Chinese: Ming Lee in Waterville for a sit-down place. For take-out, the Canton Express in Augusta. I've been to the Kowloon, and while their food was good, I didn't think it was as good as either of those two places.

Mexican: Las Palapas in Bangor or Brewer. It's cheap and satisfying, the way Mexican food is meant to be. It's about as close as I've found to what I ate as a teenager when actually went to Mexico some 20+ years ago. El Agave in Augusta isn't too far behind them.

Lobster: Just get it at a Hannaford's seafood counter. They'll steam it for you right there and it'll cost about half of what you'd pay for it at a restaurant. It's not like it'll taste any better at a restaurant. They pretty much all cook it the same way.

Thai: Red Curry in Augsta and Roselyn in Rockland. Rice and Noodle in Belfast is good for takeout, but I don't think they do dine in anymore.

Japanese: Shinbashi in Ellsworth or Green Tea in Bangor. I think they're related, because they both have this "rock shrimp" appetizer that I'm addicted to, and they both make it the same exact way.

Fried Seafood: The Eagle's nest in Brewer. Get the seafood platter. It's like $50, and you'll get three or four meals out of it.

Sandwiches: Big G's in Winslow.

Italians: Damon's in Augusta or Sonny's in Fairfield. Terroni's in Portland has gone out of business unfortunately, but they used to have the best.

Italian food: Marco's Ristorante in Lewiston is one of my favorites. Their marinara sauce is just sooo good.

Pizza: Alexia's in Belfast. Also have had very good pizza from the Milo House of Pizza, but it's been a long time since I've been there.

Diner: The A1 diner in Gardiner. The best burger I ever ate at a restaurant was right there.

Bakery: Hillman's in Fairfield. Also, the Abbott Village Bakery.