Foodtography: Zapoteca and Bite Into Maine

Left: Carnitas Tacos from Zapoteca. Right: The "Picnic-Style" lobster roll from Bite Into Maine.

Head on over to my Facebook page for some photos taken of recent meals at Zapoteca and Bite Into Maine. I’m planning to head back to both establishments before writing in-depth reviews, but here are some encapsulated thoughts on each:

• Zapoteca is now open for lunch Tuesday through Friday. I had a terrific meal this past Thursday, consisting of the Salsa Trio (featuring the house recipe Salsa Zapoteca, which was marvelous) and Carnitas tacos. The tacos—comprised of slow roasted chipotle pork, pickled red onion, guacamole, and tomato chile sauce—were awesome. I did have some issues with the tortillas not being quite sturdy enough, prompting some knife-and-fork action, but it was otherwise a splendid meal. Word on the street is that Zapoteca may start making their own tortillas soon, which would probably remedy the sturdiness issue. Kudos to the friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff for their hard work during my visit.
• Bite Into Maine is doing some really fun, creative things with lobster rolls. And frankly, I’ve not met two more accommodating, friendly people than owner-operators Karl and Sarah. Look for their food trailer near the flagpole at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. On the menu are several types of lobster rolls, including the traditional Maine lobster roll, a “Connecticut-style” lobster roll (which Sarah is happy to serve up with either cold lobster meat or warm… just let her know your preference), Wasabi roll, Chipotle Roll, Curry Roll and their flagship “Picnic Roll.” I opted for the Picnic roll: a heaping mound of lobster meat brushed with butter and served over coleslaw in a grilled, buttered bun. Its topped with a dash of celery salt, and served with a pickle spear and wedge of lemon. How awesome was it? Well, let me just say that I’m starting a letter writing campaign to Town of Cape Elizabeth to the make the official slogan of Fort Williams Park: “Come for the lobster rolls… stay for the view.” Oh, and if you’re not a lobster roll fan, there are other goodies on the menu as well, such as Rice’s Red Hot Dogs, which you can top any way you like (My recommendation: onions and spicy Wisconsin mustard).

Note: Thanks to “A” of PortlandFoodMap for the heads-up on the misspelled names.