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TWISTED TWISTED PRETZELS HAVE THEIR MOMENT
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BY JOANNA O’LEARY
ometimes, the best way to unwind is to tuck into a twisted carbohydrate (irony noted). I’m talking about soft pretzels, at one time relegated (at least in America) to movie theater concessions and ballpark fare. Adding insult to injury, those that were served in both those venues were often the blandest, most insipid versions of the venerable soft pretzel: lazily tangled tubes of dough with a stingy dusting of salt. Fortunately, the past decade has seen not the further decline of the soft pretzel but rather its resurgence, thanks to creative chefs, home cooks and (I like to think) a hearty cross-section of German-Americans who were fed up with the mockery being made of their mother country’s arguably most iconic baked (and boiled) good. Mainers craving quality soft pretzels can rejoice in a plethora of options when it comes to these delectable plaited breads. Numerous bakeries, restaurants and bars have risen to the occasion (har) with regards to vending par excellence pretzels with the added bonus of pairing them with complementary spreads and dips. Ready to entangle yourself in the world of soft pretzels? Here are some standouts to try.
20 / BANGOR METRO March 2022
2 FEET BREWING CO. For a supple, hearty, tortuous carbohydrate, try 2 Feet Brewing Co.’s (80 Columbia St., Bangor) pretzel made from the very spelt grains used in the production of their beer. It’s flanked by a cute crock of historic Raye’s mustard, blended by over four generations of the eponymous family. MASON’S A terrific sweet-meets-savory take on the twisted, tanned treat can be found at Mason’s (15 Hardy St., Brewer), where a toothsome trifecta of sugary and salty schmears—mustard, honey butter, French onion dip— accompany the large-and-in-charge soft pretzel. Partner this wonderful pretzel with one of Mason’s whimsical draft brews, like the Destiny’s Mild or Lil’ Pushbroom IPA. LIQUID RIOT BOTTLING CO. Prime pretzels farther afield from Bangor are available at Liquid Riot Bottling Co. (250 Commercial St., Portland),
