Houlton has some tasty secrets

15 years ago

To the editor:

There are some wonderful things in Houlton that the “old timers” know about, but many young people and newcomers miss. First on the list has to be Houlton Farms Dairy’s Butter. Folks returning to distant places, after visiting relatives here, take many pounds of this delicious product back to share with the less fortunate. And, have you had a doughnut from Sadie’s Bakery on Water Street? Their molasses doughnuts, only available on Wednesdays, are a major favorite. Of course Friday’s chocolate and Saturday’s plain doughnuts are great, too, both with or without sugar. While we’re talking bakery, how about the bagels at the County Junction on Main Street? Try the Everything or the Onion bagel, they’re my favorites. Both of these fine bakers have many other delectable delights to tempt your pallet.

In the same neighborhood with the bakeries is a newcomer to downtown Houlton. The wonderful Candy Store with the pink striped awning on Main Street, It’s called Uncle Willy’s. Delightful homemade fudge, chocolates and candies of every description crowd the counters and shelves. When it’s time for a gift, or you just have a yen for something sweet, this beautiful store should be first on your list. I tried their fudge the other day and it is a creamy, buttery, chocolate delight. Yummm!

Another newcomer to town is the Shamrock Cafe. The best sandwiches anywhere, honest! My first experience with a Shamrock creation was when I bit into one of their veggie wraps and heard the lettuce crunch. How long has it been since you bought a sandwich in an eating establishment and the lettuce was that fresh? They have limited hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the last I heard, so plan a lunch there soon!

Houlton has become the best place in the County, and maybe the State, to eat. Now, in addition to the Shamrock, we have added the Horn of Plenty, try their coffee rubbed steak, and The Vault, try their blackened salmon or pecan-chicken salad. These are high on the list of great places to eat that already includes the Courtyard Café which features full bar service, and the Elm Tree Diner. Of course, the Elm Tree had a disastrous fire, but their crew has been operating as the Elm Tree North with the same great menu and service. The original Elm Tree is due to open soon.

You need to schedule a meal in each of these wonderful restaurants soon. I do suggest reservations for the Horn of Plenty, the Vault and the Courtyard Café. They all have limited seating and are very popular.

The restaurant at the Irving Big Stop is no slouch either, and Grammy’s Country Inn in Linneus is a major attraction, with a capital ‘M.’ When dining at Grammy’s be sure to show up with a big appetite, because they are famous from giving you farmer-sized helpings.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a “secret” take-out place, Dow’s Market, which is hidden away at the corner High and Franklin streets. Lots of us depend on this great eating establishment for unique homemade fries, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. Their Reuben sandwich on rye and Mexican style offerings are wonderful. They will add some variety to your dining. To add even more variety to your ‘take-out’ selection give Ken’s Store on the Calais Road a try. In summer a favorite place is “The Bus” located at Monument Park. Order your burger with all the fixings and relax in the shade. Thursday evenings you can listen to McGill’s Band and dine to the beautiful music.

If you are out for a drive, you will want to stop at the Blue Moose in Monticello, or the wonderful Bookside Restaurant in Smyrna. Early risers; the Brookside makes fresh muffins every morning. Some folks have suggested that you might want to be there early to get your favorite flavor. Their omelets and homemade deserts are outstanding, too.

Cookies, whoopie pies, and other delights, so sweet that they will make your teeth ring, are created five days a week at the Pastry Corner. It is located in the little building across from the Shamrock on Bangor Street.

For those who enjoy Chinese food we have two restaurants. Tangs on North Street, which is much like Tangs in Presque Isle, and the very busy Taste of China on Military Street, next to the Houlton Farms Dairy Bar. I’ve never eaten at Tangs in Houlton. I have enjoyed the buffet at the Taste of China and found their “take-out” dinners very good as well. They also have a full bar available. The best part is you can enjoy a Houlton Farms Dairy Ice Cream by just going next door. Sadly, that only works during the summer and fall.

I know I have probably missed someone’s favorite place for tasty stuff, but no one’s perfect. I’m open to suggestions. Drop me an e-mail at wcatci@yahoo.com.

After all this good food you might want to (really should) sign up for a membership to Main Street Fitness. It is the gym located on Main Street, right next to the candy store oddly enough. I joined the other day and found it to be great. They have every type of exercise equipment you can imagine and the place is bright, clean and neat. (doesn’t even smell like a gym) The men and women who use and work in this facility are thoughtful and helpful. Main Street Fitness even offers the services of a Personal Trainer who can put you on the right path to trim off some of the pounds you’ve found at all of our wonderful eating establishments.

We all need to support the fine facilities we have here in Houlton. So plan a dinner out, maybe dinner and a movie; or order some delicious take-out, and watch the Telly. Then don’t forget to join a health club. You’ll enjoy the outings, and the businesses will be able to keep providing their wonderful services and serving their scrumptious dishes right here in our town.

Frank Dunn
Houlton