News from Up North
June 1st, 2014 · No Comments · Posted in News from Up North
We’d been hungering for it all winter long and yesterday our heart’s desire finally reappeared: that would be the pulled pork sandwich stand at the Masonic lodge in Coila.
You may remember me writing about Craig Phalen, the chef at our local county prison whose true passion is making barbecue in his giant, pig-shaped smoker. He and his wife Meghan sell the kind of barbecue that makes your eyes roll back in your head. We saw the signage go up this week and right on schedule, they were open for business at noon yesterday. Twelve dollars for a huge pulled pork sandwich and two sides: I chose the deviled eggs and cole slaw. Baked beans–just the way grandma used to make them–are another option.
Craig also makes exquisite pork rinds: ethereally light and crispy, perfectly spiced. The pork is so good, people were lined up waiting when we arrived and Craig later announced on his Facebook page that they sold out within two hours. Well, we’ve been telling everybody we know how good Craig’s barbecue is, and apparently they’re finally discovering for themselves. There’s also a tremendous buzz building around Craig’s smoked beef brisket. It’s so good, but Craig says good brisket at a reasonable price is hard to find lately. We can only hope….
There was another food milestone this week. The Thai Twins opened their food truck again next to the Aubuchon Hardware in Middle Falls after a much too long winter hiatus. These two ladies offer a complete take-out menu but only for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. We are starved for good Thai food up here, so wild horses couldn’t keep us away. Their fried sides–spring roll, won tons–are especially good. We were also craving the chicken panang. We sat next to a young couple from Saratoga who introduced us to the mango sticky rice.
For us, Friday lunch also is booked until further notice.
Yes, it’s that time of year when the social season kicks into full swing. Today’s open house at the Cambridge Historical Society, with free food and tours. Next weekend is the big balloon festival–not to be missed–as well as the “strawberry fest” (meaning several different choices of strawberry shortcake) at St. Patrick’s church. I guess we’ll just have to force ourselves to eat some after we’ve had our fill of Craig’s barbecue.
Oh, my poor stomach is grumbling.
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