Archive for January, 2009

Grandpa still stirs the pot at Anjon’s

Saturday, January 17th, 2009


Today my husband and I had lunch at Anjon’s in Scarborough. I honestly have driven past it hundreds of times over the years on my way to someplace and thought “I should go sometime” but never did. 2009 is about following through on those quiet wishes for “one day.”

I like the marsh view (and my husband is always calling it “the swamp”) and it was very clean inside. I always check for cleanliness once I’m seated and I didn’t see a hint of any crumbs, grease, food, nothing. Honestly it was sparkling. I had the Fettuccine Alfredo and my husband had baked haddock. Both were great, but the best part is the tomato sauce, or so I hear and will soon find out.

Anjon’s has been in Scarborough since 1957 which gives it retro cred to me. I hope to check out all of the local places to eat that originated prior to 1970. On our way out we bought a jar of their award-winning sauce (it won best of something in a nationwide challenge.) A man ahead of us had purchased a dozen jars and raved about how good it is. What I like is that they are low sodium and have NO added sugar! Try and find a no sugar sauce at the supermarket! 99% are loaded with it. Also, when I asked if an old Italian lady made the sauce I was told that it’s actually an older man, “Rocco” who makes the sauce from the 75 year old recipe “upstairs.” All  can picture is a happy fellow standing over a large pot of sauce, stirring and making a kissing gesture with his hand on his mouth when he tastes it. I can’t wait to try it!

I like that there are still businesses doing things the way they did back in the day while still keeping with the times- they do sell their sauces online!

1/23 Update: I had the sauce last night over pasta for dinner and it is fabulous! It’s very flavorful and the texture is just right.

Vintage Photographs of a Night To Remember- But Whose?

Friday, January 16th, 2009

I found a stack of vintage photos at a Maine flea market a couple of weeks ago. I love old photos! I don’t know if this is from an event in Maine, though.  It appears to be in a ballroom. Looking at the hairstyles of the ladies who are wearing bouffants, I put this at the mid 1960’s.

I wonder who these men are? They look powerful.

Look at the ladies’ bouffant at the back of the table!

I love the eyeglasses men wore back then!

The important men here all have those fabulous glasses!

I like this man’s smile- he looks very happy to be there!

Sub-zero weather, thinking about travel

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

Here in the Portland, Maine area we’re getting down to -10 tonight, and that’s not including any wind chills. I actually love the cold but I find myself daydreaming about sunny and warm destinations. Times like these I reach for my vintage travel brochures . (I have many for vacationing in Maine and will be sharing them with you over the coming months.)

Tonight I’m looking at a brochure sent to a fellow in Madison, Maine in 1961 from Flanagin Chevrolet in Madison, Maine. (Phone Owen 6-3251 for more information.) Here are some of my favorite pictures from inside:

I’m ready, let’s go…