I love T&R! As a human with a plethora of allergies, as well as the craving for community and…read moresupporting local business. The folks that work there are absolute treasures, I genuinely do not know how they manage to find such incredibly quality people. The space is packed with beautiful local and specialty items, but it feels, somehow, intimate? It's a really special spot. Kudos to the whole crew there and hats off to the owners.

We were in the area today and remembered how much of a fun stop they could be…read more They were out of Baked by Joy's ube cookies but we were lucky enough to grab one of the pandan (a naturally fragrant plant that is known as Southeast Asia's vanilla) ones. We also found some cannoli shells which were 50% off, and some imported chocolate hazelnut spread. Service is friendly, store layout and presentation are well thought out, prices are a bit high but they are understandable considering they have some unique and healthy offerings.

What's not to like? You like coffee? They've got it, best…read morearound. You like beer? They've got it, best around. You like wine? They've got it, best around. You like baked goods? Gotcha covered, best around. You like hippie nonsense? Way ahead of you, best around. You like snack foods, clothing or bumper stickers? Buckle up, Buttercup, then drive over to Ampersand because they've got it all, best around. 100/10 Absolutely recommend.

The best place in Orono to get local farm fresh free range chicken eggs!read more

We were driving on Route 1 and saw a sign for cheese, so needless to say, we followed it. It ended…read moreup being a 10-minute drive, and the detour was more than worth it! East Forty Farm and Dairy sells fresh meats and cheeses, the latter under Lakin's Gorges Cheese. We had the privilege of meeting Allison, the cheese maker and owner, and she was incredible. Not only did she tell us all about the cheese and the process, but she also introduced us to her baby cows! It was a lovely experience, and we cannot wait to return for more cheese and try their pork. The cheese itself was delicious. We already ate the Rockweed and it was one of the best cheeses we've had! The middle was briny since Allison adds seaweed to it -- it doesn't get more "Maine" than that. The farm has a self-serve fridge that's cash only but if you ring, Allison will come out and you can pay by card. Lovely spot, lovely people, delicious cheese.

Did the order ahead and pick up a cheese plate for 2-3 and it was divine. Had 4 types of cheeses…read morewith assorted accoutrements including buttermilk crackers which I would buy in boxes if I could. Absolutely make the drive out the peninsula or find where this cheese is stocked locally for you. Our favorite was the opus 42 and their casdilla blue.

Gorgeous custom charcuterie spreads!! Meticulously curated & so so yummy! A mixture of quality…read morecheese, meats, fresh fruits, honey, and candied fruit. I definitely recommend!

I love the name of this shop! The owners guessed the words to my secret mantra. I was happy to…read morelearn that a gourmet cheese store had recently arrived to this corner of Maine. Located around the corner from the main drag it's easy to find because of the eye catching chalkboard signs we saw on the sidewalk which point the way for you. There was an initial big disappointment here which turned out to be the first thing you are confronted with at the entrance and that is the metal spiral staircase that one must climb in order to enter. There is no other way in that I could see. Never mind how treacherous this could be on an icy winter day, the real tragedy here is that this means access is barred to those with certain disabilities, anyone in a wheelchair, a parent with a stroller, a frail elder and others that may have trouble navigating such a wretched means of entry. Once safely inside the space it's small but quite inviting and pleasantly decorated. The bounty is contained in one large glass-fronted refrigerated case and it's delightfully packed with cheeses from places near and far. The friendly man working there who I believe was the owner, told us to just let him know whatever it was we wanted to sample. Say no more! Already displayed were a few plates of already cut up cheese samples from which I took a number of nibbles. I love when shops do this although for hygiene sake I would have loved some toothpicks to spear the cheese rather than have everyone use fingers. I decided on the cutely named Ewephoria which is a sheep's milk cheese (get it?) from Holland. It's a hard cheese that was nutty and buttery. We loved it, so I'll be on the look out for it again. There were some artisinal salamis for sale as well that intrigued my husband. From trips to Tuscany where boar is king, he has become especially fond of this kind of meat. He bought some of the smoked boar sausage that he said was delicious. The shop also sells a small but decent selection of wines and some gourmet crackers. We wished they sold some fresh crusty baguettes which would have made this one stop shopping for the perfect picnic fare. There is nothing about what they are selling and how they are selling it inside the shop that I have any trouble with. It's great. What I hope is that the owners who have come up with a great idea for this town, will figure out a way to address the need for access to all. And from the owner's point of view, they should be thinking about all the customers who they are missing because they can't get in. I don't know how the appropriate changes can be done at this exact location unless there was a secret elevator or entrance I missed. But if not, there have got to be other available storefronts somewhere in Belfast in which to set up shop. Hello, calling Belfast realtors... This is dedicated to Michele R. whose reviews always take accessibility into consideration and from whom I've learned much about this issue. Her well articulated reviews have helped me to be more mindful about this kind of equality.

