Best of the Best
We always look forward to the arrival of each issue of Down East and thoroughly enjoy reading every one of them, but your January “Best of Maine” issue was just awesome! I was particularly thrilled to see the picture of Caskie Stinnett on the Contributors page and quickly turned to read the article. An occasional reprint of one of his fabulous columns would be a real treat. Keep up the good work!

—R. W. Steer, Hendersonville
North Carolina

I just wanted to say that I think Down East was dead on choosing Spelt Right as one of the Best of Maine this year! Not only is their product fantastic, but their dedication to healthy living and environmentally responsible business practices is inspiring. My office is here in the Sparhawk Mill, two floors up from the bakery (and, yes, we get to enjoy samples from Beth, as well as the delicious fresh baked bread smell!) and I think I can speak for us all when I say we hope to see Spelt Right succeed.

—Jesse Baines
Portland, Maine

I subscribe to four magazines and, hands down, Down East gets read first and often. I was surprised, however, when Eastport was left off the “Best of Maine” list. There is no mustard in Maine, or anywhere for that matter, that compares to Raye’s Mustard in Eastport. I often eat it right out of the jar. Raye’s Mustard is made at America’s only stone-ground mill. You can’t get better then that. Also, I’m willing to bet the Fourth of July in Eastport is the best in Maine. Go Eastport!

—Teresa Gorman
Cooperstown, New York

Editor’s Note: Oh, we haven’t forgotten Eastport. Turn to page 34 and see what else is cooking there.

WHERE IN MAINE?
Your January mystery photograph is Lowell’s Cove, on Orr’s Island, in the heart of Casco Bay. I had the great privilege of growing up on this island paradise and spent many a summer day jumping into the refreshing water from the wharf second in from the point. It then belonged to Bern Linscott, a local lobsterman, true Maine gentleman, and dear friend who took great pride in maintaining his wharf and gear in top condition. His only stipulations were that we didn’t touch his gear or leave any trash behind. Ironically, today that wharf belongs to my son, Jamie.

—Mary-Edwina Bangs
Norfolk, Virginia

This photo was taken from the western side of Lowell’s Cove, on Orr’s Island. Your comment about the island being a pearl, with a rich history of authors who stir up wars, of course, refers to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book The Pearl of Orr’s Island. Mrs. Stowe visited Orr’s Island while she and her family lived in Brunswick, where her husband was on the faculty of Bowdoin College. In the summer of 1990 this cove was home to Lowell, a humpback whale, who feasted for a month on the fish in a net strung across the cove. A children’s book and a coloring book were inspired by this whale, who entertained onlookers with his daily breachings.

—Suzanne Baker
Orr’s Island, Maine

STRONG DRINK
Not that I drink often (really!), but when I do go to a bar or restaurant and order a drink, it is often a coffee brandy sombrero [“North by East,” January 2009]. So, imagine my disappointment upon moving to Arizona to find that in ten years, I never found a bar that stocked coffee brandy. In fact, no bartender there had ever heard of it. I was served a brandy Alexander (ugh!) — hot coffee with a shot of brandy — and the closest thing, a tia maria sombrero (too sweet). I am glad to be back in Maine where I can get what I want.

—Marita Lowell
Acton, Maine