Matthew Powell
Picnic en Blanc in Castine.
July 14, 2023
Friday Food Insider: It's Bastille Day, and time to check out Maine's French food scene
Alexis Wells
Mornings in Paris at 21 Western Ave. in Kennebunk.
Welcome back to the Friday Food Insider and today is Bastille Day or Fete Nationale to my French friends.
If you are reading this at work and can’t wait to get your French wine and French food fix, you have come to the right place because this week your friend the Friday Food Insider has the go-to spots to enjoy Bastille Day and some local events.
Bastille Day trivia
Although this holiday seems like a great time for drinks and good food, there is some history behind it. It is a yearly celebration on July 14, commemorating the capture of the Bastille, a state prison in Paris that fell to a mob on July 14, 1789, which signaled the end of the reign of Louis XVI and the beginning of the French Revolution.
The holiday is celebrated with parades, speeches and fireworks in France as well as many other countries.
Local events
Castine, on the Blue Hill Peninsula, has a unique tie to French culture. The town originated as a French outpost. In 1635 the French came to the town to build Fort Pentagoet. The town now has an annual Bastille Day celebration.
The morning started with a French toast breakfast cook-off at the Trinitarian Church and tours of Dyce Head Lighthouse.
The Castine Historical Society will give a walking tour of the village, beginning on the Town Common at 1 p.m. and ending at Fort Pentagoet.
At the Wilson Museum, bring your children to create historical crafts and then enjoy hand-cranked ice cream and toppings.
Their signature event, which is called Picnic en Blanc, brings over 400 people all dressed in white. Be sure to bring your own French picnic basket to enjoy at the white tables under the Elms on Court Street. Or enjoy your pre-ordered picnic basket from the Pentagoet Inn. I was given a sneak peek of what was included in the baskets and they will have charcuterie and cheese, traditional jambon et beurre baguettes, quiche lorraine, green goddess salads, and raspberry-almond cakes. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
Matthew Powell
A Pentagoet Inn take on a Vieux Carré cocktail.
To end the wonderful day the owners of the Pentagoet Inn will host a French cocktail hour, including French 75s, Boulevardiers, Vieux Carres and L'Experience cocktails.
Sign me up because I plan to be there next year!
French Restaurants
Have you been reading this and wondering the whole time, now I want to try some French cuisine today or this weekend; well, your pal has you covered. Here is a list of French restaurants and bakeries in the state.
Starting off in Kennebunk, Mornings in Paris, at 21 Western Ave. in Kennebunk is a quiet little spot; once I walk up, I picture myself sitting in France with a view of the Eiffel Tower. But, I come to the realization that I’m still in Maine, but I swear one bite of the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) and you will be feeling the same way. This cafe has a variety of crepes and baked goods like tea bread, croissants, quiche and more. It also has a lunch menu and coffee and tea. It also has another spot at 246 Main St. in Ogunquit.
Rachel Wells
Chez Rosa
Chez Rosa, at Cross St. in Kennebunkport, is an independent and locally owned French bistro by a husband and wife team. It is a dinner-only restaurant offering locally sourced French specialties in a stylish, cozy atmosphere. The ratatouille and steak frites are calling my name.
Next, we have Natalie’s Restaurant, which is in the Camden Harbor Inn at 83 Bay View St. in Camden. This spot is a great place to enjoy award-winning cuisine. It has two different tasting menus including a chef tasting and a Maine lobster tasting menu, which in my opinion is the best way to enjoy Maine lobster. If you are looking to try a variety don’t worry; there are other dishes on the menu.
Photo / Alexis Wells
Petite Jacqueline, in Portland's Old Port, is closing.
Maurice Restaurant, at 109 Main St. in South Paris, has French-American cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Looking to try escargot without having to travel to France, well this is your opportunity. Personally, I haven't tried escargot but please reach out and let me know how it is.
Heading to Portland our first stop is Petite Jacqueline, at 46 Market St. in Portland. It is a cozy bistro with wholesome takes on classic French cuisine. This spot offers a brunch, dinner and lunch menu and trust me I will be there for brunch this Sunday.
Belleville, at 1 North St. in Portland, is a bakery that focuses on pastries and pizza. The owners had always dreamed of opening a bakery. They moved to Paris where they learned how to bake and moved to Maine to open their dream bakery.
Last on our Portland list is Chaval, at 58 Pine St. in Portland, offers seasonal French and Spanish-influenced cuisine and craft cocktails.
Renee Cordes
Pictured here is Bistro Leluco's Parisienne gnocchi dish.
And last but not least is Bistro Leluco, at 347 Cottage Road in South Portland. It is new to the restaurant scene, opening in January. This spot offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes that use seasonal and local ingredients. The Parisienne gnocchi and chocolate torte will have me dreaming about food all day.
Looking to enjoy a bottle of French wine and some French food from the comfort of your own home while watching some French-related movies? Check out these movies: "Grand Illusion," "Les Misérables," "A Tale of Two Cities" or Le "Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain."
What is your go-to French food? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to know! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz
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