Arcadia 2.0

I’ve written before about how Covid changed Maine’s landscape. The shift brought on by Covid has allowed some businesses to flourish while others floundered. Arcadia National Bar falls into the former. I have written about Arcadia before when they were a hole in the wall, but now they have blossomed into a full-scale bar with two floors.

The biggest change Arcadia went through is the amount of space available to them. There are two floors of games available to customers. The first floor is primarily pinball with some classic games scattered throughout the bar. The classic games include Q-Bert, Pong, and Mr. and Mrs. Pac-Man. The basement level is mostly devoted to sports games, like skeeball and a hockey game. Arcadia even has a PlayStation 5 in their basement level. All the games take quarters, so Arcadia provides an ATM as well as two quarter machines on the first level. There are even boardgames that patrons can play while they visit Arcadia.

Arcadia has plenty of seating.  There are stools that surround the bar, and there are two booths near the bar as well.  Arcadia also provides a couple of tables by the front windows, and those windows look out onto Congress Street.  There are seats scattered around the gaming floor, allowing patrons to watch people play their games.  Arcadia even has its own version of a food court, an area devoted to serving food to guests.  Those enjoying the food Arcadia has to offer can sit in the booths that line the food court.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of food, including garlic knots, pizza, sandwiches and hotdogs, and a whole slew of desserts.  Arcadia offers a comprehensive list of drinks to those who come to sit back and relax.  Draft beer, wines, liquor, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are all available for purchase.

Arcadia does a lot to sets itself apart from other bars.  For example, during the colder months, when people are wearing heavy coats, Arcadia has a coat check.  Additionally, there is outdoor seating during the warmer months, so people can enjoy the weather.  Finally, Arcadia host a whole series of events.  Every Thursday, Arcadia hosts a trivia night, with prizes for those who place first, second, and third.  Arcadia even hosted a Pride event during Pride Month.

Arcadia offers so much to their patrons. Whether you want to play pinball or skeeball, this local watering hole has you covered. If you want to learn more about Arcadia, you can click here. As always, I leave you with this question. Where should I go to next?

Bangor, The City of Kings

When I first started writing this blog, I knew I wanted to go to Bangor. Celebrated horror writer, Stephen King, famously lives in Bangor and one of Maine’s two casinos, the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, is located in Bangor. After booking my room, I began the two hour drive to Bangor.

The Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway is situated on prime real estate.  Located right off the highway on Main Street, the facility catches your eye almost immediately.  There is a parking garage attached to the casino and hotel, so parking is plentiful.  Access to the casino and the lobby can be found on the first floor of the parking complex, which makes checking in and gaming that much easier.  The rooms are spacious and clean, and there are a variety of price points for rooms.  I highly recommend getting a room with a view of the Penobscot River, as it’s truly a sight to behold.

The casino is located right off the lobby. There are slot machines and tables available for those looking for a night of gaming. There is a bar located in the casino, so one can enjoy a drink while gambling. Maine state law dictates that in order to play the games, you have to be twenty-one or older, so make sure you bring a valid ID. While the slots are fun, I tend to stick to the table games. I particularly enjoy Black Jack, as that is the game I’m most familiar with. Regardless if you win or lose, you’re bound to have fun!

There are two places to eat at the hotel. The first is the Take 2 Snack Bar, where someone can order breakfast items.  Take 2 Snack Bar is typically closed for the winter, so make sure you check to see if the snack bar is open during your stay.  The second eatery is called Hops House 99. It’s a decently sized restaurant with seats at the bar and tables available.  The food is good with plenty of offerings, and an extensive drink menu.  The hotel offers a five dollar credit for each night that you stay. You can use the credit at Take 2 Snack Bar, Hops House 99, and the little continence store located by receptions.

As mentioned before, Stephen King resides in Bangor. Furthermore, the town of Derry, a location mentioned frequently in King’s books, is based on Bangor. Because of this, there is a company that does a Stephen King tour of the city of Bangor, and the surrounding area. The tour includes locations from King’s books, and a visit to all of King’s philanthropic endeavors. The tour company picks guests up at a variety of locations, including a number of hotels. The tour lasts three hours, so there is a bathroom break about halfway through the tour.

