Memorial Day 2012

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.                                                                         -Joseph Campbell

What does Memorial Day mean to you? For most of us, it's a long weekend.  In Ogunquit, Memorial Day is the un-official start of summer.

All the inn's, B&B's and hotels that dot the resort town of Ogunquit proudly display their no vacancy signs. Ogunquit is flooded with long weekend revelers that seek beach and merriment.

But today many of us paused to remember the true meaning of the day. The sacrifices that  servicemen & women gave.

Many  Americans have family members that have served our nation. I have a grandfather, uncle, and cousins that have all served. My paternal grandfather fought in World War II.

Sacrifices were made by my family.  My grandmother had to assist the war effort, and work at a factory that made war supplies. My father was a child during the war, and was cared for by extended family as both his parents assisted the war effort.

My grandfather stormed the beaches of Normandy and was part of D-Day. Later that summer, my grandfather was injured, and became a prisoner of war. Yes, the sacrifices were hard for the Testa family during those dark years.

Throughout America today, parades honor those who served. Here in Ogunquit Maine we had our small town parade. The high school band from neighboring Wells Maine marched in the parade along with war veterans, girl scouts, and town politicians. Wreaths were laid, taps was played and prayers were said. It's today that we honor these brave souls so we can have this Monday holiday. Let us not forget their or their families sacrifices.

As the nation celebrates,  lets pause and honor those that served. Happy Memorial day.

Misty May Morning on the Marginal Way

Many have walked the Marginal Way on a bright sunny day, but there is something special about this public path on misty day.....

The pace is slower, and there are virtually no people on this  foggy Wednesday morning in May.

The fragrant sea air is intoxicating. The howl of the waves crashing on the ancient rocks is mesmerizing. The coastal fog hugs the shore like a warm blanket.

Inviting benches provide a great view to the roaring sea, and a respite from everyday life.

I also ran the Marginal Way at sunrise today. As always, the twisting trail inspires me for the upcoming day....aah, the Marginal Way.

The Details:

The Marginal Way is an old Indian trail that meanders the rocky coast of Ogunquit Maine.
Located 75 meters past Cottage Street on Shore Road.
Entrance is about a three minute walk from Ogunquit Beach Inn.
Public Paid Parking Located on Cottage Street, behind the Dunaway Centre.
Access is free. Donations are accepted.
No Dogs, bikes, etc on the trail.
The Marginal Way is about 3 miles (5km) round trip ( from entrance to the end of the Cove and back).
Walk at your own risk, there are steep rocks, cliffs and beaches.

The name says it all....

The name says it all. If you love breakfast, you'll love Amore!

It's an Ogunquit favorite. Serving breakfast to legions of faithful fans for almost two decades. Owner-operator Leanne Cusimano guides this breakfast restaurant with precision and care. There is attention to every detail: enticing breakfast food, inviting atmosphere and well trained staff. Cusimano is passionate about providing her guests with a quality dining experience.

Amore Breakfast  is known for it's famous Banana Foster, a pecan-coated, cream-cheese-stuffed French toast served with a side of sauteed bananas in a rum syrup. My buddy John accompanied me, and  he chose the uber popular Foster's (which the New York Times said "...a strong contender for the town's most decadent breakfast.")

I told the staff that I was gluten free, and they alerted me to items on the menu which are gluten free. My server assured me that there was no cross contamination. I was impressed by his knowledge. Amore Breakfast serves a variety of gluten free items: omelets, bagels, fruit and waffles.

(Michael, and owner Leanne Cusimano)

I ordered the Eastern Omelet, a smoked Salmon red onion, capers, and cream cheese three egg omelet, accompanied with a gluten free bagel. The meal was delicious!

Amore Breakfast is decorated with nostalgic American theme. Checker-board  patterns mixed with retro tables and a long breakfast bar with stools awakens the senses. The wait in summertime can be long, but rest assured, it is well worth the wait!

