Beyond Pizza: Dave Portnoy Missed These Hidden Gems at Monte’s in Maine

It's no secret that Dave Portnoy's visit to Monte's in Portland Maine has put this little pizza shop on the map. It's funny because now they're just being viewed as a pizza joint when not many know they've got much more to offer, and it's pretty interesting.

I recently took a little visit to Monte's out near Forest Ave just to be nosy and check out the scene. I've been here once before, and I remembered I got everything but pizza.

On my little stalk adventure, I not only found their little farmer's market section off to the side, but I also found what looked like hundreds of clear bags containing the BIGGEST pieces of pasta I've ever seen in my life.

I mean, one piece of pasta they've got in these bags was comparable to the size of my hand and I am so here for it. The packaging says it's real Italian pasta and baby do I believe it. I bought three bags, mostly because I have no self-control.

Another cool part about Monte's that people may not know ever since they got labeled as just a pizza place lately, is the fact they support and sell tons of local Maine breweries.

You can buy 6 packs of your favorite Maine beer right there in the checkout line. That was me the other day, just standing in the line for the register holding a 6 pack of Oxbow. It's fine, everyone's fine.

P.S. Why do their sandwiches look like they could taste better than winning one million dollars feels?