Biddeford, Maine: The Culinary Gem Shining Bright on the Saco River

Biddeford, Maine, a former mill town just 20 miles south of Portland, is emerging as a culinary destination that's capturing the attention of food enthusiasts nationwide. From the elevated Peruvian-inspired cuisine at Magnus on Water to the diverse array of dining options and artisanal purveyors, this vibrant community is proving itself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of gastronomy.

Discover the Flavors of Biddeford's Culinary Renaissance

Elevating Peruvian Comfort Classics at Magnus on Water

In the heart of Biddeford, chef Rafael Zimmerman is putting a creative spin on the comfort foods of his Peruvian upbringing at Magnus on Water. Zimmerman, who previously worked in various Portland restaurants, made a conscious decision to shift his focus during the pandemic, opting to explore the flavors and dishes he grew up with in his mother's kitchen. The result is a menu that seamlessly blends his culinary training with the familiar tastes of his heritage, offering diners a unique and elevated dining experience.Standout dishes on the Magnus on Water menu include the Striped Bass Sashimi with Passionfruit Tiger's Milk, Avocado & Orange, a refreshing and flavor-packed interpretation of a Peruvian classic. The Cabbage Salad with Aji Amarillo Fish Sauce Dressing, Sesame, Peanut & Lime, and the Chicha Morada Char Siu Pork Belly, Peruvian Baked Beans, Slaw and Cilantro, which elevates the humble pork and beans dish, showcase Zimmerman's culinary prowess and his ability to transform traditional Peruvian flavors into sophisticated, modern plates.Complementing the cuisine is the restaurant's impressive cocktail program, helmed by Beverage Director Brian Catapang. Catapang's creations, such as the Black Mamba, a blend of Blanco Tequila, Pear Eau de Vie, Caramelized Citrus, Sparkling Yuzu and Wild Blackberry Salt, have earned Magnus on Water a spot on the prestigious Pinnacle Guide's list of the 37 best cocktail bars in the world.

Biddeford's Evolving Food Scene: From Comfort Classics to Artisanal Delights

Beyond Magnus on Water, Biddeford's food scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with a diverse array of dining options and artisanal purveyors taking root in the former mill town. The pioneers of this culinary renaissance include the reinvented Palace Diner, known for its all-day breakfasts and perfectly executed comfort food, and Elements: Books Coffee Beer, which offers in-house roasted coffee, craft beer, wine, and housemade pastries.More recent additions to Biddeford's culinary landscape include Fish & Whistle, a fish and chip shop showcasing the best of Maine seafood, Nibblesford, a shop spotlighting artisan New England cheese, and Dizzy Birds Rotisserie, which serves up juicy rotisserie chicken, New England pot roast, baby back ribs, and an assortment of baked goods.The town's diverse ethnic dining options are also worth exploring, with establishments like the Vietnamese Que Huong, the Chinese Happy Dragon Restaurant, The Jewel of India, Thai ME, the Middle Eastern Layalina Restaurant, and the Mexican Coco Bar & Grill, offering a global culinary experience.

Batson River Brewing & Distilling: A Craft Beverage Destination

Complementing Biddeford's burgeoning food scene is the presence of Batson River Brewing & Distilling, a sibling of other restaurants in Portland, Wells, and Kennebunk. Located downstairs at the recently opened The Lincoln Hotel, Batson River offers a menu that spans well-executed classics and innovative creations, such as Duck Fat Cornbread with hot honey and Maple Bourbon Butter, Crabcakes Remoulade, Fried Shrimp with Sesame Glaze and Pickled Ginger Aioli, a Lobster Roll, and a decadent Short Rib Cheesesteak.The Lincoln Hotel, a 33-room boutique property, adds to Biddeford's appeal as a destination, offering visitors a luxurious and design-forward accommodation option. Featuring expansive rooms with exposed brick walls, architectural details, gas fireplaces, Oriental rugs, and tufted leather chairs, the hotel also boasts a buzzy lobby bar and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.

Exploring Biddeford's Coastal Charms

While Biddeford is situated inland on the Saco River, it's just a 15-minute drive to the coast, where visitors can indulge in steamed lobster, steamers, or a classic lobster roll at Goldthwaite's Pool Lobster, overlooking the picturesque Saco Bay. The nearby villages of Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks Beach offer additional coastal attractions, including public beaches and opportunities for surfing and other water sports.For those seeking a more luxurious coastal experience, the historic White Barn Inn & Spa in Kennebunk, now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, provides a quintessential New England inn experience. The property's four shingled, period buildings, the 19th-century barn that houses the fine dining restaurant, and the recently launched houseboat Cora, offer guests a range of accommodation options, all within a short distance of the area's beaches and outdoor activities.Biddeford's culinary renaissance, coupled with its coastal charm and the nearby luxury accommodations, make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike, solidifying its place as one of America's next great food cities.