Breakfast of Champions

They (whoever they are) say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

It's also the best. I said that. "They" didn't.

So when I heard about The Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off being held in conjunction with Maine Restaurant Week, I knew I had to go. Called up my friend Becky, who's always up for a good foodie event and we hustled down to SoPo (that's South Portland to you) first thing Friday morning.

We were greeted by this guy.

You just can't go anywhere in Maine without lobster showing up.

We found more lobster in Sea Dog Brewing Co.'s Lobster Benedict on a croissant.

Crab, in the form of Eggs Benedict on a Crabcake with Avocado Mousse, from Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea.

And more Eggs Benedict from The Porthole, with spinach and a creamy smoky bacon sauce.

This was my favorite of all the egg dishes, proving once again that everything is better with bacon.

In search of carbs, we sniffed out the offering from The Good Table - Creme Brulee French Toast.

Ok, like most really delicious things, it doesn't look like much in the photo. But trust me, this was the clear winner. A hearty French bread, soaked over night with eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, Grand Marnier and other diet-busting ingredients, then baked to form that signature brulee crust. With fruit on top, just to make you feel like you might be eating something healthy. Amaaaaazing. Even though The Good Table is at the opposite end of the earth from me - well, on the other side of the Casco Bay Bridge and that's far enough - I plan to eat brunch there asap. I hear they have a lovely terrace in the summer. Not sure I can wait that long.

After helping ourselves to the Bloody Mary bar (hello, it's Friday!),

we were ready for some breakfast dessert. You know how I love breakfast dessert.

No, I DID NOT eat the whole thing. A little bite of each one was enough. And a bit of this too.

Tomorrow morning, it's back to my Kashi Go Lean cereal with skim milk.
I think I might be hungry again by then.


PS - Here's a link to a recipe for the Creme Brulee French Toast that sounds similar to the one from The Good Table. I haven't tried it. Let me know if you do.

PSS - One of the highlights of my morning was meeting the Morning Team from WBLM radio, The Captain and Celeste. I listen to them every day and they never fail to make me smile.