The Details:

Amore Breakfast

309 Shore Road

Ogunquit, ME 03907

Telephone: 207 646 6661

http://www.amorebreakfast.com/

Open 7am to 1pm. Limited parking in rear. Located on Shore, close to Perkins Cove.

Amore features: traditional breakfast/brunch menu, healthy items, gluten free, and many specials. Amore Breakfast also serves mimosas, beer and frozen specialty coffee drinks.

Beat the crowds, go early!

If you are walking to Perkins Cove, try their coffee to go at Cafe Amore. 

Frannie Peabody 5km Race - Ogunquit Maine

A race with drag queens in high heeled sneakers? Only in Ogunquit!

Today marks the 4th annual Frannie Peabody Center 5 kilometer run/walk for AIDS.  The Frannie Peabody center assists over 1500 clients that have AIDS in Maine. Frannie Peabody also sponsors outreach and AIDS testing in Maine. I am proud that the people of  Ogunquit provide so much monetary support for this wonderful agency. Once again the amazing Jimmy Lucibello raised over $8000 in donations.

After 31 years on our cultural landscape, AIDS is still a reality. Many people that attended the race have friends that are living with HIV or AIDS. The virus does not discriminate and education and awareness are essential in today's modern world.

It's also nice to have a 5 kilometer race in my adopted home town; I run some part of this course virtually every day. Race started on the beach, then north on Route One/Main Street (escorted by Ogunquit's Finest) then a right on to Ocean Ave, and then 1.5 kilometers of hard packed sand on Ogunquit beach!

(Running through the village centre.  Picture courtesy of Rick at Moon Over Maine)

This little race packs a lot of schwag.  Yoga stretches, and a goodie bag with t-shirt and snacks. Food from  Julies Provisto and Bread and Roses Bakery. The race ended at the beach with an old fashioned healthy cookout from Nancy's Catering. Entertainment provided by a DeeJay and  3 AIDS Awareness drag queens.Topped off with perfect weather and big waves! It doesn't get much better!

(Ogunquit's Mark Register & Bobby Winn)

I came in fifth overall with a time of 20.24/6.34 per mile. First place winner was elite runner and Ogunquit selectman Bobby Winn, followed by Ogunquit's Bryan Wilson and Mark Register. The race was professionally timed, and once again Bobby Winn set the course and built the starting gate!

I am Thai Restaurant Review

There are many restaurants in Ogunquit. Every other year or so, a new restaurant appears on the Ogunquit landscape. This year it's "I am Thai".

I am Thai is more of a take-away kitchen as opposed to a fine dining establishment. However, the food is fine dining quality. Once a week, Michael and I like to get Thai take-out. Local folks here in Ogunquit  told me that this new "restaurant" had a Gluten Free menu, so decided to give it a try!

I am Thai is located above the Omelette Factory on US Route One/Main Street, about 3/10 mile north of the village centre. The building is a traditional "Cape Cod" house. The restaurant is more or less an open air kitchen with four little tables with folding chairs. It's also a mini variety store that sells convenience store items. The kitchen is very clean, and "Ami" ( one of the owners). Took my order and prepared the meal.

Both the menu and Ami were very clear what was Gluten Free. Ami was knowledgeable about preparing Gluten Free meals and very conscientious. I ordered the Green Curry Chicken dinner. The curry mixture had bamboo shoots, bell pepper, green peas, zucchini, string beans, broccoli  in a tangy sauce. Michael's meal was the traditional Pad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp.   I am Thai does not use MSG or hydrogenated oils.

The quality was very good, price was excellent and the quantity was plenty (we actually had leftovers). The menu states that all curries are served with white rice, but I opted for the brown rice.
The menu is extensive with many traditional Thai food featuring:  an assortment of fish, duck, chicken, pork, tofu and vegetarian dishes.

