Jack Sprat could eat Duck Fat

Duck Fat! Would a duck by any other name still be as fat? It doesn’t mallard one-way or the other… so, like a fine thermal insulator - let’s get down (no pun intended) to business. Many variations of meaning here... Perhaps one of our favorite monikers would be "Duck-Fat" – the daffy handle of a villainous humanoid, Baron Goldeneye from a politically correct James Bond film (directed by Michele Obama). The Teaser: Former Jailbird, “Duck-Fat” tries to ruffle feathers and thwart 007's efforts to do-away-with crappy fried food and childhood obesity. Who would be so bold as to wage war against a foe with a quacky name like "Duck Fat"? As far as villainous names for James Bond villains go, we reckon "Duck Fat" is not all it's quacked-up to be. "You are very foolish Mr. Bond, to eat food so high in cholesterol. Mr. Bond… you're dethppppicable"!

But there’s nothing despicable about Duck Fat restaurant in Portland Maine. As a matter of fact, we couldn’t wait to get the flock over there. We totally enjoyed our experience. Duck Fat’s food really fit the bill as they say. From apps to main course, it was very good indeed. Duck Fat restaurant is on a natural migratory path for those who crave fantastic food fried in duck fat – literally fried in duck fat. This funky eatery is nestled at 43 Middle St. in Portland, Maine. Just about a pond’s distance from the Old Port (as the duck flies). The staff were friendly, and our server was attentive and on the ball. The seating inside is not by any means abundant. It’s quaint and cozy. So we decided to sit outside in the open air… they offer seating with a view. It’s not exactly the best view, but if you enjoy sitting outside with a view of Middle Street, you’re in luck. It was nice. And we hardly noticed the illegally parked Toyota station wagon partially blocking our view of the cruise ship pulling into port. Luckily, we nabbed a table before the dinner rush and enjoyed the outdoor ambiance in the glow of The Love Boat and jay-walking tourists from Manitoba.

Duck Fat offers a unique and quirky menu. Starting with a starter… we sliced in to Hand Cut Belgian Duck Fat Fries more quickly than Hannibal Lecter diced in to his own hand in the Silence of The Lambs sequel. We’re not sure if the fries were Julian, but we did want more. Ironically, Julian Moore replaced Jody Foster, and slightly less ironically, both films opened on a Friday (and we went to Duck fat on a Friday – weird). There was nothing weird about the selection of succulent sauces from which to choose. With our elongated fries, we dipped into: Truffle Ketchup, Horseradish Mayo, Garlic Aioli, Curry Mayo, Thai Chili Mayo, Raye’s Mustard and Duck Fat Gravy (for only a buck more). They present and serve their incredible fries in two sizes: small cone: $5 or large cone: $6.50. You can experience Duck Fat Poutine topped with Silvery Moon Creamery Cheese Curd and house made duck gravy.

Don’t be a weenie and try their Panini – served on freshly baked bread by Standard Baking Co. You’ll run like a Bat Out of Hell for their house made Meatloaf for $8.75 (although Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” CD costs a lot more – you can enjoy both on different levels). But with Duck Fat’s meatloaf you get pickled red onion, gruyere, or horseradish mayo as “bonus tracks”. It’s better than Paradise By The Dash Board Lights (when seated outside near an illegally parked Toyota). They offer a “BGT” – Bacon, Fern Hill Farm’s goat cheese, and Olivia’s Garden tomatoes. Enjoy!

And of course, you can get your lips around The Duck Fat Original: A work of art to some, made with double Tahitian vanilla bean crème anglaise.  Eli’s Root Beer or Moxie Float will feather your taste buds too. They also serve locally roasted coffee from Coffee By Design and various teas that will blow you away – from Gunpowder Green to Earl Grey. They have a bang-up selection of beverages. And as a sweet treat, enjoy Duck Fat Fried Dough, made even sweeter by toppings of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or chocolate sauce.

Duck Fat is a very cool little place on Middle St. that does things differently. This joint has great food, great fun, great servers, and will show you a great time. So goose it up, and take a gander at Duck Fat restaurant, with its very reasonably priced fare, it won’t matter who gets stuck with the bill (no pun intended).  

We don’t want to sound too schmaltzy but this Duck is Phat! Check it out, yo!

Charlotte’s Favourite: The fries!
Joe’s Favorite: The fries!!

We rate it: A Duley Do!

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Duck Fat
43 Middle St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8080