Petite Jacqueline – Portland, Maine

Petite Jacqueline – Portland, Maine

Nestled on a side street in Portland, Maine, a place known for wonderful restaurants, is a French restaurant by the name of Petite Jacqueline. There’s not much in the way of available parking off street but just a couple of blocks away you will find a public parking lot. After hours there is another outside, open parking lot that is primarily used by locals during the day.

As I walk up the street I see this older brick building on a corner that houses the restaurant. A mix of red bricks, dark woods and glass give Petite Jacqueline a very rustic and inviting appearance. You just get that instant feeling that this is going to be a wonderful dining experience.

Inside, a long L shaped dining room with white draped tablecloths, dark wooden chairs and flatware very simply wrapped in linen napkins greets you.  Upon seating, the server places the flatware neatly before you.

A large bar off to the right and around the back of the dining room, a showcase for pastries. For a Tuesday night the place was quite busy.

First comes the bread… Baked in house, served warm, alongside herbed butter. I’m a sucker for warm bread and the French, like the Italians, have mastered the art of baking bread.

The first thing that caught my eye was the Deviled Eggs offering on the menu. What sets this dish apart from others I’ve had elsewhere, and mind you very few places offer them, was the Espellette Pepper. This gave it a truly unique flavor.

My next course would be the Shrimp Cocktail. You can either get the regular one off the menu or opt for individual Jumbo Shrimp. I opted for the latter which was accompanied by a lemon wedge and Cocktail Sauce. Fresh, tasty and given my plans for the remainder of the meal, three would be just right.

The main this evening, the Steak Frites, Aoli, Beurre Matre D’Hotel… Succulent, thick slices of perfectly prepared and arranged Beef, thin and long French Fries that were as delicious as they were pleasing to the eye.

And although I had not intended on having dessert, when a server at a French restaurant ask you if you will be having dessert, you involuntarily answer yes. Presented with an ornate silver tray of an assortment of delicacies, I opted for the Chocolate Pots de Crème. It can best be described as somewhere between Pudding and Mousse. Add to that my traditional Cappuccino and life is truly complete!

Wonderful setting, great cuisine, friendly and personable service from my server Jake, make Petite Jacqueline a must stop on your gastronomic wish list of fine dining establishments to visit.

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