District in Sanford: Top scratch cuisine
The District in Sanford adds another gastropub to the city’s downtown area. New American cuisine is on the menu at the scratch kitchen, while the bar is stocked with craft beer and artisanal cocktails.
What I would try a second time
The mahi mahi ($19) comes crowned with a pat of beurre maître d'hotel, a very fancy way of saying a butter seasoned with lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. It gives the mild fish a fantastic richness.
Slivers of carrots and zucchini accompany the fish along with a gelatinous risotto.
What I didn’t like
I’d like to see The District expand its menu to keep things fresh and interesting. After a single visit, we made it through a quarter of the dinner menu.
What I would put on Instagram
I quickly reached for my camera after catching sight of my hefty pork chop ($22). A classic mix of fig, apple and onion jam crusted the top, playing with sweet and savory flavors. The chop sat on top of broccoli rabe and creamy mashed potatoes.
Other eats
Our meal began with a mellow pulled chicken dip ($9) full of diced peppers, sweet corn and green onions — but not so much chicken. The homemade “Doritos style” chips were a hit at our table.
We also tried the green eggs and ham ($6), a cute name for deviled eggs filled with buttery whipped avocado. Green onions and shards of bacon gave a more savory flavor to the fresh egg-avocado combination. A dusting of cayenne pepper didn’t assuage my want for spice.
How I was treated
We never wanted for anything from our attentive server — refills were timely, questions were answered and our food was brought to us at a good pace.
My next visit
The shrimp-and-grits fanatic in me has me wanting to try The District’s version for brunch — possibly along with a bit of the restaurant’s French toast made from challah bread.
For bar-hoppers
Enjoy the eatery's craftbeer-heavy menu with $1 off drafts Tuesday-Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Other specials include $2.50 select drafts, $4 house wines and $4 premium well drinks — along with some food specials at the indoor bar.
For those with special diets
Vegan and vegetarian diners will have trouble with The District’s limited menu. A vegetarian entree and side make up the offerings.