Alexandra Hall

1 month ago | decormaine.com | Alexandra Hall |Miranda Valentine

Honestly, who goes to a nondescript South Portland strip mall seeking enchantment, stunning decor, a vivacious vibe, and artisanal global dining? Lots of people, it turns out. On almost any given weeknight, the new incarnation of Taj, tucked in next to (yes) an Urban Air and Axe Pit, sees every single one of its 73 seats filled with an unusually boisterous, diverse, and interactive swath of humanity.

Oct 29, 2024 | decormaine.com | Alexandra Hall |Miranda Valentine

Almost no one comes to Lobsterland—or even New England, for that matter—to eat spectacular Tex-Mex. You want clam chowder? We’re your only serious go-to. You’re craving donuts? We’re your hole-in-one. But if you’ve got a “foodie”—(And please, can the food-loving community retire that pretentious term already?)—bucket list that includes regional and cult-followed gastronomic genres from away, odds are good that Maine isn’t at the top of it. Unless, that is, you actually live here.

Aug 8, 2024 | decormaine.com | Alexandra Hall |Miranda Valentine

Remember last year’s Definitive Guide when we predicted that this year’s would inevitably be different? If we only knew. With all the gifted and original newcomers to Maine this year, things have undoubtedly been shaken up among some of the winners. You’ll also discover newly tweaked categories that cover camping, alfresco dining, jewelry, and vegetarian dining options. That said, we’ve also leaned back deeply into some of those familiar classics we can’t live without.

Jul 16, 2024 | decormaine.com | Alexandra Hall |Miranda Valentine

In the weekday morning light, the dusty parking lot in downtown Skowhegan is as vacant as a lunar landscape. But looking out at it from the window of her artisanal cheese shop, Amy Rowbottom knows that soon enough, it will barely be recognizable. “Right now, it’s where we hold our three-season farmer’s market, but once the new building goes up, it will be [functional] year-round,” she says. “It’ll be a whole new world.” She isn’t being hyperbolic.

Jun 13, 2024 | pressherald.com | Alexandra Hall

Is there anything more quintessentially emblematic of Maine than a lobster roll? Lighthouses, arguably. But when you’re hungry, those aren’t much of a help. And nor are they particularly Maine-specific; after all, there are nearly 19,000 lighthouses found all over the globe. But a lobster roll? Now that’s a Maine-centric icon you can sink your teeth into. Ah, but not so fast. As much as an institution as the lobster roll may be, opinions differ greatly over the best way to cook, serve and eat them.