Dani Devours Maine

My friend Brad was down visiting from Madawaska, so naturally we spent the day eating our way across southern Maine.

We started at Taj in South Portland, where I made an exception to my usual anti-buffet stance and immediately went back for more paneer tikka masala. The Guava Pineapple Mocktini was also a solid 10/10.

After lunch, we wandered through Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick and stopped at Wild Oats Bakery for treats.

Then we drove to Freeport for brownies from The Bakeshop.

Unfortunately, we forgot to check Google first.

The Bakeshop was closed.

I’m still thinking about those brownies. 😭

Back in Portland, we stopped at Chocolats Passion, chatted with co-owner Sarah about the local food scene, and somehow I left $50 poorer and significantly richer in chocolate.

No regrets. 🍫😂

We also made a stop at the Marshall’s/HomeGoods combo store in Scarborough, where we spent part of our visit sitting in clearance chairs by the rugs catching up on life.

As one does.

Eventually we decided sushi sounded like a great idea.

Our first choice turned out to be mostly takeout.

Our second choice was listed as open on Google.

This time we checked.

It was still closed.

😂

So after learning that neither checking Google nor not checking Google guarantees success, we ended up at Kume Sushi Lounge in South Portland.

The Fashion Roll was fantastic.

Good food, antiques, chocolate, sushi, questionable navigation decisions, and a great day with a great friend. ❤️

Le’Cha is located in the Deering Center neighborhood of Portland Maine.
***Please note that I didn’t open the box that the croffle was in until about 20 minutes after I picked it up. I’m sure it was beautiful, the important part was that it tasted good! ***

In a world that feels increasingly impersonal, small acts of kindness stand out.

Thank you Chewy for this unexpectedly sweet surprise for Daxx. The portrait and card genuinely made my day. 💙

Go check out Nutty Netties Cafe !

April recap and honestly… she did a LOT 💁‍♀️💖

Started strong with a fresh color by Connor at The Raven Salon (you know I love a glow-up moment), then right into food mode at the Maine Culinary Festival 🍴

Took a little Maine road trip energy to Hallowell for lunch at The Quarry Room with my Freaky Funky Foods crew, followed by frozen custard at Mainely Custard (because obviously). Also… shoutout to the weird banana split seat (hi Jody!)and that slightly unhinged animatronic moose?? Maine stays weird and I respect it 😂

Then Boston said come through… and Kevin made sure we did 💖
2 nights, full chaos (and yes, he got the hotel + tickets, king behavior):
👑 Burger King crown acquired (as it should be)
👑 Florence + The Machine at the Garden (King energy, literally)
👑 Lunch at Encore… caprese = amazing, pizza = we’ll talk
👑 Dragula Titans at House of Blues… Abhora on stilts?? unreal. Met Auntie Heroine & Severity Stone, Boulet Brothers were everything 🖤

Came home to my boys 🐱 Daxx being adorable, Maxx & Daxx snuggling like angels

Back to Portland life with an Ugly Duckling brunch delivery (still thinking about those tots tbh)…

AND finally had my first ever Costco experience with Chris & Nikki… and yeah… we got that dog in us 🌭😂
2026 = year of the dog.
2 girls, 1 Costco.

Good food, great people, a little weirdness, a little chaos… exactly how I like it 💖

Let’s see what May brings.

My Costco Haul!

Rotisserie Chicken $4.99 – The queen. The icon. The reason half of us even walk into Costco.

Orange Chicken Puffs $8.89 – I had a one snack rule and immediately betrayed myself. No regrets. Light, crunchy, sweet, tangy, a little spicy… honestly kinda addictive.

Kimchi Crisps $9.97 – The snack I came for. Jury’s still out. Very kimchi, but also weirdly sweet. Crunch is great, but they do that cling-to-your-teeth thing… you’ve been warned.

Celery Salad $13.07 ($4.99/lb) – This? Ate. Quinoa, chickpeas, craisins, kale, celery, onion with a cider vinaigrette. Fresh, crunchy, and makes you feel like you have your life together.

Double Chocolate Muffins(8) $6.99 – I wanted cozy homemade bakery vibes… and these said “corporate.” Not bad, just not the moment.

Dried Plums (Prunes) $11.99 – Sweet, a little sticky, soft in the middle… and let’s be honest, these are here for ✨digestive support✨. We’re being responsible adults now.

Went in for one snack… left with a full personality shift with my brand new Costco card!

Late to trying new places as usual.

Costco Scarborough (opened 2023) and I’m finally a member what a momentous day! 😂

I usually stick to local spots, but for $1.50… we had to see

we finally got that dog in us 🌭🤣

hot dog + drink($1.50) = worth it
chicken bake($3.99) = needed sauce 😬

haul coming next 👀

Anxiety relief but make it ✨ethereal✨

New Hopwell steel tongue drum and I’m already in love. Calming, grounding, and perfect for learning songs.

Amazon find (I tried local, I swear) but this 13” drum was the vibe. 💖🥁

Not an ad! I'm not including any links, I just really love this drum and wanted to share.