Clam chowder is irresistible in those parts
Our morning “routine” in our temporary Portland home is now well set. Coffee and a breakfast of cereal, blueberries, grapes, banana & milk, followed by a game of tennis. I prevailed today 6-4, 1-1; it has been really close each day.
On this occasion, we politely asked a pickleball pair to allow us to play on the court we had booked and the “gentleman” tried to decline our request, insisting that the place is “first come, first served”…which it is, unless you pay to reserve and play. His “Mrs” encouraged him to see sense, not least because there were several other pickleball spots free such that both they and we could play on uncracked courts. I’m starting to see why tennis and pickleball folk are at loggerheads in some parts of the US!
The Eastern Promenade courts are a beautiful setting for tennis (and/or pickleball come to that), with lovely views of the sea and (at least while we were around) a helpful but unobtrusive level of breeze.
Back to our apartment for a restful day, mostly reading on our terrace and/or writing up these notes. We met our host, Michele, briefly, and had a pleasant chat with her.
I even had time for a siesta today and it really did feel like siesta weather – sitting out had, at times, felt like too much sun; extraordinary for Portland Maine in October.
Dinner this evening at Scales, which came much recommended by our friend in Bretton Woods and the friendly couple up the street (Jamie and Chris), who also recommended the Japanese place we have arranged to try tomorrow.
Scales deserved those recommendations (as did the Japanese – see next article). Excellent setting, grub and service. We tried their clam chowder which was excellent – on a par with The Moorings in Newport.
Then Janie chose lobster roll with fries, coleslaw & pickle, while I had a very tasty haddock dish.
We both had a glass of a NY Riesling to start, then I had Benziger Running Wild Chardonnay, while Janie tried an Oregon Pinot Noir rose. The portion sizes were sensible for once, so I tried some frozen custard (blueberry) and Janie tried a coffee frapee. Then we did both feel full, but very happy!
In the unlikely event you want to see the handful of other pictures we took that day, click this Flickr link or the photo below:
