From Away has published a review of Cobblestones.
Overall, I was impressed by today’s sandwich, and tantalized by the other four “specialty” sandwiches available on the menu. I also tried a bowl of the homemade mushroom and dill soup, which was much, much better than any other soup I have tried nearby. Cobblestones represents a nice new addition to Monument Square: a workaday sandwich shop as designed and imagined by people who clearly think about and care a lot about sandwiches.
The Holy Donut is opening a retail shop on Middle Street. Owner Leigh Kellis tells me that tomorrow morning The Holy Donut will start selling donuts and coffee weekday mornings (7:30 – 10 am) from the first floor of the East Ender at 47 Middle Street.
For tomorrow’s launch she hopes to have 5-6 varieties available including: dark chocolate, ginger sweet potato, plain Maine potato, buttermilk with maple glaze & crushed walnuts and bacon & sharp cheddar.
The Golden Dish has published a review of Havana South.
For my main course I had the roast chicken breast, which the menu describes as being prepared with a Peruvian marinade. What exactly might that be, I wondered? Whatever it was, the dry rub (or brine) produced a white meat that was so dark, stringy and dry that I thought I had been served an old thigh instead. The accompaniment of purple potatoes and braised kale would have been undecipherable had I not read it on the menu.
Here are a few updates on restaurants under construction in Portland:
For Episode 4 the Maine Culinary Podcast visited the Urban Farm Fermentory for a very interesting tour of the facility with permaculturist Dave Homa.
Will Travel for Vegan Food has published a review of Green Elephant.
Hold onto your hats because at this very moment, this is the best vegan dessert I’ve ever, ever, ever had. I AM already a chocolate lover. So that might have something to do with it. But we’re talkin’ rich, creamy, melty-in-your-mouthy moussey goodness that I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing until this day. I actually needed to take a time out so that my taste buds could catch up. Wow.
Monday — Labor Day, the cultural end of Summer.
Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.
Thursday — the Maine Farmland Trust will be at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough to recognize them as part of their statewide Forever Farms program, the next Twilight Dinner at Turkey Hill Farm is taking place, the Great Lost Bear is featuring beer from D.L. Geary at this week’s brewery showcase, there will be a wine & cheese tasting at the Public Market House, and the South Portland Farmers Market is taking place in the afternoon.
Friday — Rosemont on Brighton is holding a tasting featuring wines from Italy.
Saturday — John Reiner, author of The Man Who Couldn’t Eat, will be at Rabelais for a book signing, The Honey Exchange is holding a Grand Opening as is Bam Bam Bakery, and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.
Sunday — longtime vendor at the Farmers Market, Rippling Waters, will be holding the 7th Annual Soil to Supper at their farm in Steep Falls.
For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.
Granny’s Burritos reopened today. They’re located on the 2nd floor of the Public Market House in the space formerly occupied by Deux Cochon. This is the 5th location for Granny’s. Owner Chris Godin started on Market Street in the lobby of Granny Killam’s, moved to 10 Exchange Street, then to 420 Fore Street, was closed for a while then for a short time operated at 653 Congress Street, closed again and now is on Monument Square.
Well known Maine food blogger Joe Ricchio is launching Food Coma TV, a video extension of his popular blog Portland Food Coma. Funding for the venture is being crowdsourced and so far has gathered pledges totaling $5,397 which is just $1,100 shy of the goal. You can see a brief video of Joe talking about the project and make a pledge for Food Coma TV page on Kickstarter.com.
For more information listen to the interview by Joe and his producer Alex Steed on the Maine Culinary Podcast, read about FC TV in the Bangor Daily News, or watch an interview with the pair on the Fox morning show.
Zapoteca received 4 stars from today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.
At Zapoteca, you’ll find fabulous cocktails, varied appetizers from chipotle pork tacos to mussels with a Mexican twist, and substantial and delicious entrees that bring gourmet flair to south-of-the-border cuisine. The restaurant boasts excellent service in a chic and thematic atmosphere that’s uncluttered and comfortable.