Chef Andrew Zimmern Visits These 7 Maine Food Spots on Emotional Return to Portland

Andrew Zimmern returned to Portland, Maine, on a trip that packed an emotional punch.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the celebrity chef shared about his strong connection to the area, especially because of his late parents, and how revisiting some of their favorite food spots was a meaningful walk down memory lane.

His visit was part food tour, part tribute, all in one of the great major cities of the Pine Tree State.

Andrew Zimmern Opens Up About His Return to Portland, Maine

Zimmern really opened up in his October 26 Facebook post, highlighting how his walk alone through Portland stirred up memories and feelings of his late parents.

"Found myself in Portland Maine for the first time since my parents died there several years ago… went alone on a walk through town. Started crying; well more like I couldn’t stop my eyes from leaking," he said. "Different than sad crying, or heaving crying, it was like a last release of a big loss."

The famous chef has previously mentioned his love for Portland, not just for the food scene, but for the visits he had with his parents.

In a 2022 Facebook post, he said, "Though I’ve never lived there full time, Portland is one of the places I consider home."

His recent experience included some moments of serendipity, such as running into people who knew his parents or "seeing people who introduced themselves to me and explained how they connected to my dads," and, of course, great food.

Andrew Zimmern Visits 7 Portland, Maine, Food Spots

Zimmern has shared some of his favorite Maine places to get good eats over the years, including the likes of Red's Eats in Wiscasset and Crown Jewel in Portland

READ MORE: Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern Says These 2 Maine Restaurants Serve the Best Lobster Rolls

For his latest Maine visit, it was all about taking in the places that he enjoyed with his parents back in the day. Do you have places like that with your parents?

He noted on his Facebook post seven spots in particular:

• The Clam Bar
• Eventide Oyster Co.
• Standard Baking Co.
• The Holy Donut
• Duckfat
• Hugo’s
• Mr. Tuna

Clams, cookies, doughnuts, and more were just a few of the foods Zimmern savored and photographed at these popular spots, which looked delicious.

Seriously, it makes me want to go out to eat.

This clearly was an emotional journey for him, one where every bite and every stop brought back memories of family, Portland, and the flavors that shaped his love for the city.

Some of the best meals feed both your body and your heart, don't they?