Welcome to Phantom Gourmet's Online Dining Community

Atmosphere:

Duckfat in Portland, Maine is a hip neighborhood hangout where jazz music jives with exposed brick and the fun magnetic strip where customers can mix-and-match words. Still, it’s casual with most seats at the bar and along a couple counters.

Menu:

The fun comfort food menu is quality all the way on panini sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, homemade sodas, and fried goodies. Local beers and wines round out the offerings.

Appetizers:

Starting with their signature Belgian fries cooked in duck fat, the mind-blowing, deep auburn stubs were insanely addictive, airy, and earthy (from the skins). They were perfectly seasoned and served with decadent condiments like truffle ketchup and creamy horseradish mayo. The avocado salad looked pretty sprinkled in sesame seeds but fell flat with bland soy-miso dressing.

Entrees:

Progressing to panini, the grilled sandwiches came together in cheesy, crusty success. The Cubano housed slow-roasted pork along with tangy mustard and bread & butter pickles, while the eggplant was soft and sumptuous, lined with roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and herbaceous pesto.

Dessert:

Phantom finished in PERFECT TEN fried dessert heaven with powdered sugar covered beignet that were as golden and delicious as funnel cakes in a doughnut hole shape. The blueberry panini made with buttery brioche was just as sweet, dripping jammy fruit and creamy mascarpone from the edges.

Portions:

Portions are standard, but because the food is inherently hefty, you’ll leave completely satisfied.

Service:

Counter service was surprising, but it’s just one more way they keep the place casual and affordable.

Cleanliness:

The tiny, colorful space was quite clean from the wooden floors to the semi-open kitchen.

Value:

Grilled panini sandwiches are expensive and worth it at $7 to $13, and heavenly fries cost $4.50.

Location:

Duckfat is on Middle Street in quaint Portland, Maine, down the street from its high-end sister restaurant, Hugo.