Category: Under Construction

Urban Eye has posted an update on The Jewel Box, a new cocktail bar being launched by Nathaniel Meiklejohn.

For the jaded drinker, who has been there, sipped that, there will be themes.

Take monk night for instance. Meiklejohn will coordinate music (Thelonious) with monk-made liquor like Bénédictine and chartreuse.

These herbal elixirs developed in 17th and 19th century France make prohibition cocktails sound quaint.

Visit thebeardedladysjewelbox.com for news and to sign-up for the bar’s mailing list.

MOO Milk (twitter, facebook, website) will be launching a “mobile dairy bar” later this year which will serve up “shakes, ice cream creations and other dairy treats” at “dozens of fairs, music, food, art, athletic and other events” in the State.

Check-out Craigslist for more details and their help wanted ad for staff to manage the truck.

Three new ventures are up in front of the City Council Monday for their liquor license applications. Here are all the details:

• