romaine and an over easy egg on the side. Delicious and super healthy! It includes healthy fat, whole grains, and protein. My kind of lunch.

Have a relaxing Sunday.

These are My Confessions



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 Like my homeboy, Usher, I have some confessions. I am ashamed and guilty as charged.

It wasn't like I intentionally meant too.

I have visited two restaurant establishments and on each occasion, I was camera free.

These restaurants were:

• AURORA PROVISIONS, PORTLAND, MAINE
• AZURE CAFE, FREEPORT, MAINE

Aurora Provisions is a local favorite for sure. Not only do they serve a fabulous lunch (and, presumably, breakfast) they also have an amazing bakery, catering, gourmet to go food, and lots of wine. Its a foodie's dream for sure.

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For lunch, I decided to go with a steaming hot cup of the minestone soup. The soup was full of flavor and was very delicious. I also went with half of the roasted vegetable sandwich on wheat. I asked for it grilled on the panini maker, but it came cold. It was still really yummy and everyone in there was super friendly so I will definitely go back.

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For lunch at Azure Cafe, we all started off our lunch with a drink. I went with a virgin Bloody Mary-- vodka at noontime on Sunday really isnt my thing :)

For lunch, I ordered the
GRILLED PORTABELLA Marinated, Grilled Portabella with Herbed Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes & Green Leaf Lettuce 9.<sup>50

I guess they got the vibe that I am not a roasted tomatoes person because there wasnt anyone on my sandwich. Oh well. It was just okay, I wasnt very impressed to be honest with you. The restaurant had a very bar feel instead of lunchy restaurant feel, if that makes sense? My sister's salad and tomato soup were nothin to brag about either..</sup>

Anyway, hope you are all enjoying this fabulous Maine weather ;)

Cancun Restaurant, Biddeford, Maine

Hi all and Happy New Year!


Last night for dinner, I met my family at Cancun restaurant in Biddeford on Adams Street. Cancun is a Mexican restaurant, duh.

As soon as we got there, we were given two baskets of chips with salsa. I was pretty proud of myself that I didnt eat any chips :) However, I did hear they were delicious- crispy & warm.

OMG she looks crazy in this picture. HAHA

For a drink, I opted for a refreshing glass of water :) I also drank some of my sisters HUGE (22 oz) Miller Light)

Her boyfriend Kevin got a margarita that was bigger than my head! I guess thats not saying much though- I do have a huge head. The margarita was just okay, everyone agreed with this.

We all also agreed that the atmosphere at Cancun was a little awkward- the lighting was off and the seating was cafeteria style. For my entree, I ordered the fish tacos. This is my favorite thing to order at Mexican restaurants.

I have had fish tacos several times and I would rate these a 6 out of 10. The fish was pretty unflavorful but everything else tasted fresh and delicious. The sour cream sauce on the side was delicious- as well as the fresh pico de gallo on top.

Anyway, I would reccomend Cancun if you live in Biddeford/Saco but it definitely isn't worth the drive for me.

I do have to say one of my FAVORITE fish taco recipe is by Rachael Ray. It is not your traditional recipe but it is delicious- make it :)

Thai ME to Love ME- Bidd-fid, ME

Watch out Portland.

There's another Maine city with some culinary talent.

And that city is Biddeford, ME.

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Not really though- Portland obviously has nothin' to worry 'bout. But Biddeford really does have some great restaurants popping up. I ventured down to Thai Me on Saturday afternoon around 2.

We were seated immediately. I started my meal off with a big mug of ginger tea. As an unsweetened tea drinker gal, this tea was definitely sweetened up a bit - but I didnt mind. It was nice to sip on on a cold winter's day.

haha, he wasnt ready :)

For an appetizer, Andrew and I split the Godzilla roll (spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado, eel)- which definitely isnt the healthiest sushi but is fabulous and one of our favorites. The roll at Thai Me didnt dissapoint.

For my entree, I went with an old favorite-

 Vegetable Curry
Assorted vegetables and steamed tofu in red curry sauce. Sprinkled with basil leaves
Yum! So good. I could only finish about half- the portion was big. I was in curry heaven. I think this is the only thing I ever order at Thai restaurants..

Andrew went with
Chicken Pineapple
Sautéed chicken,with pineapple chunks, mushroom, snow peas, onions, scallions, and cashew nuts in brown sauce.

One of the hosts cleared Andrews plate and said "Wow, you eat rice FAST". It made me laugh. I am pretty sure that means Andrew liked his food too ;)
Thai Me was decorated really cute for the space. They had a splendid looking Christmas Tree for the Holidays and the staff was super friendly and nice.

I will definitely be back.

They also have a deal M-F 4:30-6 where sushi is 30% off! Woo Hooo!

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Have a great day!

Date Night and Distractions

Hello! Hope you are having a wonderful week before all the Holiday craziness sets in. Anyone still send out Christmas Cards?


