After several weeks of intending to write a long overdue homage to Long Grain in Camden Im finally getting to it. I have periodically seen folks asking the members of this group to recommend Thai or Asian options, and while the local selection is fairly succinct, we are lucky to have some of the best Asian cuisine available north of Boston here in Midcoast between Suzukis and Long Grain. While the two offer very different options both are outstanding. I have been a regular at Long Grain since it opened and have never been anything short of amazed by the meals Ive enjoyed there. Though its a small space Ive always found the atmosphere intimate and have never had trouble enjoying the company of my dining companions amid the energetic pace of the restaurant. Its been hard for me to break away from a few staple items: pad seaw, pad kee mao, the delightful night market noodle soup, spring rolls (fresh and packed with veggies and mint) and their signature ramen. They have a fairly lengthy, always interesting menu that features a number of staples and some seasonally changing items. At dinner, this menu is augmented with nightly specials. Straight away, Long Grain became locally famous for their delicious food and their dedication to the use of local products. During a recent dinner at the bar (we somehow managed to sneak dinner seats late in August and sans reservation!) one of their purveyors delivered the largest and most gorgeous hen of the woods mushroom I have ever seen. The beautiful quality of the raw product is evident in the food and the preparation is flawless. Chef/ Owner Ravin Bas Nakjaroen was a 2014 James Beard semi-finalist and when you dine at Long Grain the reasons for this accolade abound. His wife, Paula, is a constant presence on the floor and a true delight. Take out is always a wonderful option and Long Grain does a booming to-go business, give yourself about 30-45 minutes between order and pickup, its worth every second. Diners will be amazed by the gorgeous, fresh food, unrivaled flavors and super reasonable prices. They serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday making it easy for most to carve out time for a meal at this truly special restaurant. I would recommend reservations, particularly for dinner. Long Grain is one of the establishments that makes me feel lucky to live in this community!
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:08:23 +0000
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