Popovers in Portsmouth

In early June, it can get freezing in the northeast. Well, for a Floridian. Anything below 74 falls under the “freezing weather” category for Floridians (we’re wimps).

But there we were, driving up to Maine, freezing (it was about 60 degrees outside) and starving. My grandpa was driving and I was researching restaurants in Portsmouth, NH. It seemed like a good stopping point for food, and I was determined to find a warm bowl of clam chowder.

Somehow between Zomato and Google, I found the second heaven. This particular version of heaven looked like it was in a little hole-in-the-wall place in the business district of Portsmouth.Popovers on the Square.

Being downtown, it wasn’t exactly fun finding a parking space – not that anything looked extremely crowded. But it was drizzling rain, the brick streets were crooked to walk on, and Popovers looked like a sweet site for sore eyes and hungry stomachs. But when the kind manager opened the door for me, I was confused. It was set up like a Panera wannabe with more comfortable seats. There was the pastry section and then the ordering section, and somewhere in the back food was being made (I hoped).

I seated my grandpa and walked up to the lady at the counter.

“What would you like?” She had white hair, kind blue eyes, and I regret not getting her name.

“Ummm…What’s good here?” She laughed at me.

“It depends on how hungry you are.”

We were starving.

I ordered clam chowder, crab cakes, and a lobster roll to share with my grandfather. I’ve never been a fan of seafood – I had my eye on the dessert bar. But about five minutes later, our food was ready, and I suddenly wanted to understand what all the hype is over New England seafood.

Growing up, I’ve had clam chowder every now and then – from Red Lobster. It’s fine. Yet when I tried the chowder at Popovers, it was…beyond words. I wanted to lick the bowl, but I settled for de-layering the adorable popover and dipping it in the chowder. It was scrumptious.

Next came the lobster roll, or lobster popovers. It was a basic lobster salad and a flaky, doughy popover and perfect. Then the crab cakes. They were pan seared with scallions, bell peppers, aioli and a green salad. I’ve had crab cakes before – but they’ve always felt heavy with a weird texture and a just-OK taste. But these Portsmouth crab cakes were flawless. The pan-seared texture was just right, and the aioli made a scrumptious addition to the already tasty meat. I wanted more, but after the delicious meal I also wanted to try dessert.

I ordered two lattes, a slice of the chocolate hazelnut torte and a slice of the raspberry torte. The desserts were just as delicious as the meal.

I’ve been to a lot of different restaurants in a lot of different places, but I can’t remember eating food as comforting, delicious and rich as the food at Popovers on the Square. I’d never been to a restaurant that made me wish I could move to a different state just to eat there every day. But I can see myself driving – or flying – out of my way just to eat at Popovers. And I’d dearly appreciate it if they’d open about a thousand in Florida!

*Since I originally blogged about Popovers, I’ve been back twice on different trips. Both times it was just as good!

*Popovers menu here

*For more about Popovers and other locations, click here

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**Unless otherwise stated, I am in no way affiliated with the restaurants or companies mentioned on this blog.

*Post taken from my former blog, Guide My Every Way.