Ya know, we're waking up today and sure, we miss the weekend and it's the start of a brand new week, but it's also the start of a brand new month. We're in March now, which means we flip the clocks ahead soon so it gets darker later, the warmer weather is going to start sailing on in, and, most important -- TODAY IS THE START OF MAINE RESTAURANT WEEK!

For the next 12 days, we get to experience and celebrate the best and most delicious that the 207 has to offer, and it's time when people who love food like me (I don't even mean "foodies" since that seems like someone who does a deep dive into how dishes taste and have some kind of culinary intellect -- meanwhile, I'm just out here living my best life eating deliciousness) THRIVE.

BUT, this isn't going to be the normal Maine Restaurant Week that we're used to. Instead of the usual three-course meal we're used to getting, it's been changed to a bit of a "just making something delicious" type deal, which makes sense when you think about it. Restaurants aren't open for full capacity, so to supplement that, you need to ideally keep the rotation of seats somewhat fluid. Not that they're going to rush you through your meal and out the door, it's just a bit different this year.

Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash
Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash
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The good thing, though, is curbside pickup and dining is also an option this year (even though yes, a good chunk of the experience is getting to experience the atmosphere of all of these restaurants, too, but in a year that's been wonky as heck, we should take what we can get and be thankful for it, honestly.)

Another good thing? The entry fee for restaurants, usually $495, was waived, which means there are A LOT more restaurants participating from all over the state. Everywhere from Portland to Yarmouth, Fryeburg to Camden, and every type of food from pizza to seafood, and BBQ to pub-style -- there's going to be something for everyone, and it'll be everywhere.

Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash
Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash
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Just a heads up, masks WILL be required, and they'll be required the whole time, even while seated at the table. The only time you'll be able to remove it, obviously, is while you're stuffing your face with all the deliciousness that Maine has to offer. And while some of the major events have been cancelled, there is still a super sweet one going on (pun intended), because a group of bakeries have agreed to serve coffee-centric creations with no ticket required -- just have to visit the participating bakeries!

So, exactly WHICH restaurants and WHICH bakeries are in this year? Find all that info out, plus additional safety measurement info on the Maine Restaurant Week website (but other than naming the 50+ restaurants and almost 10 bakeries involved, I did my best to get you all the info you need right here.

HAVE A BLAST FOR THE NEXT 12 DAYS, MAINERS! And remember -- calories don't count during Restaurant Week, and you deserve to indulge this year moreso than any other one, SO GO FOR IT!

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