My travels also took me to the Mount Hope Cemetery. As the second oldest garden cemetery in the country, there is a ton of history here. Al Brady, who was a gangster in the 1930’s is buried here. Local legend states that if you don’t leave a penny on his tombstone, his vengeful spirit will haunt you. Furthermore, a U.S. Vice President, ten Congressmen, two U.S. Ambassadors, four Governors of Maine, and many more are buried here. Additionally, Stephen King found inspiration for two of his characters names here at Mount Hope Cemetery. Those names are Georgie, from the novel It, and Carrie, from the book Carrie.

When I first told a coworker that I was heading to Bangor, she got very excited. She told me I had to see the Duck of Justice. After some probing, I found that the Duck of Justice was a stuffed duck, and it was effectively Bangor PD’s mascot. While the police department’s door is locked, they do have an intercom system. If you let them know that you’re there to see the Duck, they will let you in and show you to the Duck.

Finally, I highly recommend visiting the Paul Bunyan statue. Bangor is the supposed birthplace of Bunyan, and the statue was erected in 1959. Fans of the movie IT:Chapter 2 might recognize the statue as the one that attacks Richie in the park.

I finished up my trip with a visit to The Oriental Jade. If this restaurant sounds familiar, it’s because King based The Jade of the Orient, an eatery in the book It, on The Oriental Jade. There is a massive drink menu, including soft drinks, craft beer, and cocktails. Patrons can eat sushi and typical Chinese fare. Seating is plentiful, with seats at the bar, booths, and tables. There is beautiful décor, with statues and vases scattered throughout the restaurant. I had the Calamari Sesame Chicken with Pork Fried Rice and Crab Rangoon.

Bangor has so much to offer, that I barely scratched the surface. If you want to learn more about the casino and hotel, click here. If you want to book a Stephen King tour, click here. If you want to visit the Mount Hope Cemetery, click here. Finally, if you want to eat at the Oriental Jade, click here. As this post comes to a conclusion, I have to ask, where should I go to next?

The Gritty Reality of Good Food

Freeport, like Portland, has a great restaurant scene.  So, it should come as no surprise that my next stop during Restaurant week was Gritty McDuffs Freeport Brewpub.  Located on Lower Main Street, this blink and you miss it pub is a great place to stop during your shopping adventure.

 

Seating is plentiful, and during the off season, guests are able to find a place to sit relatively easily.  There are seats at the bar, tables, long tables that seat eight, and picnic tables.  The menu is large, with soups, salads, burgers and so much more.  Gritty’s has a rotating menu of soup, chowder, and cheesecake.

 

The service is top notch, and the drinks are absolutely delicious.  I settled on the cheeseburger, with a side of fries, which was great, and I also had the cheesecake of the day, which was the peanut butter finger cheesecake.  If you want more information on Gritty McDuffs, you can click here.  Sadly, tomorrow is my last post during Restaurant Week, but I’m far from done visiting restaurant’s in Maine.  As always, I ask, where should I go next?

A Meal Fit for a King

Growing up, I was never a big fan of sushi.  There was something about eating raw fish that grossed me out.  However, I’ve recently found that my palate has changed, and I absolutely love sushi.   So, for the fifth day of Restaurant Week, I made my way to King of the Roll, a Japanese restaurant located right here in Portland.

 

Stepping into King of the Roll, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported Japan.  Beautiful, Japanese inspired decorations adorn the walls and hang from the ceiling, while Japanese music emanates from the speakers.  Booths, tables, and seats at the sushi bar are available for patrons, so seating is plentiful.

 

While there are conventional menus, the main menu is quite unusual.  It lists most, if not all, of the sushi offered at King of the Roll.  Guests mark the quantity of the sushi they want, and hand the menu to their server.  Once ready the sushi is brought to the table, and you’re ready to dig in.  The drink menu is also quite extensive, with plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

 

King of the Roll is able to fulfill any sushi lover’s dream, and I highly recommend anyone visiting Portland make the trip to this Japanese restaurant.  If you want to learn more about King of the Roll, you can click here.  With my Restaurant Week starting to wind down, I ask myself, where should I go next?

…And Now, For Something Completely Different.

The state of Maine, along with a number of other states, participate in an event called Restaurant Week.  In span of twelve days, foodies can delight in the celebration of food, drink, and good times. While there is an extensive list of restaurants who are participating in Restaurant Week, I will be doing something a little different.