I'm updating my review because I have now been to the Morse's Mothership, and holy WOW. Aside from…read moretheir OG sauerkraut and pickles, this is not just a specialty deli and grocery but a veritable nirvana of European food products (mostly but not solely Northern). Condiments! Candy! Teas and coffees! Pastas and grains! Sauces and soups! Tubes of tasty stuff you can't pronounce! Jams and jellies! And so much more. Have a hankering for some German mustard strong enough to curl your nostrils? It's here. A fan of allllll the Scandinavian candies? They got you. Nostalgic for weird British shit like Marmite and Salad Cream and Brown Sauce (or how about curling up with some nice biscuits and a good strong cuppa)? Wanna try some pickled herring or real German sausages? Yeah baby, you're gonna be happy here. And that's before you even get to the deli--oh wait, there's a wine selection over in that corner, and here are some nice cutting boards and omg do I need a raclette grill? Oooh, nice olive oils too. Anyhow on to the deli . . . where not only is there the sauerkraut that made Morse's famous but an even bigger pickle selection than you can find elsewhere. I got some half-sours, which are bright and crisp and just feel like summer. Don't leave without idling around the deli counter to pick out some meats and cheeses (which you can sample): I got wonderful pastrami and a couple of different cheeses----the selection of Alpines in particular is top-notch. Super friendly staff who will absolutely help you find that one weird product you remember from a Eurail trip in the 80s, and also help you box up the tons of stuff you buy. (There's a reason they only have larger baskets up front, lol.) I also want to add that while I spent more than I'd planned (no complaints, only my lack of restraint), the prices here overall are really good, especially for specialty items like this! Will absolutely make the trip from Portland again (nice guy on staff told me Christmas is especially good). I'll be there!

Excellent sauerkraut yes, but so much more. The foodstuff they carry is a European…read moredream--everything from marzipan to nuts, and so much more. They have refrigerated food as well and it is worth spending an afternoon exploring. The cheeses and meats that they offer are exquisite and plentiful--anything from mortadella to aged cheddar, as well as pickles and, you guessed it, sauerkrauts of different kinds. You can spend several minutes sampling everything they offer. They are knowledgable and kind--and that's what I like about them.

Excellent wine and cheese selection. Ladies working store were friendly, polite and knowledgeable…read more Store is compact, clean, stocks and cheese case has a lovely selection. Getting cheese sliced to order by weight at a real counter ensures that you will be getting the real thing, that you like because you have the option to taste it, it ensures the cheese counter will take you through a tasting journey until you find something ideal, and hopefully a little bit of quips and information about each cheese along the way. I can't think of anywhere else I would rather shop for cheese, often precut preweighed and suffocating and it's little plastic jackets. Bottom line it is morally superior to buying cheese from a bin. So let start of this little story by stating the facts 1.) I know cheese. 2.) I love cheese. One of the cheeses I bought from here was spoilt suffering from a particularly bad case of rind rot that was not visually apparent-- only to the tounge. It was what I like to call a tongue piercer but not in a good way. I was wondering why my guests winced after taking a taste, looking puzzled and they politely tried to swallow and get the taste out of their mouths, eyes darting about. "You don't like cheddar with chives? Ohh! it's one of my favorite." *takes a bite* Hooo wee. Boy was it overly funked. Mouth stinging over ammoniatedly funky and not for the faint of heart. Okay so throw it in the chuck it bucket, chalk it up to whatever. But then we went to unwrap the pate well that piece was really past its prime, born just before Zsa Zsa Gabor all glint, grey, covered in a white penicillin like and... GULP green mold. As much as I wanted to cut off the oddly colored growths, to not let it go to waste, I didn't have the heart. 10 years ago? I would not have bat an eye. I would have cut off the nasty and gone to town or at least shared it with my pet cat. God I'm getting old and boring. Hence this Yelp review. Anyway back to the story! The guests were here. Thankfully I had some odds and ends in the cheese drawer to drag out and dust off. And I kid you not I produced a. processed summer salami to swoop in & stand in as a body double for the pate and pair with the pickles and mustard. Crisis averted! Other two cheeses were however perfect, D'affinois in peak ripeness and thrilled they stock moliterno al tartufo. So nice to get these cheeses up here! The d'affinois was smooth like a Donna summer record and the moliterno tasted as if I were there in Sardinia licking lapping at the ocean waves. Batting two out of two makes me wonder what else is lurking in the case, or did I just get unlucky? I'll give them a call and I'll return for sure. Again I stress EXCELLENT selection wonderful employees. But until they work out product dating and storage, I suggest you might ask to sample the cheeses before purchasing (just in case!) and committing-- even one you've had before. Cheeses vary through out the year and the seller importer and purveyor depending on how and how long they're stored/transported. Now here's the best part. I called them and they immediately offered a refund taking my word for this even after I offered to bring in the product to show. Woman on the phone was super sweet. Can't wait to go back and patronize this business again. Happy cheese eating!

This is the place to definitely stop for all your cheese needs. The selection isn't absolutely huge…read morebut it is a good variety. The staff is charming and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend stopping by. Ask them about the lady who sells homemade marmalade down the road. Her marmalade and jams were absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with some of their cheese.

Excellent source of Maine-made best-made cheese! There's a purpose-built cheese cave where cheeses…read moreare aged to perfection. We found delicious samples at Belfast's United Farmers Market recently. With local organic milk from Jersey cows, their own organic starter, Canadian eco-certified rennet and sea salt.

A variety of different local Maine wines, seltzers, and canned cocktails. They also have cheese and…read morecrackers to go with your choice of drinks. They are open from 2-7PM. Swing by if you have a chance to buy some bottles. It's a little corner garage but they have a good selection of wines.

Really cool, and fun location and the cashier was super friendly. Have some excellent varieties of…read morecheese, including a smoked cheddar, Manchego, drunken goat, and smoked blue. Excellent prices and the cheese was portioned same day of purchase. Loads of options in the perfect location. Love the smoked blue...it's a must buy and the drunken goat was equally fantastic! Thank you for such high quality offerings.