The Epicurious Runner

Portsmouth Brewery – Portsmouth, NH

July 24, 2010 By: Stephanie Category: Restaurant Review

Mmm, don’t those look good, these are Spicy Curry Mussels that are my absolute favorite. I have been waiting and dreaming about these mussels since the last time we had them. From the menu: Spicy Curry Style with curry, coconut milk, lemongrass and a touch of spicy chili sauce.

After getting back from the lake last Saturday morning, we headed back to my sister’s condo to chill out for a while before we headed up to the Portsmouth Brewery. Derek and I have been dying to go to the Portsmouth Brewery for some time now, we have not been there since over a year ago. Not only do they have their own delicious beer that they brew in house, but they have amazing food to pair all the beer with.

As you can see we ordered the infamous mussels, they totally hit the spot and lived up to everything I was expecting of them. The Portsmouth Brewery as a whole did not live up to what I remember, though. We sat outside and at first it seemed like a good idea, but it was quickly revealed that maybe we should’ve stuck to the air conditioned indoors. We were seated in a small courtyard-esque area with no chance of a breeze because we were boxed in.

I remember the menu being much larger and the beer selection was a little week for that day. My sister and I ended up ordering 2 dishes and sharing. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of the dish she ordered, which was FRESH ZITI WITH VERMONT WHITE CHEDDAR, Fresh nutmeg ziti tossed with caramelized onions, forest mushrooms, and cream. The pasta was delicious and very creamy. It was very heavy, which isn’t so good for a hot day, so my sister and I were very glad it was being split between the two of us.

I ordered one of the specials of the day. It was Arctic Char with Couscous and Vegetables. The couscous was the best part of the dish, I’m not saying the fish wasn’t good, but I forgot how good couscous is. The tiny grainy texture that is so light and airy was wonderful and I can’t wait to make some of my own.

The Portsmouth Brewery has great beer and even better mussels! The mussels are what will keep me coming back to this place. I don’t know if they cut their menu in half or if I just don’t remember it that well, but in my opinion they could use a few more items on the menu. I won’t be rushing back here too soon, but I know I will constantly be thinking about those mussels and how to re-create them!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Is there a dish you ordered at a restaurant that you can’t stop thinking about?