 

For the first seven days of Restaurant week, I will be going to a different restaurant each day, and bringing my experience to you.  However, here is the twist, I will be going to restaurants that are not featured on Restaurant Week’s list.  I can expect certain question’s to be asked of me.  “Merry Mainer, doesn’t it defeat the purpose of Restaurant Week if you do your own thing?”  That is a good question, and my answer is two-fold.  My first response is that many of the restaurants are open only for dinner, and my schedule for the time being does not permit me to eat at these restaurants while many of them are open.

 

My second answer is that the restaurants that participate in Restaurant Week are featured on Restaurant Week’s website, with links to their site.  I want to write about restaurants that won’t be featured, to add to the ever-extensive list of restaurants.

 

My first stop was Boda, a Thai restaurant located on Congress Street.  They have an extensive drink menu, with plenty of beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcholic drinks to choose from.  Boda offers two menus, a dinner and a late night menu.  Boda has a sizable dinner menu, with classic Thai food, including the ever-popular Pad Thai, along with a variety of other food like skewers and sticky rice.

 

There are tables and seats at the bar available, but make sure you leave enough time for a wait if you go during peak hour.  There’s sometimes a wait for a table, but the turnover is pretty quick, so you don’t have to wait long.

 

As I mentioned, this is the first posting in a series of posts in honor of Restaurant Week.  Make sure to check in daily, as I will be posting a restaurant review every day for the first seven days of Restaurant Week.  If you want to learn more about Boda, you can click here, and if you want to learn more about Restaurant Week, you can click here.

Oxford University? Nope, Oxford Casino and Hotel!

While I’m not much of a gambler, visiting a casino always makes for a good time.  While I knew Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the country, it wasn’t until I moved to Maine that I discovered two major casinos within state lines.  One is located in Bangor, while the other resides in Oxford.  I chose to head to the Oxford Casino and Hotel, which was less than an hour away from Portland.

 

The Oxford Casino and Hotel is located at 777 Casino Way, and I was blown away by the amount of parking available for guests.  A van patrolled the lot in order to pick patrons up, and transport them to the entrance. The hotel and casino’s design was well done, as there was something intimate and exciting about the lodge like setting and the cacophony of bells and whistles of the games.  I arrived quite early for check in, and was informed that there was a thirty-dollar early check in fee.  However, the staff informed me that they could store my bags in a secure area, and that my room will be ready within an hour and a half, and I will not be charged the fee.  I was back at the front desk about an hour later, and I was able to check in without the added charge.

 

The room was spacious and comfortable.  A desk and chair were provided, along with a lamp.  While I didn’t use it, a Keurig machine can be found on the desk as well. If you’re looking for a night in, or to rest from a evening of gambling, there is a flat screen TV mounted on the wall, positioned just opposite the bed.  As I was in a king sized room, a bedside table was placed on either side of the bed, along with a lamp.  The room also came with a chair with a lamp placed overhead, perfect for those who brought a book with them.

 

There are three eating options available at the Oxford Casino and Hotel, and I was lucky enough to sample two of them.  The Ox Pub is a great place to eat lunch or dinner.  The typical pub fare is served here, as well an assortment of beers, cocktails, and a sizable bourbon menu.  Seating is plentiful, with high tops, tables, booths, and seats at the bars available for guests.  Whisky barrels adorned the wall, along with a wood paneled American Flag.  TVs were scattered around the bar, so patrons can watch sports at their leisure.  The Ox Pub is located right by one of the casino entrances, so if you’re eager to get back to gambling, you don’t have to travel far.

 

The Oxford Express was my second stop for food, and it’s here where people in a rush can eat. Whether you really want to get back to gambling, or get on the road, Oxford Express is the place to be.  There are plenty of take out options available, including sandwiches and salads, as well as a menus that includes burgers, fries, and other food.  There’s even a breakfast menu, so you don’t have to skip the most important meal of the day.

 

The casino is has a wide assortment of games.  Different types of slot machines took up most of the floor, but the card games definitely took center stage.  Poker, Black Jack, and Roulette were all featured.  While I spent most of my time at the Black Jack table, I did learn how to play Mississippi Stud, which was a ton of fun.  The dealers and staff were knowledgeable about the games, and great conversationalists.  There was even a table where guests can learn to play certain games.  A nice touch was the bar located right in the casino, so players didn’t have to go far for drinks.  For those of you who also enjoy high stakes gambling, there’s an area devoted to such a pursuit.  The casino is open twenty-four hours a day, so guests can gamble whenever the mood strikes.