The Details:

I am Thai

422 Main Street ( US Route One)

Ogunquit, ME 03907

Telephone: 207.641.8881

http://www.Iamthairestaurant.net

Open from 11am to 9.30pm serving lunch and dinner

Quality: Good

Prices: Excellent ( for Ogunquit)

Traditional Thai take-away cuisine. MasterCard and Visa accepted. 

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Squares.

Eating Gluten Free can be a challenge. I really enjoy power bars or snack bars.  However, the Gluten Free power bars that are sold at most stores are lacking flavor and substance. So I asked Michael to come up with a culinary solution. Mike's solution is  a tasty recipe that can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or as an energy bar anytime of the day. We occasionally add this item to our continental breakfast at Ogunquit Beach Inn.

Ingredients:
4 - 5 Banana's mashed
3/4 Cup of Sugar
1/2 Stick of unsalted Butter
1   Egg
1.5 cups of Gluten Free Flour (we use Bob's Red Mills)
2  Teaspoons of Xanthan Gum
1  Teaspoon Baking Soda
1  Teaspoon Salt
1  Cup of certified Gluten Free Oats (Bob's Red Mills brand)
1 Cup of shredded coconut
1/4 cup of Craisins
1.5 cups of GF Chocolate Chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes (check with toothpick).

We use a 10" x 13" inch greased pan.

In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add sugar, egg, melted butter and mix. Mix the dry ingredients (GF flour, xanthan, baking soda, salt). Add oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and craisins (dried crannberries). Scoop into 10" x 13" inch pan.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes (when toothpick comes out dry). Let cool. Cut into squares and enjoy! These energy bars are chewey and packed with energy!

April Textures in Maine

Every season in Maine brings a change. April is a pivotal month. Gray skies fade to summer optimism. The brilliant sunlight shines and shows the many weathered textures of the Maine Coast.

Winter weather and spring rain create new scenery for the upcoming season. Rusting, crackling and fading show mother nature's true colors.

Travelling on US Route One throughout the Maine seacoast area, there are signs from roadside America that capture the eye and wonderment . The textures reveal the age and beauty from a bygone mid century era.

Coastal salt air changes structures, colors and the character of people as well as things...

Seaside roads are quiet, yet ready for the summer onslaught.....

Picked Last....

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

           -Walter Bageholt

Remember that horrible feeling with the coach or gym teacher would pick captains, and then have the captains pick the players for teams? The shame and humiliation on getting picked last??

As a child, playtime was fun. I went outside and played. Whether it be, kickball, softball or war games, I played until I was tired and then I went home for supper or bed. Playing, for the sake of playing. At sumer camp we would swim, boat and canoe, again it was fun and recreational.

(Cousin Jeff, sister Laurie and I. Long Island Maine)

Then, something happened on the way to middle school: coaches and teachers would segregated players.  The alpha players were picked by the coach. Then these alpha players would pick the teams. My "ah-ha moment " happened when I was in 5th grade.

Coach "W" was the coach of the Orioles little league baseball team in the town that I lived in. In the spring, I attended all of the practices. It was fun. I was with kids my age, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and enjoyment of playing. Mind you I was not good. Couldn't throw a ball to save my life ( later in life, I discovered I had a slight vision problem that I was able to correct with eyeglasses), but nonetheless, I enjoyed being there.

The first game was approaching, and Coach  "W" distributed all the uniforms. I remember these uniforms were white and green, and I was excited to be getting one. The coach came to my house, and he did not have a uniform for me, I asked him "why?" The coach said: because we do not have one FOR YOU. I asked him, "what should I do the day of the game", and he replied. "you don't go to the game". I said, "what about practice next week", He followed with "you don't go to practice" .

It was that point in my life I found out the cruel reality of competitive sports. I was not good enough to play in a small town little league with my friends. I felt embarrassed and shamed. I developed an instant dislike for the game. My parents recognized this, and swiftly got me involved in other activities: music,  etc. The day Coach "W" came into my parents house and sat in their mid-century couch and told me I couldn't play little league haunted me for a long time....

