Lobster Love

I've only eaten lobster a couple of times before going to Maine.  And, as delicious as it was, I think I've had my fill for the rest of the year.  We ate a lot of lobster.  On our way back from Acadia (the first time) we stopped by the Trenton Bridge Lobster Shack (just off of Desert Island).  Brian's dad recommended it and we loved it.  Supposedly the lobster is so good because they cook it in ocean water.

Acadia: Day 1

We just got back from our week long trip to paradise...I mean, Maine.  It was beyond wonderful.  The timeshare apartment (thank you to Brian's aunt!!!) was about the same size as our New York apartment (with a lot less stuff in it) and sat with a view of the ocean.

To sum up our trip in a handful of words: lobster, wild blueberries, ice cream, water, green, beautiful, and relaxing!

I'll be posting a lot of photos for the next few posts.  It was hard to pick just a few favorites, so I hope you like them!!!

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We spend two days in Acadia National Park and loved it.  It was almost two hours north of where we were staying or else we probably would have been there more.

 First beautiful vista on our way in:

Jordan Pond:

We were doing our "windy dance," if you were wondering!

wild Maine blueberries

Bubble Pond:

Cadillac Mountain:

 

Isabella was a "turtle" and wouldn't take her head and arms out of her
sweatshirt because of the chilly wind.

Right Now

We just climbed up that "steep grade" on our bikes!!! Taking a
breather now and drinking tons of water. In Acadia.

Maine: Breakwater Lighthouse

Our first day in Maine I took the kids to Breakwater Lighthouse while Brian got a little r&r.  It was a mile each way down the granite breakwater that was constructed in the late 1800's.  Oliver slept in the ergo on my back and Isabella was as energetic as ever.

While traveling on the breakwater we saw lobster boats pulling up their traps, individuals fishing for mackerel off the breakwater, sailboat races and a whole lot of other people taking the journey.

For a bit of perspective: this is at the beginning of our walk; the lighthouse is in the background.  Can you see it?

Maine: McLaughlin's Lobster Shack

Our first Maine lobster was from McLaughlins Lobster Shack in Lincolnville.  The gal behind the counter taught us all about large vs. small vs. soft shell lobsters.  And she pointed to "Mike's boat" in the small harbor just outside the shack.  Mike is the fisherman who brought in the lobster earlier that day.  That's what I call fresh fish!

Below is a photo of my handsome boys in front of "Mike's boat".

Maine: L.L. Bean

Visiting the huge L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine almost convinced us that we could possibly live outdoors for the rest of our lives...almost...

Right Now

 

Atop Cadillac Mountain

Right Now

Laundry room jungle gym.

Isabella's Big Race

My little girl has been begging to run a race with me for well over a year; maybe two.  Today was her day.  The Run for Central Park had kids races, so I signed her up.  We talked a lot about it, bought new (much needed) running shoes, and hoped her nerves would not stop her when the moment came.  She did great!

Lining up for the race.

She was adorably nervous!  Very quiet and serious.

Running the race.

I was running with her, trying to photograph her.  She was too fast for me!

The finish line.

She was so happy!  She loved it!

I love the beach!

I love Central Park

Thursday evening Brian got off work early, I packed up a picnic dinner and this is what we did...

Restaurant Week: Le Cirque

Brian called me yesterday afternoon and told me he had just made dinner reservations for us at Le Cirque for restaurant week.  Fortunately, I was able to find a last minute babysitter and we had a fabulous evening out.

 image found here

Brian's Dinner:

Sweet Corn Soup

wood ear mushrooms & basil

Sauteed Beef Medallions

portabello ‘fine tart’, arugula–pecorino salad

Creme Brulee Le Cirque

My Dinner:

Chicken and Ramp Tortelli

hazelnut brodo

Salmon Fillet

tomato and fennel chutney, tomato–horseradish broth

Chocolate Fondant

caramelized banana, salted caramel ice cream

We really enjoyed everything we ate, although there wasn't anything that really stood out to the point we'd say, "You've got to try this!  It is so good!"  The sauteed beef medallions were probably the favorite.  Sweet corn soup was yummy.  The chicken and ramp tortelli was good and had a variety of mellow flavors that kept each bite fun and interesting.  The chutney that accompanied the salmon didn't impress me at first, but I loved it after a few bites.  The desserts were both excellent; we haven't had a good creme brulee in a long time and the salted caramel ice cream was fabulous.

Here's a link I found with their current restaurant week menu.