A1 to Go Market & Cafe in Gardiner, Maine

Locals already put A1 To Go Market & Cafe high on their lists of favorite eateries. Now discerning visitors have a chance to put A1 To Go high on their lists of favorite travel eateries. Some Mainers in distant parts of the state, away from the Kennebec Valley, are loyal A1 patrons who make special trips and special detours and stop-offs just to eat at A1.

There are two A1's in Gardiner, Maine. There is the original A1 Diner and there is the relatively new A1 To Go Market & Cafe located about two hundred feet away from the original. A1 To Go Market has a San Francisco deli feel to it. The dark amber lights and brick walls give the interior a warm, rich ambiance. A1 To Go is an elegant deli, market and cafe in the Historic District of Gardiner, Maine and lies on the bank of the Kennebec River.

All the food at A1 To Go Market is prepared fresh by the talented cooks who serve both A1 To Go and A1 Diner. A1 To Go offers a fixed menu of panini (Italian sandwich) and wraps, salads and soups. Besides which there is a breakfast menu as well. The counter staff at A1 To Go assemble the menu items. At the deli counter an international spread includes Lebanese, Japanese, Chinese and Armenian specialties as well as many others. For instance, there is a variety of Kim Chi available along with stuffed grape leaves, both delicious.

You can take your menu or deli selections with you to go, as the name suggests, or you can sit and enjoy yourself at one of the ten or so tables quaintly arranged by the windows in the front of the shop. Behind the tables are the wines and coffees, chocolates and maple syrups, the things domestic and imported ready for your purchase. Because besides being a small and intimate eatery, A1 To Go is also a gourmet market where you can satisfy your pallet's cravings.

Bakery fresh breads are always available. The bakery choices rotate through the days of the week from Wed through Saturday. On Wednesday, for instance, you can have a Country Baguette or a Greek Cheese Foccacia, among other things. And on Friday, for instance, you can have a Tuscan Loaf or a Sticky Bun, among other things.

All the prices are well within reason for a family meal, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner or a snack in between (remember that all these prices only reflect what is true in May 2007). Whether on the menu or in the deli, the prices range from the $4 region up to the $8, $9 or $10 region. Someting can be found that fits your wallet and your appetite. For example, a tempting Soy Glazed Salmon Burger for seafood lovers is $4.99 and a Cucmber Kim Chi is $5.99 a pound, while the Lebanese Tomatoe Salade and the Wasabi Lime Chicken Salade are $7.99 and $10.99 a pound respectively, at the deli counter.

The menu has similar pricing, with lunch selections priced between $5.95 and $8.95. Though a Classic Grilled Cheese comes in at $4.95 while a Southwestern Crab Melt comes is at $8.95. Bakery goods vary in the $3.50 to $4.95 per loaf range and Sticky Buns are $1.75 each. As I said, these are all very reasonable prices, a typical family can enjoy a meal out or a specialty loaf of bread with no problem. To top it off, A1 To Go Market has an extensive coffee menu for the thirsty coffee drinker.

Service at A1 To Go Market and Cafe in Gardiner, Maine is deli style. Friendly staff are behind the counter to help you and be charming. They are glad to answer any questions and fulfill any reasonable and appropriate request. And they will happily ring up all your purchases for you, too.

So whether you want to eat something delicious in a delightful atmosphere or take your food on the road to home or a picnic with you, or shop for the perfect bottle of wine, or find the most delicious coffee or chocolate, stop in and eat, shop, buy. A1 To Go Market & Cafe in Gardiner, Maine is the best place in the Kennebec Valley and along the Kennebec River for it. You will find them at 347 Water Street at the corner of Water and Bridge in Gardiner, Maine.