India & Middle Streets the heart of the old Italian neighborhood meets the Old Port. It's home to Amato's sandwich shop and Micccci's grocery store. One not much different from when I came to Portland in the mid 70's and one, Micucci's which has evolved into something more... a little hipper.
The sandwiches are the same, fresh and a good deal. The patio was added a few years back. |
My wife's favorite Luna bread. |
Cannoli come in several flavors. |
Middle Street starts at India and runs across the Franklin Arterial to the Old Port. But this one block section has added a few restaurants over the years and you can have lunch at Duck Fat, the little brother to Highly regarded Chef Rob Evans, Hugo's. I go here for the hand cut Belgian fries and a Stella. Get the Beignet's for dessert.
Right next door is the new guy on the block, The East Ender. Opened by Mitch Gerow & Megan Schroeter, in early January, it's two floors offers plenty of flexibility for both bar and table spacing. M&M both worked at Evangeline before Eric closed the doors, so they both know what a high quality bistro/restaurant should look and feel like. Indeed as I was taking pictures of a couple at an outside table, their salad and Trout fritters arrived, and the man immediately began waxing rhapsodic about the fritters. When a friend of mine and my wife came thru town a week later we had lunch at East Ender and confirmed his opinion. In fact all our three dishes, the fritters, the lobster nachos and a salad with buttermilk dressing were 1st rate!
Amato's / 71 India Street
207-773-1682
Micucci's Italian Grocery / 45 India Street
207-775-1854
Duckfat / 43 Middle Street
207-774-8080
East Ender / 47 Middle Street
207-879-7669
eastenderportland.com
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Keep your eyes out for:
Coffee By Design
Two Fat Cats Bakery
Foodworks