Eat, Drink, Lucky

Friends, meet Gillian Britt. She's the creator of Eat, Drink, Lucky (EDL), the founder of Maine Restaurant week, an artist entrepreneur and (drumroll!) a Family Dinner customer! Gillian does so many cool things for the Maine food and arts community that we wanted to gab with her about her work, favorite places and why the heck she loves us so much (shucks).

What is EDL and how did you start it?

EDL (Eat Drink Lucky) is a daily email covering Maine food, drink, and more in three quick tips. Each email includes somewhere or something to eat and drink and a (Lucky) highlight of something special that can be arts-related, music, or even a great hike or place to picnic. I started EDL as a response to people routinely asking me where to dine out because of my background in hospitality and arts promotions and because of my connections – I started Maine Restaurant Week and was on the team that helped launch Harvest on the Harbor. Now, I'm a co-owner of Harvest on the Harbor and two years ago launched Maine Lobster Week. EDL was born of this integration within the food community and my close ties to the arts community.

I never tire of hearing from readers who tell me that their day starts with a daily dose of EDL (it lands in email inboxes at 7 am). It's free to sign up, and readers can save items of interest from the daily email or access a database of all our past tips for something they are in the mood for (burgers? pizza? beer?). It has over 4,400 tips!

I introduced Eat Drink Lucky Boxes during the pandemic, which brought the email to life. I selected special Maine-made food, drink, and gift items. Box orders came in from all over the US, which reminded me how much love there is for Maine. I plan to continue to create a few boxes per year in the Eat Drink Lucky shop.

I also created the Artist Series Tea Towel Subscription. This project has been an amazing experience for several reasons. Top among them is that I get to work with an amazing group of women artists. It's been incredible to see the different designs. Tea towels are a great canvas for creativity. Artist Series subscribers don't see the towel design in advance, so it's a beautiful surprise once each month. Each one comes with a note about the artist and her inspiration. And I've been lucky. Food critic and author Ruth Reichl (editors note from Erin: if you haven't read Reichl's "Save me the Plums", please do. It's a delight. highlighted them in her gift guide two years in a row, leading to many new customers, some of whom have returned for another year. I've had people tell me they keep them all, or keep some and use others as last-minute gifts. One subscriber said she had a special basket on her kitchen counter where she kept them all so she could see them!

Where can we find you eating or drinking on a cold winter night?

I like to cook, so you'll often find me at home, especially as the days get shorter and darker. I have some cookbooks I turn to routinely, but I keep a binder packed with recipes that I've torn out of magazines and newspapers. I've discovered some of my favorite dishes that way, including this incredible soba noodle dish with a zippy ginger broth and a crunchy topping from the NYT. If I'm headed out, a few spots are particularly cozy this time of year, including Broken Arrow and Pai Men Miyake (I still need to visit the newly re-opened Miyake but plan to!), Fore Street, and Wayside Tavern. Petite Jaqueline is a beautiful spot to watch the falling snow.

What is it like being a part of Family Dinner - any favorites?

I like to be surprised as I unpack the bags, so I wait until after the delivery to read any suggested recipes and learn about the items. The regionally sourced provisions bring unexpected joy. I enjoy the challenge of knowing some of the ingredients have to be used nearly immediately, and I've enjoyed learning more about area farms and their products. I like knowing it supports growers and makers. I love the pork chops from Broad Arrow Farm so much that I've made a few trips there to buy more, along with some of the other items in their market (I even scored one of Lakin Gorge's award-winning Rockweed cheeses in the early summer!). I like the variety that comes each week, with its mix of fish, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and vegetables.

Massachusetts

Delivery dates: Saturday, 12/10 and Tuesday, 12/13

Note: If you order a "Meat and Fish Share" you will receive just the meats listed, not the "dairy" items (i.e., eggs, yogurt, etc). If you order a "Fish and Seafood Share" you will receive the fish listed, not the dairy items.

