OBSESSIONS

WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.

WATCH

“THE BEAR” ON HULU (2022)

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Working under pressure is one thing. Experiencing the secondhand stress of watching a group of underdogs in a restaurant kitchen fulfilling orders is another. There is no denying that I got sucked into “The Bear” for its fast-paced nature and how it effectively builds tension between characters within each of its eight episodes. The theme of living up to a family legacy may resonate with those who have experienced imposter syndrome. The character I find myself rooting for the most is Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri, because of her development throughout the show. Needless to say, I am so excited that a second season is in the works!

— MARISSA DONOVAN

EAT

THAI CURRY DEVILED EGGS FROM 2 FEET BREWING

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? We’ve long believed that 2 Feet Brewing on Columbia Street in downtown Bangor is one of the great semi-hidden food gems of Greater Bangor. I’ve often extolled the virtues of their amazing homemade cakes and desserts, but now I’m going to highlight a very different menu item: the Thai curry deviled eggs. Deviled eggs filled with a nutty, creamy, curry-spiced yolk mixture, topped with pickled ginger. It sounds super simple, but wow, does it work. If you’re a deviled egg fan like me, it would be extremely easy to eat an entire order of these by yourself.

— EMILY BURNHAM

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SHOP

VINYL CANTEEN

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I’ve always been a music lover, laying claim in my teens to my family’s old record player and a few dozen vinyl albums that once belonged to my parents. From The Beatles to Eric Clapton to Cat Stevens, those records were scratched and abused, and I loved the crackly sound. Over the years, my record player was replaced by a CD player and eventually a fancy wireless speaker with endless digital song options and perfect sound quality, but there’s something special about vinyl. And last year I finally got a new record player. I’ve been slowly amassing my record collection thanks to the huge selection (of both new and old records) at the Vinyl Canteen in downtown Bangor. The day I asked if they had any Prince albums and the shop owner pulled out an original 1999 record — well, that was a pretty amazing day. Now my son and I like to play chess while listening to old Jim Croce records (“Hey, it’s that song from ‘Stranger Things!’”). If you’ve got vinyl lovers in your life, the Vinyl Canteen is the ideal spot to find the perfect holiday gift.

— AMY ALLEN

OBSESSIONS

WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.

LISTEN

DARK HISTORY PODCAST

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? If a podcast can make you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire for a ghost story or catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in ages, then I’m hooked. What I love most about Dark History is the listening experience. Imagine having your nails done and the woman sitting next to you has immaculate makeup skills, plus the spooky esthetics and dark, quirky humor of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Instead of spilling local gossip, the host, Bailey Sarian, retells historical downfalls of bad CEOS and Hollywood starlets, cults, notorious pop culture moments and everything under the shady umbrella of true crime. My favorite episode is “50. Gossip, Glitter & Whimsical Disgrace — WTF is up with Lisa Frank.”

— MARISSA DONOVAN

VISIT

MAINE BEER COMPANY

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? In the fall, my life is all about soccer. Everyday there are rides to and from practices, games to cheer on, snack shacks to man. On a recent weekend away for a soccer tournament where my son was playing and my daughter was refereeing, we just happened to stay at a hotel next to Maine Beer Company in Freeport. My husband and I have always enjoyed their brews (Lunch IPA, yum), but that was our first visit to the brewery and restaurant. Now, I already knew Maine Beer Company was known to “Do What’s Right” (that is their slogan, after all). They created their Little Whaleboat IPA last year to help Maine Coast Heritage Trust purchase Little Whaleboat Islands, some of the last remaining undeveloped islands in Casco Bay and a habitat for a range of wildlife. But seeing it in action is impressive.

From the solar panels out front to the fact that they refuse to accept tips and instead donate that money to local and national nonprofits, we were really blown away. The space itself is beautiful and clean, very much in line with their general vibe, and the woodfired pizza is delicious. Do what’s right and go visit during your next trip to Freeport.

— AMY ALLEN

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