The World’s Best French Fries Can Be Found Right Here In Maine
Here in Maine, we know potatoes. Though we’re no longer the nation’s biggest producer of the versatile tuber, as we were back in the 1940s before production moved west, potatoes are still our most important crop. You can do so many delicious things with potatoes — bake ’em, mash ’em, grind ’em up and make ’em into hamburger buns. But we’re sure everyone is well aware of the very best potato preparation of all: French fries. And it’s not a coincidence that Maine, which owes so much to the humble potato, has turned it into the best fries on Planet Earth.
That orange-and-white-striped awning means you've reached Duckfat, Portland's temple to creative comfort food.
This hip little cafe in Portland's East End serves salads, soups, panini, craft sodas and milkshakes. And we cannot tell a lie -- every bit of it is absolutely mouthwatering.
The fries are available with a variety of dipping sauces, including Thai chili mayo, curry mayo and sweet and spicy mustard. We recommend trying more than one, but the smart money here is on the truffle ketchup.
You did remember that Maine borders Quebec, right? Duckfat remembers -- they offer a version of Quebec's most beloved dish, poutine, that can compete with anything in the Canadian province. Duckfat's version is made with local cheese curds and, of course, duck gravy.
The Daily Meal named these fries the third best in the U.S., right after two restaurants in New York City and before ... another restaurant in New York City. Reality check: We've been to those top two restaurants, and The Daily Meal is wrong. Duckfat is the legit No. 1.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
