Back Bay Grill - Portland Maine

Once a year, my significant other and I journey to Portland's very own Back Bay Grill to indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience. We've been doing this for the last six years and have yet to be disappointed. Interestingly, whenever I mention BBG and how wonderful it is, most people respond with something like "Oh yeah, I know where that is but I've never been." So - what better course of action to take than to extol the Back Bay Grill's many sumptuous offerings through the Hungrygals blog?
The menu at the BBG changes frequently, and there are often seasonal specials offered. No matter what you choose, however, you won't be disappointed.

The night we visited, we were treated to a fantastic bottle of Albarino wine called Deusa Nai from Spain. Fabulous - fruity yet dry and light. We are not normally wine drinkers but when we indulge it is usually with an Albarino.

For an appetizer, we ordered the freshly-made house pasta - al dente fettucine noodles dressed in a basil, black-truffle cream sauce. Out. Of. This. World.

My entree was the Duck Two Ways - sliced breast and confit, served with a side of farro (a barley-like grain). The duck, both the breast and the little square of confit, was moist and tender, without a trace of that gamey, fatty taste you get at other establishments. Delicious. The farro, a grain I'd never tried before, was chewy, slightly crunchy with a nutty flavor. Very good, and a nice change from the usual rice and potato.

My companion chose the filet mignon, which came with a savory butter sauce and mushroom reduction and gnocchi for a starch. The chef came through by cooking the filet a perfect medium rare. The butter sauce added a rich extravagance to the meat and the mushroom-wine gravy was light and delectable. The gnocchi were tasty bites of potatoey-pasta, soft and chewy and yet not gummy.

The total bill, including wine, appetizer, entrees, taxes and tip came to $140.00. A little pricey, yes, but definitely worth the trip. Especially if you treat yourself to BBG just once per year.




Back Bay Grill
65 Portland Street
Portland, ME
(207) 772-8833 Dinner only.