Monday, July 14, 2014

Fricot! An Acadian Tradition with Dumplings! - Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market





"Go to Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market", the local fisherman advised in Acadian flavoured English. "Go get Connie’s Traditional Fricot" (pronounced free-coh).

What's Fricot? Amongst Acadians (the French) of Nova Scotia this thick chicken soup/stew with dumplings is a point of pride and one of the signature dishes of their community. And no better than when made by Connie Theriault at the Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market every Saturday, all summer long.

Connie shared that the secret, really, is in the dumplings. They are translucent and an integral part of the flavor and texture. She confidently offers a sample cup to first-timers with good reason. One taste and you're hooked. The Fricot was far beyond anticipations. Thick, luscious in the mouth and smooth on the palate. But it was the dumpling surprise that made the experience truly unique. We finished one portion and got another to go. Connie and her sister Simone, serving and smiling throughout. Incredible! It was my first time on the scenic Evangeline Trail in Western Nova Scotia but the culture, the people and the Fricot will forever stand out in my mind!

Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market is festooned with displays of jewelry, paintings, carvings, local photography, arts and crafts, basket weaving and stacks of gift ideas. Purchase locally grown organic produce, venison, or organic breads. Treat yourself to freshly baked sweets, jams and jellies... the experience is made even better for facing the Bay of Fundy but as the old Frenchman said, "Go to Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market, go get Connie’s Traditional Acadian Fricot!"

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2014. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food, Wine!


Benny's Famous Fried Clams - Portland Maine


 Yes, it's funky as a Clam Shack in Maine! And the locals like it like that! They're near the port but the prices are no where near what you'll pay at the tourist joints on the wharf. But to each their own. Some prefer cloth napkins and fancy flatware. So be it!

At Benny's you'll find native Mainers cooking it their way. And their way is a delicious no-fuss method of coaxing flavors out of local foods. If paper napkins and plastic forks don't get your knickers in a twist, then Benny's is for you. The Lobster PERFECT! The fried clams superb and the fries, we asked up front for crispy and got it. On a whim we'd ordered crab cakes. So good we ordered more! Being we had a case of wine in the trunk and Benny's has a BYOB license, we opened a few favorite bottles to augment the meal. No corkage fee and the waitress offered us glasses with a smile. Outdoor seating did not thwart the service and we found eating Maine's Classic Plates al fresco part of the picnicy charm.

Benny's? We'll be back upon our return from the Maritime Provinces of Canada!

Benny's Famous Fried Clams
199 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Tel - 207.774.2084

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2014. All Rights Reserved. 
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food, Wine!



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