Kelp, It's What for Dinner

Ocean Approved and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables are the focus of a feature story in the new issue of The Maine Switch. Both companies harvest and sell seaweed-based products harvested in Maine. Ocean Approved was also featured in the Boston Globe back in late April.

“You can’t help but notice the health benefits,” says [Ocean Approved co-owner] Olson, whose kelp noodles are a good option for those with gluten issues. “(Kelp) adds vibrancy to the dish without stealing the dish.”

Kelp, It’s What for Dinner

Ocean Approved and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables are the focus of a feature story in the new issue of The Maine Switch. Both companies harvest and sell seaweed-based products harvested in Maine. Ocean Approved was also featured in the Boston Globe back in late April.

“You can’t help but notice the health benefits,” says [Ocean Approved co-owner] Olson, whose kelp noodles are a good option for those with gluten issues. “(Kelp) adds vibrancy to the dish without stealing the dish.”

Phoenix Reviews El Rayo

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of El Rayo.

The tacos come on a properly lumpy warm tortilla — good but not quite as good as Loco Pollo’s. The fish seemed fresh, and was enhanced by its modest seasoning, diced avocado, and crisp cabbage. The taco might have been a bit tangier, either through more vinegar in the slaw or the addition of a white sauce. A pork taco came with lots of crisp iceberg, which worked nicely with the fattiness of the meat.

This Week’s Events

The weekly Food and Drink Trivia Contest is at Bull Feeney’s tonight, and on Tuesday the next Wine Flight 5k Training run is taking place. The next Twilight Dinner is scheduled on Thursday at Cultivating Community’s farm in Cape Elizabeth. There are wine tastings scheduled on Wednesday at RSVP, on Thursday at the Old Port Wine Merchants, and on  Saturday at Scarborough Wine Outlet. Wine events are taking place at both The Salt Exchange and Jones Landing Wednesday evening. On Thursday there’s a Redhook Ale Brewery showcase at The Great Lost Bear. Farmers’ Markets are being held 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.

El Rayo Review

Soooo..You Really Like Cats has reviewed El Rayo.

Their bright colors and fun, upbeat atmosphere pairs well with the light and savory food they serve. I can’t wait to head over to El Rayo when it’s below zero, snowy, and miserable outside because the restaurant is guaranteed to immediately warm my soul.

Grace Reviews Start to Roll In

Just a couple days after it opened, the reviews for Grace are starting to roll in.  Both The Blueberry Files,

I am excited to welcome a great new restaurant in a beautiful space to Portland, especially because of it’s close proximity to my house! Between the two bars, there is plenty of bar space, ensuring that even as Grace grows in popularity, there will be a spot for my elbows and me to stop by and have a drink.

and About Town from the Portland Phoenix have published today.

Starters were really strong – even the lettuce in the salad seemed special, and the scallops tartare and fried clams (from the bar menu) were like none we had ever tried. The mains were also really great – the duck with quinoa, fingerling potatoes, and hibiscus-ginger jelly was among the best duck I’ve ever eaten. (And the only one I can think of that I’d class better had crispier skin and different sides.)