written by Marianne Lynch
Moving to Bangor from "away" had many challenges for me. I would wait for days by the phone for Contractors who, like old boyfriends, never called back, despite their sincerest promise to do so. Spring became "mud". Fleece replaced linen as an integral element of my summer wardrobe. But when Trader Joe's turned a polite but firm deaf ear to my many (and I mean many) pleas for them to locate a store up here, I feared starvation. I have survived by following up on every food tip that comes by my way. Recently I took a group of APCMS foodies on my own "food tour o
f Bangor". Here it is...We began at Flagg's, a red building located on State Street in Veazie. This is a commercial restaurant supply company opened to the public. They have a great collection on knives, industrial grade pots and other essential cookware. Though not a fancy store, they have a large stock and are worth checking out.
Walk across the street from Flagg's to the Mobile station and convenience store. This place is a gem for Indian spices, rice and other Indian staples. The spices are sold in large quantities and for a fraction of any store brands. We tried the "mango pickles" for a treat.
Further on down State Street in Veazie is another roadside convenience store and gas station owned by the same family. There are more Indian foods, spices and supplies.
The Natural Living Center was our next stop. Not my favorite place for fresh produce, despite its name, it does have some ethnic foods that are otherwise hard to come by. Katia Burke introduces me to IBARRA, authentic Mexican chocolate. I melted a cake of it in some warm milk and had instantly some lovely hot chocolate with just a hint of cinnamon.
Beans was next, not the clothing store but the meat store located in an industrial park on the road that connects Essex with outer Broadway. Despite feeling that you are literally walking into an abandoned building, it is worth the trip for really fresh meats and excellent service. There are always butchers on hand to cut exactly what you want. They also produce their own sausages.
State Street Wine and Cheese in Bangor has saved me from having to travel to Portland or Boston to get some really good cheese. Shane, the owner, cut several samples for us to try. In addition to excellent wines, he maintains a large beer collection as well. It doesn't hurt that he is located right next to Frank's Bakery either. Because you can never have enough desserts!
Downtown Bangor has some excellent lunch places. Bagel Central has a good breakfast and lunch menu and lots of room to spread out the paper. Just a few steps away is Giacomos Groceria. Stop in for excellent sandwiches and high end coffees. Check them out for music on the weekends Also in downtown, Friars Bakehouse is a must for the best whoopie pies, breads and sandwiches in the area. Their schedule is limited and the use of a cell phone is considered a mortal sin, so beware.
Ingrid's was last. We bought some European meats and candies.
Saturday's at Ingrid's, located up from the Bangor Daily News across the street from the Civic Center, is the European Market. You can sample Mexican, Hungarian and most things in between. Local farmers and Bob the Butcher can be found there as well. This market changes as vendors come and go and runs through the winter.
Local Farmers Markets are part of the culinary landscape. The Orono market is among the best in the area. Located in the Steam Plan Parking lot of the University of Maine, local farmers and merchants set up an organic Walmart. You may sample local cheeses, buy fresh seafood, enjoy baked items and see at least one person you know. The market runs Thursdays (2pm - 5:30pm) and Saturdays (8am - 1pm). They are held rain or shine Spring through November. For more information go to www.oronofarmersmarket.org
Food Co-ops are another unique food opportunity in the area. These are direct partnerships with the local farmers. Members pay a price, then receive a share of the harvest every week during the growing season. Every week is a surprise of unique locally grown food. I have been a member of Fisher Farm of Winterport (207) 478-4803. There are local Bangor pick-up spots for convenience. Ripely Farm is a new one, coming on-line soon.
Check back for periodic updates on new Food Finds!
The Cardiologist's Diet: "If it tastes good, spit it out."
