The Yank's Franks Angry Sauce Is Ready

W O Hesperus Bottling Department

With the Yank's Franks Opening Day fast approaching we ordered our special recipe, Yank's Angry Sauce from Captain Mowatt's (aka, W O Hesperus Co.).

Hot Diggity and I ventured north to Portland's Eastern Promenade, the worldwide headquarters of Captain Mowatt's. Overlooking Portland's Casco Bay, we were given a tour of their offices, the production kitchen, the bottling department and the storage room.

We were given a gastronomic tour of Captain Mowatt's amazing sauces, including their new Captain Mowatt's Hot Pink which earns a Heat Level rating of 7 out of 10.

We sampled the Captain's new Old Salt, an awesome combination of Sea Salt, Habanero & Cayenne Chiles, and a little Maine Seaweed. At a Heat Level of 4 out of 10, it was just the right kick while still being able to appreciate the taste buds.

Storage Department

We were sent off with a bottle of the Old Salt to keep at Yank's Franks. Anyone wanting a bit of a kick to their burger, fries or onion rings, please ask. I can't wait to try it myself.

Frankly, Some Like It Hot!!! 

Litchfield's Bar and Grill ~ A Restaurant Review

The Yank's Franks tasting team went to dinner and did we find a great place.

All but Hot Diggity were in the mood for a burger so we decided to try the newest place in town (the town being Wells, Maine).

Litchfield's Bar and Grill just recently opened under new (and much improved) management. Their sign notes their award for Best Hamburger in the NECN "Baby You're The Best" poll in 2011. The new owners are aligned with Lee Circle Grocery in Lee, NH winner of first place in the Baby You're the Best poll.

The burger pictured above was Litchfield's Cowboy Burger with a half pound of beef, plenty of delicious cheddar cheese and onion rings on top. For me, tonight I chose the Cheddar and Bacon Burger. It was a half pound of perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked beef topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon (in addition to lettuce, tomato and onion). It was delicious and luckily my mouth was big enough to enjoy this mile high sandwich from top to bottom.

The French Fries that come with Litchfield's sandwiches got a special mention from Double Dog Dennis and they recieved the Seal of Approval from the French Fry King, very high praise indeed. The fries are not the thin, shoestring variety but a more substantial slice of potato. They were cooked perfectly, nice and crispy on the outside and just right on the inside. It doesn't sound like much, but cooking Fries to get that perfect combination seems to elude many. Not at Litchfield's, they know how to do Fries.

I can't finish without a commentary on dessert...Peanut Butter Pie. Wow, it was amazing. Leave enough room for this fantastic end to a wonderful meal.

Whether you're a summer visitor or a year round area resident, give the now owners at Litchfield's a try. You too will be pleased that Wells has another great place to eat.

Frankly, Wells is a great place for a Foodie to live (and eat)!

A Yank's Franks Restaurant Review ~ Smashburger

Hot Diggity and I passed by Smashburger on a trip to Texas in November. While we didn't have time to try them out then, the thought of this new burger joint has been swirling around in my head ever since.

Today I was sporting a smile almost as big as the guy who, when asked how often he has sex, replied "once a year" Then why the big smile? "Because tonight's the night!"

Well, tonight's the night for Smashburger. Pictured here is Hot Diggity's Smashburger Classic with American Cheese on an egg bun. The Smashfries are shoe string russet potatoes tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic. Hot Diggity also had a Haagen-Daz milkshake as did I, but more on that later.

Joining in our review today were Spicy Salsa Marjan and The Hot Dog Cowboy. Spicy Salsa Marjan had the exact same lunch as Hot Diggity, but The Hot Dog Cowboy preferred the Smashburger Kid's meal with Veggie Frites (flash fried carrot sticks and green beans).

For me, it was a Create Your Own Burger. It had cheddar cheese and a bunch of other stuff. I opted for the Chili Cheese Fries (surprise, surprise).

We all had Haagen-Daz Vanilla Milkshakes. I haven't had a milkshake that was that good in many, many years.

As for the food...Hot Diggity, Spicy Salsa Marjan and I all agreed that these were spectacular burgers and amazing fries. The Hot Dog Cowboy let his empty plate do the talking. He loved the burger and really appreciated the Veggie Frites.

Smashburger received eight thumbs up on this trip! If you have the opportunity to visit a Smashburger it's worth the trip.

Frankly, Yank loves hamburgers and chili cheese fries!