|
|
 GOURMET GREATNESS
Duckfat
is a one-of-a-kind Maine hangout that’s part watering hole, part
upscale sandwichery, and 100% delicious. Phantom felt wicked cool just
for walking through the door, and he kept reaping the benefits while
discovering their insanely delicious duck fat-fried Belgian fries.
|
|
|
|
Duckfat
in Portland, Maine is a hip neighborhood hangout where jazz music jives
with exposed brick and the fun magnetic strip where customers can
mix-and-match words. Still, it’s casual with most seats at the bar and
along a couple counters. |
 |
|
|
|
The
fun comfort food menu is quality all the way on panini sandwiches,
salads, milkshakes, homemade sodas, and fried goodies. Local beers and
wines round out the offerings. |
|
|
|
|
Starting
with their signature Belgian fries cooked in duck fat, the
mind-blowing, deep auburn stubs were insanely addictive, airy, and
earthy (from the skins). They were perfectly seasoned and served with
decadent condiments like truffle ketchup and creamy horseradish mayo.
The avocado salad looked pretty sprinkled in sesame seeds but fell flat
with bland soy-miso dressing. |
|
|
|
|
Progressing
to panini, the grilled sandwiches came together in cheesy, crusty
success. The Cubano housed slow-roasted pork along with tangy mustard
and bread & butter pickles, while the eggplant was soft and
sumptuous, lined with roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and herbaceous
pesto. |
|
|
|
|
Phantom
finished in PERFECT TEN fried dessert heaven with powdered sugar
covered beignet that were as golden and delicious as funnel cakes in a
doughnut hole shape. The blueberry panini made with buttery brioche was
just as sweet, dripping jammy fruit and creamy mascarpone from the
edges. |
|
|
|
|
Portions are standard, but because the food is inherently hefty, you’ll leave completely satisfied. |
|
|
|
|
Counter service was surprising, but it’s just one more way they keep the place casual and affordable. |
|
|
|
|
The tiny, colorful space was quite clean from the wooden floors to the semi-open kitchen. |
|
|
|
|
Grilled panini sandwiches are expensive and worth it at $7 to $13, and heavenly fries cost $4.50. |
|
|
|
|
Duckfat is on Middle Street in quaint Portland, Maine, down the street from its high-end sister restaurant, Hugo. |
|
|
Review Date:
10/28/2006 |
|