 

The Oxford Casino and Hotel is definitely a great destination for amateur and professional gamblers alike.  I know that I would love to visit again, especially since there was still plenty to do. If you want to learn more about Oxford Casino and Hotel, you can click here. You can find more information on the Ox Pub here, and the Oxford Express here.  Now that this trip is done, I’m ready for my next adventure, the question is, where should I go next?

A Lobster Roll With a View

Maine provides its residents and tourists with a variety of restaurants.  Some are dedicated to seafood, while others provide a wider assortment of options.  This time, I set my sights on The Lobster Shack Between Two Points.  As the name implies, seafood is the primary focus here, but don’t despair if a land based diet is more your thing.  Burgers and salads are also available for purchase, as well as a small drink menu.

Located in Cape Elizabeth, The Lobster Shack provides guests with two seating options.  Patrons can choose to sit outside or inside, with plenty of seating available.  Much of the restaurant has windows facing the coast and the walls are adorned with a variety of antiques, as well as some vanity plates.  I decided to get a lobster roll, with a side of fries, which was absolutely delicious.

The outdoor seating area is populated by red picnic tables where guests can enjoy their food as well enjoy the natural beauty that Maine has to offer.  Furthermore, there are benches where patrons can sit and admire the waves crashing into the coast.  A coin-operated pair of binoculars enables visitors to check out their surroundings, as well as the waterfowl that are floating in the ocean. Furthermore, the seagulls flying overhead complete the picturesque view that it coastal Maine.

Despite the amount of time I’ve spent in Maine, I am always blown away by what Maine has to offer.  I find myself going to places I’ve never expected, and experiencing new and exciting activities.  The Lobster Shack was no different.  The food and the view was extraordinary!  I highly recommend that if you have the chance, go as soon as possible. The Lobster Shack is not open year round, so make sure you plan accordingly.  If you want to learn more about The Lobster Shack, you can click here.  As it happens, I’ve already gone on my next adventure, so make sure to check back soon, as I’m very excited about my next post!

A Smooth Landing at the Flight Deck

Microbreweries are becoming more and more common, with Maine hosting an assortment of breweries throughout the state.   In my time here in Maine, I’ve heard people frequently talk about Flight Deck Brewing, so I made my way out to Brunswick to see what the buzz was all about.  Flight Deck Brewing is located in a converted small arms range at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.  Driving through the compound was a pleasant experience, as there wasn’t a lot of traffic, and I drove past a couple of decommissioned planes.  While the brewery is housed in a grey building, there are plenty of signs pointing to Flight Deck.  Furthermore, if you miss the first entrance, don’t despair, a second entrance isn’t much further down the road.

As it was Saturday, Flight Deck was packed by the time I arrived.  Additionally, the brewery was celebrating their two-year anniversary, which definitely brought in the extra clientele.  There are two seating sections within the brewery, with the larger area hosting seats at the bar, high tops, and picnic tables.  The smaller seating area has a couple of leather couches, along with picnic tables and a small counter.  Its in this area where brewing equipment can be viewed, each named after a “Top Gun” characters.  Furthermore, Flight Deck is decorated with model planes, along with flying equipment like helmet and goggles.  Flight Deck even provides a TV tuned to the day’s sporting event.

Flight Deck brews their beer in house, and their passion for their beers is evident.  According to their website, they are closed every Monday to dedicate the day to brewing plenty of beer.  They have an assortment of beers, and each drink is described on their menus.  Like many other drinking establishments, patrons can purchase a flight of beers, or a singular beer in an array of sizes.  Flight Deck has even bottled some of their beer, so folks can bring some beer home with them.

Flight Deck Brewing is a great place to bring you kids, as there are child friendly drinks available as well. If your kids happen to have four legs, a tail, and an affinity for milk bones, you can bring them along too. There are treats at the bar if your dog needs a snack.  The lawn provides a great space for kids, dogs, and grownups to sit and enjoy the day as well.  Picnic tables and benches are scattered around the space, with corn hole available for guests.  There’s even a fire pit that provides warmth during the colder months, and illumination at night

Since I had yet to eat lunch, I made my way to a food truck called Cooks Lobster and Ale House.  With seafood and pub fare, there’s something for everyone.  Both the food truck and Flight Deck accept both cash and plastic, so paying is convenient on all fronts.  Furthermore, one of the decommissioned planes is close by, providing a photo opportunity for guests.  Flight Deck host a whole slew of events as well, which can be found on their website.

