A food writer gets to eat a lot. And when faced with so many amazing options, why limit yourself to what you are officially researching? A few gustatory highlights that are not related to the piece I am working on … but could be in the future:

• Down a few miles off Rt. 1 in N. Waldoboro, garlicky pickle lovers rejoice. This now includes me. Morse’s reubens — piled with fresh corned beef and their signature kraut — are worth every drippy slurp. Just be sure you have enough napkins. And that you can fight your father for a bite.
• Giant U-10 scallops over grilled pattypans at Fuel in Lewiston. This is enhanced by a giant, crisp martini from their very sexy bar. Sit there, especially if you have a hard time eating in the dark.
• If you like jerky, smoke and fish — and have superhuman jaw strength — try a bag of smoked teriyaki cod jerky from Smokin Annie’s. Easy-to-access one-hand-on-the-wheel snacking.
• Maine crab and avocado salad, fried clams and a pint of Allagash White at the Portland Lobster Co. on Commercial Street in Portland. I think we were lucky to come before the crowds. The space on their deck overlooking the pier provided a great Mother’s Day backdrop, and there was enough room for the dog to get a drink too before we continued our walk on one of the many waterside trails around town.   

Jessica Strelitz is a contributing writer to Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.