OBSESSIONS
OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.
EAT
CAFFEINATE
CHARLIDEW GOURMET SPREAD FROM PLEASANT RIDGE PROVISIONS
BREWED AWAKENINGS
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Say the words “snack dinner” around my family and cheers will erupt. What started as a way to use up some party leftovers while simultaneously having one less dinner to cook, has turned into one of our favorite meals — just a bunch of appetizers, raw veggies, cheese, crackers, etc. Anything goes. We love a trip to Bangor Wine and Cheese for prosciutto, “fancy cheeses,” crusty bread and whatever else looks tasty. Last summer we discovered Charlidew Gourmet Spread from Pleasant Ridge Provisions out of West Gardiner and now we can’t get enough. The hand-crafted gourmet cheese spread is just a little sweet, perfectly spicy, packed with flavor and, as the label warns, “slightly addictive.” It’s great to dip with veggies or crackers — particularly Mill Cove Baking Co.’s The Old Salt Cracker, made in Portland and also available at Bangor Wine and Cheese. Yum. According to their Facebook page, Charlidew is also available locally at Tiller & Rye and Emery’s Meat, both in Brewer — and I just learned they also make a Salsadew and a sour cream-based Chippydew, so now I know what will be on the menu for our next snack dinner! — AMY ALLEN
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I was recently in Wells for a beach weekend, but had to work remotely from my hotel room one morning. I unfortunately didn’t have time to go to my favorite breakfast place, The Maine Diner, and my dad and I were getting hungry. But that’s how I found Brewed Awakenings. Located on the Post Road, Brewed Awakenings is this super charming to-go (at the moment) shop with bagel, breakfast sandwich and brunch offerings along with a plethora of caffeinated drinks. I was able to order online and avoid the lines, which gave me extra time to visit their goats and chickens on site. They even have this cute barn with picnic tables for patrons who want to stay and eat. The perfect option for a working person on the run in a busy tourist town.
PHOTOS: COPRID, PAMELA_D_MCADAMS, MARA ZEMGALIETE, FEDOROVACZ/ADOBE STOCK
— ROSEMARY LAUSIER
12 / BANGOR METRO August 2022