Weekly Add-ons

Bread of the Week - Ancient Grain Loaf from Iggy's
Cheese of the Week - Gouda from Sonnental Farms
Fresh Pasta of the Week - Black Pepper Pasta from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Gluten-Free Grain of the Week - English Muffins from Something Sweet Without Wheat
Grain of the Week - Sourdough from Forge
Mezze of the Week - Beet Hummus from Just Hummus
Pastry of the Week - Kouign Amann from A&J King
Vegetarian Soup of the Week - Carrot Ginger Soup from Forge

Omnivore Shares

HALF SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm

Dairy - Hummus from Magic Bites
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm
Grain - Cornmeal Pumpkin Hearth Loaf
Special Treat - Cornmeal Cranberry Scone from A&J King

WHOLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm; Salmon from Red's

Dairy - Hummus from Magic Bites; Eggs from Nature's Hen House
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm; Microgreens from Generation Farm; Sunchokes from Langwater Farm
Grain - Cornmeal Pumpkin Hearth Loaf
Special Treat - Cornmeal Cranberry Scone and Vanilla Shortbread Cookies from A&J King

DOUBLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm; Salmon from Red's; Chili from Dave's Fresh Pasta

Dairy - Hummus from Magic Bites; Eggs from Nature's Hen House; Butter from High Lawn Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm; Microgreens from Generation Farm; Sunchokes from Langwater Farm; Squash from Brookford Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm
Grain - Cornmeal Pumpkin Hearth Loaf; Popcorn from Popzup
Special Treat - Cornmeal Cranberry Scone and Vanilla Shortbread Cookies from A&J King

Pescatarian Shares

HALF SHARE

Pescatarian Protein - Salmon from Red's

WHOLE SHARE

Pescatarian Protein - Salmon, Skate from Red's

DOUBLE SHARE

Pescatarian Protein - Salmon, Skate, and Calamari from Red's

Vegetarian Shares

HALF SHARE

Vegetarian Protein - Falafel from Just Hummus

WHOLE SHARE

Vegetarian Protein - Falafel from Just Hummus; Gyro Seitan from Littleburg

DOUBLE SHARE

Vegetarian Protein - Falafel from Just Hummus; Gyro Seitan from Littleburg; Mushroom Pot Pies from Dunk's Mushrooms

Paleo Shares

HALF SHARE

Paleo Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm; Eggs from Nature's Hen House
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm; Microgreens from Generation Farm; Sunchokes from Langwater Farm

WHOLE SHARE

Paleo Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm; Salmon from Red's; Eggs from Nature's Hen House
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm; Microgreens from Generation Farm; Sunchokes from Langwater Farm; Squash from Brookford Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm

DOUBLE SHARE

Paleo Protein - Sausage from Broad Arrow Farm, Yankee Farmer's Market, and Clark Farm; Salmon from Red's; Chili from Dave's Fresh Pasta; Eggs from Nature's Hen House
Fruits and Veggies - Winter Gem Mix from Queen's Greens; Radicchio from Clark Farm and Iron Ox Farm; Onions from West Farm; Apples from Brookdale Fruit Farm; Microgreens from Generation Farm; Sunchokes from Langwater Farm; Squash from Brookford Farm; Potatoes from Brookford Farm; Carrots from Langwater Farm; Kohlrabi from Iron Ox Farm

Recipes (MA)

Radicchio and Apple Salad - This bitter-sweet salad has your name on it!

Sausage and Onion - Eat on it's own or in a sammy or on a pizza!

Smashed Sunchokes - Enjoy these sunflower relative's tubers with a crispy smashed recipe!

Two Minute Calamari - Your one pan meal of the week!

Skate with Brown Butter - Dinner in 30.

Smoked Salmon - If you'd like a little project, try smoking a salmon then enjoying with a poached egg and micro greens!

Tips and Tricks for storing your food and getting the most from your shares can be found here.

Maine & New Hampshire

Delivery date: Saturday, 12/10

Note: If you order a "Meat and Fish Only Share" or "Fish and Seafood Only Share" you will receive just the proteins listed, not the fruits and veggies, dairy, grains or teats.

