What are you missing in Portland Maine? (Kittery: sales, co-op)

[lrfox]

^I share your desire for better food, but to be fair, it's hard to compare even the nation's biggest cities to what you'll find in NYC... it's an alpha world city matched by only about 3 other cities in the world (London, Paris, Tokyo). Portland, a city of 63,000 simply can't come close to matching that.

Tim Horton's (a Canadian chain, btw) is a lot better than Dunks, can't disagree with that. Amato's is what it is... a decent little sub-shop. They have both the "Maine Italian" and the Italian you'll find everywhere else in the country... both are about average... better than subway anyway. It would be nice if Portland had some more local sub shops... That's what I enjoy.

Again, while I agree that Portland could use a bit of a boost in the culinary area (meaning quality over quantity), it's super unfair to use NYC as a benchmark for Portland (or any other city in the world not named "Paris, France" for that matter).

Funny you mention that you went to USM for 2 years and transferred. Your story seems to be common among young people coming from out of state (Mass.). I came to USM from out of state (with a stop at UMF first) and probably would have transferred out as well if it didn't mean juggling credits from 3 colleges. It was just easier to finish my degree program here. Though I am going to be leaving Maine for grad school and a career.

Having said all that, had I transferred out, I wouldn't have realized what a great place Maine is. I set the bar too high when making comparisons and as a result didn't get a chance to appreciate what Maine has to offer. When I came to my senses, I saw things I didn't see before. Portland isn't Boston, Providence, or New York, it is a tiny seacoast city with plenty to offer the right person (beautiful scenery, friendly people and some basic ammenities that keep it from feeling like the middle of nowhere). It truly is a simpler, quieter way of life up here (yes, even in Portland) and that's fantastic for many people, but it's certainly not a place for everyone. All that said, I still feel (as I said in the earlier post) that the food and nightlife could use some improvement and aren't quite as good as people think they are even for a city of 63,000.

[sms2279]

Don't know if anyone is still following this thread, but I thought I'd mention that one of my friends who works at Trader Joe's here in California, just told me that they're opening one in Portland!! Ok- not for 2 years or something.. but still! At least it's in the works! I'm so glad becuase that's one store I will definitely miss when we move to Maine. And I've moved onto their $8 buck chucks! Still great wines for cheap!

[elston]

I hope that youre right about trader joe's coming to portland....but has 2 buck chuck gone up to 8 bucks????? thats no deal at all; I can get barefoot wines for much less.

[lrfox]

Trader joes is a great chain. I've enjoyed it in the Boston area and Portland could really benefit from one.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by elston

I hope that youre right about trader joe's coming to portland....but has 2 buck chuck gone up to 8 bucks????? thats no deal at all; I can get barefoot wines for much less.

I picked up a bottle of Charles Shaw from TJ in St. Luis Park, MN. for $3.00. last winter.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by elston

I hope that youre right about trader joe's coming to portland....

I hear that it is going to Kittery.

[elston]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

I hear that it is going to Kittery.

I wish it were going to Portland....but a drive down to Kittery every 3 mos or so to get a couple of cases of wine wouldnt be a bad thing. I love some of the spots on the southern maine coast.

[entyss]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

I hear that it is going to Kittery.

Be still my heart!

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by elston

I wish it were going to Portland....but a drive down to Kittery every 3 mos or so to get a couple of cases of wine wouldnt be a bad thing. I love some of the spots on the southern maine coast.

Originally Posted by entyss

Be still my heart!

I would go to TJ's a few times a week if one was in town.

If it does open in Kittery, I will never go.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

I hear that it is going to Kittery.

I'm willing to bet this is because they hope one store and the "novelty" of the "Trader Joe's" name will be enough to draw from the Portland area, Portsmouth area and places in MA along the NH border like Amesbury and Newburyport. I think they'll be disappointed. Northern MA will probably still head down to Peabody MA and I doubt that many people from Portland will make the trip to Kittery.

Though I am always surprised at how many people know and love Trader Joe's even if there isn't one anywhere near them. Few other grocery stores can make the same claim. Maybe I shouldn't underestimate them.