This is my family photo from last year: (I am on the top right)

Haha, no that is actually from awkwardfamilyphotos.com ... that website is amazing!

But yeah, this is my picture last year with my girlfriends. Dont you love our sweaters?! We found them at a thrift store for a buck each.


Last night, Andrew took me on a nice little date to the Olive Cafe on Commercial Street in Portland.


I have been here once before and had a good experience.

I should have taken a picture of the sign outside because it truly paints an ugly picture. The font they use for their sign is this really kid-like, curly stupid font that completely throws you off. I thought I was going to walk into some totally tacky restaurant with bright curtains, plastic chairs..you know the deal---very Macdonalds-esque.

I actually LOVE the interior of the cafe. It is very quaint and simple. You can tell they were so thoughtful putting it all together. The tables are all matching dark wood with creamy white chairs. Just change that sign. Please :)

 There are candles lit everywhere which just adds a nice ambiance and truly makes you feel relaxed.

Andrew and I started off the meal with the:

 MEDITERRANEAN BRUCHETTA
TOMATOES, FRESH MINT AND CILANTRO WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SERVED ON TOASTED ORGANIC RUSTIC BREAD WITH MELTED PARMESAN

This was soo good. I always just use basil for bruchetta but the mint was such a refreshing addition. We were both very impressed with this-- the tomatoes were perfectly ripe. It was a perfect serving for two people as well.


The Olive Cafe also serves pita chips with tzatziki sauce to every table in place of a bread basket.


For my entree, I decided to go with:
GREEK SALAD
GREENS, TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS, KALAMATA OLIVES, RED ONIONS, FRESH MINT, AND FETA CHEESE WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Mmm, this salad was amazing! Andrew thought I was weird for saying my favorite part about it was that everything was chopped up so small. However, it is a small gripe of mine when salads have huge chunks of vegetables and cheese. This salad was delicious and a perfect dinner portion. I am not sure if there was any balsamic dressing on it but that was okay since the olives and feta cheese add so much it doesnt really need dressing.


Andrew decided to go with the:
FISH TACOS
FRESH HADDOCK BLACKENED OR PAN-SEARED SERVED IN FLOUR TORTILLAS WITH FIELD GREENS AND CILANTRO LIME CREMA,
WITH A SIDE OF COLESLAW AND ROASTED VEGETABLE SALSA


Andrew chose to get the fish pan-seared. It is nice to have that choice. I have never seen that on a menu for fish tacos.

These were amazing as well. The fish was perfectly cooked- not dry at all. This came alongside some of the best sweet potato fries I have ever had. I dont think they were fried either-- which is obviously great. They were perfect. I am so happy sweet potatoes are good for you because they are definitely in my diet every week it seems.


All in all, you should GO to the Olive Cafe for a great meal and great ambiance!


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Before I went out to dinner, I went to the gym for a lovely workout. Sometimes, all it takes to get myself there is a few mental distractions. As soon as I decided I wanted to go the gym I turned on some music and zoned out while I got ready to go. I look up an interesting treadmill workout from my favorite blogger. Trust me, changing up things on the dreadmill makes it go by so much faster. Play with the speed and the incline so its always a little bit challenging and a whole lot more interesting!
Finally, once I got there, I decided I was going to have a great workout and I did. I think I may have to give some credit to these guys:

WAYNES WORLD! Definitely one of my top 10 favorite movies ever. It was on TV while I ran and I may look like an idiot running and laughing my butt off--but atleast I am getting through my workout!

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Have a great weekend!

Po Boy's Po Pickles..

After my gym workout the other day, I was driving home and passed Andrew driving in the other direction. I called him up to see where he was heading. He gave me strict orders to not eat. First thoughts, I am obviously offended. Is he calling me fat? Did he spill something foul in the fridge and doesnt want me to see it? Good Lord, I am paranoid...


I showered and waited for his arrival. OH! Now I get it as he arrives with two carry-out bags , he was picking up lunch. He chose Po' Boys and Pickles on Forest Ave in Portland. I had been wanting to try this place for a while. It is a New Orleans style take out restaurant. For lunch, he ordered 2 sandwiches:
Pulled Pork with cajun coleslaw, tomato and bbq sauce, and the
Golden Fried Oyster sandwich as well as a
Beet salad with meslun greens, goat cheese, beets, and toasted walnuts and Sweet Potato Fries.

The Pulled pork sandwich was really delicious but the oyster sandwich was just okay. Kind of blah tasting--definitely in need of a sauce or another spice. However, the whity rolls were fresh and possibly made in-house?
The sweet potato fries were really good. The beet salad was delicious and I would order this again for sure. Andrew knows me so well to pick a salad with beets, goat cheese, and a red wine viniagrette.

Everything tasted super fresh from Po' Boys and we will definitely be back.