As I continue to travel to different microbreweries, I’ve begun to notice to a certain pattern. Each brewery I’ve visited has done something to make it wholly unique.  Flight Deck Brewing works to embrace their roots, in their décor, as well as the “Top Gun” references.  The fire pit and the food truck were nice touches that added to the atmosphere at Flight Deck.  More information about Flight Deck can be found here, while their event schedule can be found here.  As I wrap up this post, the ever-eternal question leaps to mind, where should I go to next?

Skiing, Dog Sledding, and Fire Dancers? Sign Me Up!!

Whether you’re a painter, fashion mogul, or a filmmaker, creativeness comes to people in unique ways. I am no different.  Whenever I recommend that someone visit Maine for the first time, the first question I get is, “Why?”  While I was quick to rattle off the number of summer activities one can do in Maine, every other season, including winter, was neglected. As I’ve spent more time in this great state, I’ve begun to experience a wider variety of seasonal activities.  As it happens, this posting will be the third and final blog chronicling my trip to Bethel and Newry.  It is here, where I will speaking to the activities in the area, and let me tell you, there is plenty to do.

Easily the most obvious past time is skiing.  While I’ve skied in Wyoming, Colorado, and Switzerland, I never dreamed that I would be skiing in Maine.  One of the many reasons I chose the Jordan Hotel was because of what it offered it’s guests.  First and foremost, The Jordan Hotel is ski on/ski off.  The mountain is easily accessible from the hotel, so visitors don’t have to struggle getting to the rest of the trails.  An added bonus is that there is a ski check conveniently located right where guests can ski in and out.  Guests can purchase ski tickets in the lobby, as well as rent skis, boots, and poles in a store right off the lobby.  The rental company even does tune-ups.  Furthermore, the Jordan Hotel provides a shuttle that takes guests to and from the ski lodge, which provides visitors with access to more lifts, another tuning shop, and more!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself while skiing.  The versatility of the mountain was impressive.  The trail map is easy to read, and the trail signs are clear as well. Furthermore, if guests are attempting to get to other parts of the mountain, the trail signs point to where to go. The trails vary in difficulty, as well as in size, meaning that some trails are narrow, while others are spacious. Furthermore, tree runs are marked, so that skiers know where to enter, as well as the trails difficulty.  I’m a big fan of terrain parks, so I was extremely happy when I discovered that there were multiple parks, with jumps of various sizes.  While I spent one day skiing, I did not get an opportunity to do some night skiing. Night skiing is only available during the weekend and some holidays, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. The conditions at Sunday River were extraordinary, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s lived through a Maine winter.  Sunday River also has snow making equipment available to create more snow if need be.

When someone mentions that they’ve seen a fire dancer, Maine doesn’t seem to be a logical place to go to see such a performance.  However, I was lucky enough to see such a performance during my time in Newry. Located right at the ski lodge, there are two shows, one at 7:45pm and one at 8:15pm.  The performer was talented, and there was plenty of twirling and whirling! As I went to the 8:15 show, the fire dancer’s performance blended seamlessly into the firework show at 8:30.

During my trip, I was able to go dog sledding, which was an absolute blast.  The guides are extremely knowledgeable, not only about dog sledding but about local history as well.  Guests can ride within the sled, or on the back of the sled with the guide. Mahoosuc Guide Service offers a whole slew of options, including day trips, as well as weekend trips.  A couple of minutes into our trip, it suddenly clicked that we were sledding over a lake.  The guide told me that the ice was about two feet thick, enabling them to bring the dogs onto the ice.  We passed an area that was set up for ice fishing, with ice huts dotting the frozen lake, which was definitely a sight to see.  Part way into the trip, we stopped for lunch, which happens to be included. A hearty soup along with bagels, cream cheese, jam, chips, and trail mix meant that we ate very well.  A nice touch was that the soup was warmed over an open fire.  As we ate, I was able to take in the beautiful sights, as well as interact with the dogs, who were all eager for the attention.  While I brought my own gear for the trip, Mahoosuc Guide Service can provide guests with gear, if the need arises.  Mahoosuc Guide Service also can provide lodging, which can add to the experience.

As my trip came to a close, I found myself wanting to come back to Bethel and Newry.  The beauty of the Bethel/Newry area is that there’s always something to do, regardless of when you’re visiting.  Information on skiing at Sunday River can be found here, while the fire dancing and fireworks can be found here.  Mahoosuc Guide Service offers plenty of summer and winter activities, and you can find them here. If you want to read about Sunday River as a whole, the home page can be found here.  As I’ve mentioned before, this was the last entry the series about my trip to Newry and Bethel.  I had a lot of fun, but now, it’s time to plan my next adventure, and I’m excited to get started.

