"If I am going to clog my arteries witha fat, I'd rather clog them with duck fat." - Chef Rudy Speckamp
If you ever wanted to know what the best french fries in the world look like; these are just that!
Its been about a month since I have been home in Maine and being in New York leaves a little emptiness in my stomach from all the food I miss greatly. Ask anyone who knows me where my favorite place to eat is and they are going to say Duckfat.
I remember the first time I ever went there was with some co-workers. We ordered at least 6 orders of fries and made it our meal. Ever since then, I was hooked. I have never (so far in my life) had a french fry that was as good as Duckfat's. I had to go back and try the other items on their menu. It was then that I was headed down a road of addiction (and I brought my little brother down this dangerous road with me!). The sandwiches were so heavenly. The bread is perfectly toasted and pressed. The bread is perfectly crunchy but yet soft. I have had almost every panini on their menu and every time I am never disappointed.
The winner panini is the duck confit panini. The duck itself is perfectly cooked and seasoned; so tender. The toppings on the sandwich change within season. When I went in the winter time it was pickled jalapenos, spring time was pickled apples, and last summer it was pickled watermelon rinds. Their most recent topping is the rhubarb chutney. Along with this garnish they add a mix of greens and a house made herb mayo. My mouth is watering just thinking about!
Now back to the fries!!!
These fries are hand cut from locally grown Maine potatoes. They are then fried in duck fat (obviously)! These fries are so crisp on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside. The duck fat gives the fries a unique flavor that coats your mouth perfectly, leaving you wanting more. The fries are perfectly salted and served in a cone. The best part about the fries is the variety of dipping sauces that you can choose from. My favorite one is the truffle ketchup but others include; Garlic Mayo, Horseradish Mayo, Thai Chili Mayo, Toasted Curry Mayo, or Lemon-Herb Mayo. They also have regular Heinz Ketchup and vinegar if you find yourself like my brother and sister who like "classic condiments" or if you ask me the "non-adventurous condiments"!
My other favorite thing about Duckfat is that they only serve craft-made soda (sorry no Pepsi/Coke products here!) and local beers. The milkshakes they serve are so rich and creamy. They are made with gelato from the a gelato shop right down the street! If you don't want gelato later or don't care to have a milkshake; the duck fat fried doughnut holes with a duck fat caramel dipping sauce are amazing as well! Ugh!!! My stomach is grumbling now!
I strongly recommend if you find yourself in the downtown Portland area, you check out Duckfat!
Bon Appétit,
Melanie
Duckfat
43 Middle St., Portland, Maine
www.duckfat.com
Now back to the fries!!!
These fries are hand cut from locally grown Maine potatoes. They are then fried in duck fat (obviously)! These fries are so crisp on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside. The duck fat gives the fries a unique flavor that coats your mouth perfectly, leaving you wanting more. The fries are perfectly salted and served in a cone. The best part about the fries is the variety of dipping sauces that you can choose from. My favorite one is the truffle ketchup but others include; Garlic Mayo, Horseradish Mayo, Thai Chili Mayo, Toasted Curry Mayo, or Lemon-Herb Mayo. They also have regular Heinz Ketchup and vinegar if you find yourself like my brother and sister who like "classic condiments" or if you ask me the "non-adventurous condiments"!
My other favorite thing about Duckfat is that they only serve craft-made soda (sorry no Pepsi/Coke products here!) and local beers. The milkshakes they serve are so rich and creamy. They are made with gelato from the a gelato shop right down the street! If you don't want gelato later or don't care to have a milkshake; the duck fat fried doughnut holes with a duck fat caramel dipping sauce are amazing as well! Ugh!!! My stomach is grumbling now!
I strongly recommend if you find yourself in the downtown Portland area, you check out Duckfat!
Bon Appétit,
Melanie
Duckfat
43 Middle St., Portland, Maine
www.duckfat.com