On a trip south, they had stopped at one of our favorite markets: Hallowell Seafood & Produce — quite possibly the best-kept secret in central Maine. Owned by Justin and Charles Underwood, the market is, as one news article described it, an upscale farm stand. And it's exactly the type of place you should visit if you're in Hallowell and in need of dinner inspiration.
The Underwood family has been involved in farming and fishing for decades (Justin is in his mid-20s and Charles is his dad), and Hallowell Seafood & Produce sells some of the freshest, most beautiful seafood we've seen. The crabmeat is especially impressive — claws intact, arranged in a starburst pattern rather than thrown willy-nilly into a tub. The in-laws brought so much haddock that we ate it for days — pan fried with butter and lemon, deep-fried with fresh tartar sauce — and the haddock was so good, we didn't mind eating it for days.
Now that the growing season is under way, the market's produce section will be filling up with amazing, locally grown veggies (we're not sure where the asparagus we had came from, but regardless of its origin, it was fabulous). Round out the selection with a small, well-edited selection of wines, Maine-made condiments and a drool-worthy cheese counter, and you've got the makings of a magnificent meal.
And if you can't stop yourself from buying too much, no worries: these are leftovers you won't regret.
Hallowell Seafood & Produce is located at 197 Water St. in Hallowell. For more information, call 207.621.0500.
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