Then something happened on the way to becoming  middle aged.....I started to run. I ran, for the sake of running. I knew I could run as a kid. But I never ran track in high school or college. I thought I was not good enough. The shame of little league left me with a horrible feeling. Something in my head, said I would be picked last, or I would be snarled by the coach. However,  I could run. I guess it was the embarrassment I wanted to save myself from by not participating.

When I turned 40, I started to run, little by little. I ran in my small Maine coastal town. I remember 10 years ago, local people would clap as the fat guy would run by for his 1.5 mile loop. Slowly, by slowly I ran. Then one day I noticed my pants went down a size. I was jazzed. I increase my mileage, and intensity of running. Then more weight fell off. Finally I decided to run a 5k race in Fort Lauderdale. I was nervous. Would I be the last guy to finish?? Was I good enough? I had no idea. The race was a 5k. I ran the race and finished. It was my first race and I was 42 years old, it was then that I got the bug and realized, I can do this.

Its been almost a decade and I run virtually everyday. I have participated in countless races in Ogunquit ,Fort Lauderdale and other locations. I swim with a Master's Swim program in the winter in Fort Lauderdale.  Something happened on the way to middle age, I think it's a case of "adult onset athletics", and I am glad it happened!

The lesson in life? Next time someone tells you that you "can't do something", take pleasure in doing it!

Open for the Season!

We are open for the season! Hard to believe that this will be our 16th year as owners of Ogunquit Beach Inn.

With spring weather warming-up, it's also Patriots' Day Holiday Weekend. Ogunquit celebrates Patriots' Day with colonial re-enactments, and a Beach Bazaar under the tents at the beach.  Featured at the Beach Bazaar are: live music, entertainment, arts & crafts. The ever-popular "Taste-of-the-Town" is being held at the town hall located here on School Street.  The "Taste-of-the-Town is a smorgasbord of food from all the various restaurants in Ogunquit.

Michael's tasty Maine blueberry muffins, and mouth watering banana bread are some of the bake treats that are being enjoyed this weekend by our guests at breakfast time.

Seasonal perennials are beginning to wake-up to the increasing energy of the sun....and the ocean is always soothing to the soul......

Patriots' Day is a Monday civic holiday celebrated in Maine and Massachusetts that commemorates the battle of Lexington and Concord, and the "Midnight Ride of Paul Revere".
Patriots' Day signifies the start of the season here in Ogunquit Maine. It’s a traditional time when restaurants and business' re-open. Patriots Day is also the running of the Boston Marathon. Ogunquit also has its own Paul Revere's ride.

Make your reservations, Call us  + 1 207 646 1112 or email us @ ogunquitmaine@gmail.com

Ogunquit Beach Inn

67 School Street

Ogunquit, ME 03907

It's the little details in life....

As I get older I find myself stopping and enjoying the small details in life. I guess it's in concert with the saying "stop and smell the roses".

I find myself taking time out of my schedule to appreciate the beauty of everyday life: the first buds of spring; sea glass in a jar on the window sill; the wonders of the ocean.

It's the little things in life that I notice. The simplicity of nature, and the ever changing weather living on the Maine coast.

Since the roses are not yet in bloom, I think I will "stop and smell the salty ocean air", as we prepare to open for our 16th year at Ogunquit Beach Inn.

Back to Maine!

With a packed Subaru and our compass pointed north, we trek back 1553 miles to Ogunquit Maine.

Goodbye speedo and hello LL Bean Boots. Goodbye palms and hello pines! It was a great winter in south Florida, but it's time to get back to Maine! With morning lows of 28 degrees ( -2c) and day time highs of 50 degrees (10c) it is quite a change from balmy south Florida.

After the long arduous drive, the first thing I did was a 7 mile run through town and beach. The cool salt air felt great. Spring is a bit early this year with forsythia bushes fully bloomed and  crocuses dotting the lawns.

Happy Spring to all!