Weekly Add-ons

Add-on Bread of the Week - English Muffins from Big Sky Bread Co.
Add-on Cheese of the Week - Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Add-on Fresh Pasta of the Week - Cracked Pepper Pasta from Dave's Fresh Pasta
Add-on Gluten Free Grain of the Week - Spaghetti from Valicenti Pasta Farm
Add-on Grain of the Week - Cornmeal from Fairwinds Farm
Add-on Mezze of the Week - Pesto from Terra Cotta Pasta Co.
Add-on Pastry of the Week - Blueberry Cheese Pockets from Big Sky Bread Co.
Add-on Sausage of the Week - Jamaican Jerk from Broad Arrow
Add-on Treat of the Week - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate
Add-on Vegetarian Soup of the Week - Chickpea Peanut from Forge Baking Co.

Omnivore Shares

HALF SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate

WHOLE SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Haddock from True Fin
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

DOUBLE SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Haddock from True Fin*; Bacon from Tide Mill Organic Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm; Spaghetti Squash from Snell Family Farm; Leeks from Kitchen Garden Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Pesto from Terra Cotta Pasta Co.
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co.; Rolled Oats from Maine Grains
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

Pescatarian Shares

HALF SHARE

Protein - Haddock from True Fin
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate

WHOLE SHARE

Protein - Haddock from True Fin; Monkfish from True Fin*
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

DOUBLE SHARE

Protein - Haddock from True Fin; Monkfish from True Fin*; Clam Chowder from Red's Best
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm; Spaghetti Squash from Snell Family Farm; Leeks from Kitchen Garden Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Pesto from Terra Cotta Pasta Co.
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co.; Rolled Oats from Maine Grains
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

Vegetarian Shares

HALF SHARE

Protein - Dumplings from Little Brother Chinese Food
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate

WHOLE SHARE

Protein - Dumplings from Little Brother Chinese Food; Tofu from Heiwa
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

DOUBLE SHARE

Protein - Dumplings from Little Brother Chinese Food; Tofu from Heiwa; Potato and Cheese Pierogi from Jaju
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm; Spaghetti Squash from Snell Family Farm; Leeks from Kitchen Garden Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Nature's Hen House and Clark Farm; Chèvre from Seal Cove Farm; Pesto from Terra Cotta Pasta Co.
Grain - Honey Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Co.; Rolled Oats from Maine Grains
Special Treat - Chocolate Bars from Taza Chocolate; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Big Sky Bread Co.

Paleo Shares

HALF SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Codman Community Farms and Nature's Hen House

WHOLE SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Haddock from True Fin*
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm; Spaghetti Squash from Snell Family Farm; Leeks from Kitchen Garden Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Codman Community Farms and Nature's Hen House

DOUBLE SHARE

Protein - Whole Chicken Breast from Tide Mill Organic Farm; Haddock from True Fin*; Bacon from Tide Mill Organic Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Bibb Lettuce from Springworks Organic Farm; Honey Crisp Apples from Snell Family Farm; Parsnips from Goranson Farm; Swiss Chard from Dandelion Spring; Micro Greens from Generation Farm; Shallots from South Paw Farm; Spaghetti Squash from Snell Family Farm; Leeks from Kitchen Garden Farm; Frozen Blueberries from Burke Hill Farm; Red Potatoes from Goranson Farm
Dairy - Eggs from Codman Community Farms and Nature's Hen House

*Super frozen to -60ºC which means zero ice crystals rupturing cell structure while defrosting which means zero difference from fresh and zero issues searing.

Recipes (ME + NH)

Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Dang tasty and dang healthy. Which is good 'cuz they're addicting. You've been warned.

Chicken Parmesan - Nothing beats a good chicken parm. Except...

...Chicken Parm Sandwiches - And would definitely suggest this as worthy of taking up space on the table at your football/holiday/whatever get-together.

Haddock Sandwich - Here's a decent recipe for another remarkably delicious sandwich. Thing is, the one I really crave is from J's, on Commercial St. in Portland, where, since they don't have a deep frier the fish is lightly dredged and then pan fried. I'm guessing kinda like this. My stomach is growling.

Apple, Carrot, and Parsnip Soup - Nice tweak on the classic combo of apples and parsnips. I wouldn't mind some bacon lardons on this son of gun, either.

Korean Dumpling Hot Pot (Mandu Jeongol) [video] - There're some great ways to change up how you're serving your dumplings and this one looks amazing.

Tips and Tricks for storing your food and getting the most from your shares can be found here.

—Joe

Posted on December 09, 2022

Erin Baumgartner

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