Scarlet Begonias

Pasta special at Scarlet Begonias

Scarlet Begonias
212 Maine St # B
Brunswick, ME

This is probably one of my favorite spots in Brunswick. Now, I sometimes have problems getting to their actual menu because their specials are always so tempting and fantastic. How can you turn down the delicious scallop pizza or the special club sandwich with sprouts and turkey? If you're there when they have their fish chowder or seafood chowder, try it! Everything is made when you order so sometimes this will take a while and they do have limited seating so if you show up during the lunch rush, you might just have to wait a bit. I love the fact that you can just pick up a pitcher of water from the counter and take it over to your seat.

Now, there are some regular items that I really love. If I can resist their specials that day, I go for Sallie's Choice, which is a pizza loaded with sausage, broccoli, roasted red peppers, cheeses, and herbs. There's something about that combination that just hits the spot. Wash it down with an ice-cold Pepsi with ice. That is a fantastic meal right there although you will need a nap. There is no getting around that.

Other people are really drawn to the pasta selection at SB's. The Rose Begonia seems to be the absolute favorite and it's a blend of bacon, chicken, mushrooms, and herbs over penne pasta. The sauce is a tomato cream one and it is wonderfully rich. I think the dish is great but a bit creamy. The portions, by the way, are pretty big and you may end up taking some items home with you.

Pricey? Just a bit but the food is well worth it and hey, this is a local restaurant with a nice decor and great food. Just enjoy the great food and atmosphere.

China Rose

China Rose
42 Bath Rd
Brunswick, ME

I'm not sure what these people put in their food but they have the best Chinese buffet that I've ever had. And the fancy dishes are not in the seafood or anything like that. Rather, their chicken spring rolls are just fantastic. I have never had a fried spring roll like the ones that they make here and they must lace it with something illegal because they are so good. They are nice and crunchy on the outside while being filled with goody vegetables and minced chicken on the inside. The buffet also boasts very tasty, non-Chinese meatballs. They are tender and cooked a slightly sweet sauce, which is just heavenly. The buffet offers some stir fried shrimp in a white sauce with vegetables, which is quite refreshing. A soda fountain and plenty of dessert items round this bargain out but I'm happy with just the spring rolls and the meatballs. Not very healthy? Sure, but one deserves a treat every now and then, right?

Sweet Leaves for Dessert

Sweet Leaves
22 Pleasant St.
Brunswick, ME
(Check out their website for menus and upcoming events)

Sweet leaves has a good dessert menu, which I believe changes daily as well. Pictured here is their beet ice cream which was absolutely wonderful. Now, I'm no fan of beets but this is really good. It's creamy and very refreshing. I can't explain the taste except that the beet is well represented. Also, their ice creams are home made. Keep room for dessert and remember that since it is a tea house, get some tea along with your sweets.

Sweet Leaves

Sweet Leaves
22 Pleasant St.
Brunswick, ME
(Check out their website for menus and upcoming events)

This cute little tea house next to the Brunswick post office is a nice little place for tea or lunch (I can't speak about their dinner menu). I can imagine sitting down with a pot of tea (there is a large selection to choose from) during one of those freezing cold Maine winters, springs, and falls. For summer, the iced teas are quite refreshing. For the kids, there are little board games to pass the time while adults might enjoy the evening music series. There are some items that don't change but the menu does get a new look every day.

Pictured to the left is their seafood sampler with cooked scallops, shrimp and mussels in a light cream sauce and smoked salmon. The dish came with a small side salad and bread. A tasty meal but a bit on the small side and maybe just a tad expensive. Still, worth the money if you want a nice, light lunch.

Pictured to the right is also one of their salads with walnuts, goat cheese, and grapefruit. Very refreshing dish and the side of cold cucumber soup also made the hot summer day an enjoyable one.

Return to Cote's

Cote's
212 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME

It's summer in Brunswick, Maine. That means you should head over to Cote's to get some ice cream. Any flavor will do. Pictured here is their delicious chocolate chip. Watch for large crowds.
They're open in the afternoons and evenings. You will not be disappointed by this homemade ice cream.

(Read the previous post here.)

Grand City

Grand City
128 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME

Even if you’re not over 60, you can still enjoy the quick and cheap meals at this diner in downtown Brunswick. Part of an old general store, the cafeteria is open early and closes early. That should give you a sense of its regular crowd. The food isn’t necessarily healthy but it’s good for those who just aren’t sure what to get. They make good sandwiches and hearty, thick soups but the milkshakes are what come highly recommended. Order a plain vanilla one to go with almost any meal and you’re sure to leave happy. Don’t expect anything good from the vegetable menu as you’ll find rather pale lettuce and overly cooked steamed carrots but you’re at a diner for diner food so enjoy the sandwiches and the quick chopped steaks with extra gravy.

(Images by AG)

Cote's

Cote’s
212 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME

This little ice cream stand is a Brunswick establishment. Open only during the summer months, Bowdoin College students often lament the fact that they are denied these tasty sweets while the academic year is in session. But with spring in Maine comes the opening of those two small windows and the wonderful ice cream. The smalls are pretty big so I always get the kiddie sugar cone. I can’t let go of the chocolate chip though I’m told that I’m missing out on some other fabulous flavors such as orange pineapple.

(Image by OZ)