Lake Region Food Scene

Called Campfire Grille tonight as we were looking to order in but wanted some good food. It said on their page that they do Curbside but I figured I would call to be sure. “ Sorry we are too busy to do take out tonight!”

That’s to bad. I guess you won’t get my business again. What a shame, remember the times when you are too busy to take an order, when it is the cold of November and the dining room is almost empty.

1star, and that’s only because they answered the phone.

Mainly Melts Bridgton- I stopped off for lunch at a new place in Bridgton yesterday. Mainly melts is an operation that I would frequently see operating out of their food truck at various events. They recently opened a brick and mortar in Bridgton in the former Ricky’s Diner location. While I ordered a Cheese Steak and a side of fries I can say I can’t wait to go back and try some other things. Their experience in the food truck must have allowed them to hone there skills on offering a great menu with things that they do well without trying to offer everything under the sun. This I can appreciate as often a place can offer to much and be marginal on them all.

The location was well cared for and very clean, with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of room for seating. Menu offerings are well displayed and easy to understand. The sandwich was a soft sub roll, and piled with melted cheese as well as the peppers, onions, and mushrooms I ordered on it.

I also ordered a side of fries. Now most people will make or break a place on fries alone. I couldn’t have been happier. A nice fry that held up and did not go soggy, yet was close to a shoestring fry and was a delight to nibble on with some ketchup. A great selection of bottled soft drinks rounded out my lunch order.

This is not a fine dining experience, but it isn’t supposed to be. This is a cheaper and far better alternative to lunch at the arches. I will definitely be back to explore more of the menu. By the number of people going in as I was leaving, this place is destined for success.

Pitstop Grille ,320 Portland Rd, Bridgton
Fare: Classic small town pizza and sub shop with fried food.
First visit;
Ordered a large ”Maine Italian” s,p,oil no substitutions or omissions from menu listing. Also purchased cooler soda.

This place hasn’t been open very long and is occupying a building that was set up for a former business of similar fare and scale. The building was very clean and there was even a slice or two in the pizza warmer when I visited. Staff were friendly, dressed appropriately including various hair nets that are rarely seen and are appreciated when they are seen. I was surprised to see so many people working. Cashier, pizza fabricator, sandwich fabricator and someone who appeared to be the manager or maybe owner walking about.

Menu, although visible and posted was typical of a sandwich and pizza shop. The online menu that the shop posts is much more expansive than that posted in the shop. I would of love to have tried some of the items posted online but didn’t know they were an option until researching to write this post. Several items seem disconnected from average pricing. While I am sensitive to rising costs of supplies I felt $9.00 for fried mozzarella sticks to be to much for me to consider entertaining and likewise on the remaining fried offerings.

Customer service was great and I was pleased to see the selection of air pots for Green Mountain coffee.

The “Maine Italian”: ingredients were as expected with exception of the roll. Although cut in the middle to facilitate ease of eating, I felt I could have driven a nail into timber with the hardness of the roll.

Aesthitics:
Interior of the place is clean and inviting. Exterior of the place is cluttered with attention soliciting flags. So much so that there is 3 of the red FeatherFlags within 40’ of the front of the building.
After reviewing the apparent “Sign ordinance” of the town, this is also an infraction. I’m not quite sure if they are doing construction or working on utilities the day I was there but the orange road cones in front of the establishment might be swapped out for something more decorative.

While there is room for improvement I wish the Pitstop Grille of Bridgton success as it is apparent that the town is lacking in sandwich shops.

I will return at some point to see what they have done and hopefully enjoy some more offerings for now:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

From a generation where table manners and etiquette were expected and reality of messy hamburgers, fast food, and working parents on a budget were the norm, I have developed an appreciation of food service and food alike. While I will not pretend to be a fine dining expert judging Michelin stars and vintage wine pairings, as I approach midlife I am confident of my ability to judge and report a good meal, friendly and professional service and the care that go in to both. My opinions are in fact just that, MINE and OPINIONS. I hope I can help to make your dining experience little better and give you a new place to check out.