Bill Nemitz’s column in today’s Press Herald looks at the back story behind the revitalized Miss Portland Diner. Tom Manning, the new owner, grew up in Portland’s East End and currently lives in Connecticut and is the Director of Administration at Newsweek. According to the article, Manning’s plan was to have a quiet opening and give his staff a month before the fanfare of a grand opening next month. Things didn’t quite work out that way and the diner has been quite busy since day one.
Author: PFM
Becoming a Sommelier
The Food & Health section in today’s Press Herald has an article about Browne Trading’s Jennifer Flock and her journey to becoming a Certified Sommelier.
Trappist Beer Tasting
Blog About Beer has a report on the Trappist Beer Tasting taking place at Novare Res next week. A total of 21 beers from all 7 Trappist breweries, plus 3 from De Struisse as beer dessert, will be part of the tasting.
Grace and Beauty
Mainebiz has published an article with a nice set of photos on the renovations taking place at the Chestnut Street Church. The owners of the Foreside Tavern are converting the church into a restaurant they plan on calling Grace.
Donut History
The new issue of Down East has an article about Maine’s place in doughnut history complete with a list of some of the state’s standout “iconic doughnut shops”. Included in the list in Portland’s very own Tony’s Donut Shop.
This Week’s Events
The next Piatto per Tutti cooking class is taking place on Monday. Wednesday Rabelais and Evangeline and joining forces to celebrate the book The Widow Clicquot; they’ll be holding a joint book signing and champagne dinner at Evangeline. Thursday night The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the beer of Andrews Brewing. There will be a wine tasting at West End Grocery on Friday. Also on Friday, the Foreside Tavern is offering a special lobster menu. A class in Italian gluten-free cooking is taking place Saturday in Falmouth. Farmers’ Markets are taking place in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
Armory Lounge
The Armory Lounge received 3½ stars from this week’s Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
“A refuge from the rain and the raining blows of the economic news, this upscale bar also serves a customer a plate of good food.”
Maine Shrimp Season
According to a post on the Eat Maine Foods forums, the 2008-2009 maine shrimp season is slated to start December 1 and run through May 30.
Jack is Out, Olive is In
One-Eyed Jacks has changed hands. The new owner will be renaming it Olive and plans on serving a Mediterranean inspired breakfast and lunch menu.
Kon Asian Bistro
Kon Asian Bistro is opening a location in Portland on Brighton Avenue. Here’s what the Providence Phoenix had to say about the food at the original Rhode Island restaurant. For more information on upcoming food businesses in Portland take a look at the Under Construction list.