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The Place: The Market Basket.

Location: Route 1 in Rockport, at the intersection of Route 90.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00a.m. to 6:30p.m.; Saturday 8:00a.m. to 6:30p.m.; Sunday 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Contact:  No website, so your best bet is to call 207-236-4371.

The Basics:  The Market Basket is a great place to find gourmet products. Expect lots of imports and the high prices associated with them, but the offerings are on par with any major city gourmet boutique.  You’ll find lots of wine, cheese, coffee, chocolate, and all sorts of delicious high-end snacks, so it’s a perfect stop if you’re throwing a party and are looking for new things to nibble on.  Plus, they make great baked goods, good soups and sandwiches, and have delicious prepared foods from salads to daily entrées.

Range:  I have found everything from tamarind paste for pad thai to my favorite San Marzano canned tomatoes.  The selection of products is not huge but it’s varied. Same goes for the wine.

Best Bite:  I think their Caesar salad is one of the best items on the menu, if only for the parmesan-lovers dressing that is at tangy and satisfying.  Every entrée I’ve had has been good. Try a main dish (veal parmesan, bacon-wrapped scallops) with one of their daily salads (the artichoke heart and tomato salad is great if they have it).

Perk: The Market Basket also frequently offers cooking classes by local chefs.  Francine’s Brian Hill and In Good Company’s Melody Wolfertz have both taught there within the last few months. The classes are usually on Sundays and fill up quickly. Call to find out what is coming up and to reserve your spot.

Pitfall:  Be careful in line, which if you go at the wrong time can be quite long.  The spread of baked goods forms a gauntlet to the register, and I inevitably end up with something sweet in my bag.

Perfect For: Getting a picnic lunch to bring to Camden Hills State Park or picking up provisions before boarding a ferry to Islesboro or North Haven.

Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2008 in Permalink