There has never been a better time for eating in Maine. All over the state, you can find satisfying options to satisfy your cravings or your actual need for a meal. From high-end restaurants and mom-and-pop sandwich shops to locally sourced packaged snacks, farmer’s market treats and artisanal chocolate, the quality is astonishingly good, with care, attention to detail, and progressive ethics behind each enterprise.
We are so fortunate to live in an area that values small businesses, startups, and eating food grown and produced by our friends, neighbors, farmers and family. Perhaps it is our great history of farming and fishing that has informed the newest generation to be resourceful, creative, and feed folks with the fruits of their labor.
On Greenlight Maine we have seen – and tasted – a lot of delicious food from businesses that have gone on to succeed widely and contribute to the burgeoning economy of our industrious state.
Seasons 5
You may have seen Zen Bear Honey Tea on the shelves of your local natural or gourmet market. This Brunswick family business has had great success with a twist on a classic combination. Frank Ferrel and company infuse local honey with healthy herbs, for a really neat and cozy treat. Add hot water and stir into a mug for gentle, warming comfort.
The Maine Pie Co.(pictured) specializes in artisan, gluten-free pies, tarts and pie shells. The cool thing about Jill Miller’s products is that they are frozen before baking, so the home cooks can bake them in their own kitchen, which is so cozy. The products are available in stores up and down the East Coast.
Season 3
NibMor makes chocolates and drinking chocolates that are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. And they are competitively priced so that you can enjoy their treats anytime. We love seeing them thrive.
Season 2
Buko Chips by Cornerstone Food Company are a healthier alternative to potato chips or corn chips. The chips are baked, organic coconut chips handcrafted in small batches in flavors inspired by Southeast Asia.
Izzy’s Cheesecake makes the most delicious classic cheesecakes as well as unique and seasonal offerings. It was great to work with their experienced team and be able to take their business to the next level.
American Unagi is an aquaculture company focused on raising Maine harvested glass eels to market size for sale in U.S. markets. Not only are eels an abundant and sustainable resource, but they are delicacies in many cuisines around the world. You have to try it!
Season 1
Kate McAleer is making some Wonka-level chocolate at her Rockland-based Bixby and Co. Take a tour and have some samples, then bring bars chock full of fruit and nuts home to snack on later.
Casco Bay Butter uses cream from local dairy farmers. The butter is slow-churned in small batches and available in over 20 flavors. All of the company’s butters are churned, crafted and packaged in Scarborough, Maine. We love this product and are thrilled to see founders Alicia Menard & Jennell Carter succeed.
Food businesses are thriving and contributing to Maine’s economy. Get out there and eat something local! And if you have a startup that needs more advice or exposure, sign up for the next season of Greenlight Maine.