The Taste of Adventure

Any one who has visited Maine can tell you that the food is incredible.  Not only is the seafood to die for, but, there is so much more available, and Bethel and Newry were no different.  As I researched different restaurants in the area, I found myself blown away by the sheer amount of options available to me.

My first stop was the Mountain View At Trails End.  Located at the foot of the mountain, Mountain View is a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and everyone else enjoying the winter weather.  Seating was ample, providing plenty of options for patrons.  High tops were scattered throughout the restaurant, some of which have ski maps of Sunday River made right into the tables. Seating at the bar, as well as standard tables, couches, and seating by a fire place can all be found as well.  Televisions are also scattered around the restaurant, displaying a wide assortment of programming.

While it was pretty quite at when I was having lunch, it was clear that the Mountain View was so much more than just an eatery.  The bar is well stocked, especially with beers from micro-brewery’s, as well an arcade to entertain guests while they waited for their food.  Events are also held here, with a menu designed to cater to these events.  According to their website, the Mountain View can host a wedding as well!

Matterhorn Ski Bar was my next “dining destination,” and I wasn’t disappointed.  The restaurant was absolutely packed, but with two floors of seating available, a table is bound to open up soon.  There was live music, but it wasn’t overpowering at all.  I had no problem communicating with my server throughout my meal.  Furthermore, their menu was sizable, with plenty of options including; burgers, pizza, and salads.  Their drink menu was equally impressive, as they had an assortment of beers, red and white wines, and cocktails.  If you have kids in tow, don’t despair, as there are kid friendly options available as well.  The decorations were plenty of fun to look at as well, as the walls were adorned with various types of skis from years past.

While I had a pretty good idea where I was going for all my meals, I discovered Sunday River Brewing Company entirely by accident.  Much like the other establishments I visited, Sunday River Brewing Company had high tops, booths, tables, and seats at the bar available for patrons.  The atmosphere was definitely cozy, and the staff was friendly.  The beer is brewed right on the premise, and while guest cannot enter the brewery, windows offer a view into the brewing process.

While Sunday River Brewing Company does carry some well-known beers, I could tell that this brewery has a lot of pride for their own beer.  An entire section of their menu is dedicated to their beer, describing their flavor, the type of beer, color and finally the alcohol by volume. The food is phenomenal as well, with an assortment of pub food and pizza.

Dinner at the Funky Red Barn provided, dare I say it, a funky experience.  While it was quiet when I arrived, it was clear that good times come easy here.  The tables are sizable, providing opportunities for parties of all sizes to find a place to sit.  Old sports equipment, license plates, and album covers adorned the walls, along with a full sized motorcycle hanging from the ceiling.  Two pool tables are situated in the back of the restaurant, along with two dartboards.  Live music and a dance floor are provided as well, if that sounds like your kind of fun

My last night in Bethel was spent at ChoSun, a Japanese and Korean restaurant.  The décor was masterfully done.  Japanese art peppered the walls, while the eatery looked to be a cross between a ski lodge, as well as a Japanese restaurant.  As I had family with me on this particular night, we settled on the ChoSun Sushi Platter, which comes with 50 pieces of sushi, selected by the chef.  It was a phenomenal sight to see, and it was delicious!  While ChoSun is definitely a popular place to eat, it didn’t feel overcrowded or noisy.  It was comfortable, and with the low lighting, a great place to eat.  There’s even a bar where quests can have a drink as well.  The website for ChoSun makes it a point to recommend that guests make a reservation, and after my meal there, I have to agree that is a great idea.

 

Having travelled extensively in Maine, it doesn’t surprise me that Bethel and Newry has some extraordinary places to eat.  What amazes me is that I didn’t scratch the surface of restaurants in the area!  I constantly found myself making note of all the other places to eat in the area.  As always, if you want to know more about where I went, you can find the links here.  For Mountain View at Trails End, the link is here, while Matterhorn Ski Bar can be found here.  Subsequently, Sunday River Brewing Company ishere, while The Funky Red Barn can be found here, and Cho Sun is linked here.  Just like my previous post, this posting is part of a series for my Bethel and Newry trip, so stay tuned, as there is more to come!