If My Coaster Could Talk reports on 2 new Maine laws that impact the Maine beer industry:
A new book about the Portland food scene, Portland Food: The Culinary Capital of Maine is due out next month.
Portland, Maine’s culinary cache belies its size. The vibrant food scene boasts more than three hundred restaurants, as well as specialty food businesses, farmers’ markets, pop-up dinners and food trucks. Since back-to-the-landers began to arrive in the 1970s, Maine’s abundant natural resources have been feeding local dreams of sustainability and resilience. Portland is uniquely primed for chefs and restaurateurs to draw on local agricultural and marine resources. Gulf of Maine fisheries and the working waterfront bring the freshest seafood to Portland’s palate, while Maine’s rural landscape is fertile ground for local farming.
Portland Food is by Kate McCarty, author of The Blueberry Files blog, and food writer for the Portland Phoenix.
The book ($19.99, 160 pages) is available for pre-order via the publisher on The History Press website.
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed the hand pies from Little Bigs, Daigle Baked Goods and Maine Pie Line,
Daigle Baked Goods (207.331.0167;daiglebakedgoods@gmail.com) sticks to two hand pies — each a fat round of lovely pale golden crust, big enough that you need two hands to hold it. Each is classical in approach. The pork version resembles a traditional shepherd’s pie. The finely ground meat is mildly seasoned, so you can taste the sweet green flavor of the tender peas. The chicken pie featured bigger chunks of tender meat, along with carrot and potato, in a rich, comforting sauce made from its own juices and touched with sage.
The Press Herald reports that chef Shannon Bard from Zapoteca didn’t make it to round 2 on last night’s episode of Beat Bobby Flay.
Shannon Bard cooks Mexican fare at Zapoteca every day, so it’s a bit ironic that it was a poblano pepper and chipotle pepper spice that brought her down on “Beat Bobby Flay” on the Food Network Thursday night.
Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp, a 7-city traveling beer festival will be coming to Portland this summer. It’s expected to draw as many as 5,000 thirsty travelers to the city.
As part of the event Allagash will be brewing a one-off collaboration beer called Myron’s Walk which will be sold as part of a special 12-pack.
Beer Camp will be held on August 1 at Thompson’s Point. Tickets are now on sale.
For more information see articles by If My Coaster Could Talk, the Press Herald, and the press release from the Maine Brewer’s Guild.
The Press Herald has published a bar review of Emilitsa,
Co-owned by brothers Demos and John Regas, Emilitsa is a modern Greek restaurant in Portland’s arts district. While known for its exceptional food, Emilitsa is a good place for a more intimate bar experience – perhaps for a date or a quiet evening with a friend. The wine list consists solely of Greek wines and while the beer list is selective, it boasts some true quality brews. The service is outstanding – some of the best in Portland – and your server will be knowledgeable about the wines and cocktails.
Perusing Portland has reviewed MJ’s Wine Bar,
MJ’s has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. There is a wide wooden bar, long narrow table ideal for a large group, smaller tables and leather furniture. The wine selection must be the best in town. And, they are always changing the selection to reflect the season.
and Otto Pizza,
We have been to both Congress Street locations. Pizza from both location have been equally satisfying. Otto’s mashed potato pizza with bacon and scallion is as good as it sounds.
and Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Paciarino.
Paciarino makes food that is top notch and serves it in portions fit for a hungry guy like me. They also sell some items to go if you want to bring it home and heat it up. If you like Italian, this is definite must-try restaurant in Portland.
Owners Dave Aceto and Ben Culver from Arcadia National Bar (twitter, facebook) have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $25,000 for the arcade/bar they’re launching this Spring. They plan on using the money to help renovate the space they’ve leased at 24 Preble Street.
Visit the Arcadia Kickstarter page to learn more and to contribute to this effort.
The City Council approved Arcadia’s liquor license application on Monday night. For more on Arcadia see this recent article on Maine Today.
Meredith Goad has written an article for today’s Press Herald Food & Dining section that looks at how food industry businesses in Maine are using crowdfunding to raise money to launch or support their businesses.
Jarrod Spangler wants to open an Italian-style butcher shop in Kittery. Lisa Laurita and Tom Sigler want to spiff up their Camden restaurant. Gloria Pearse dreams of selling Indian food on the streets of Portland. Arvid Brown and his best friend plan to peddle fish and chips from their Portland food truck this summer. And Anya Heyl just wants to save her waffle business.
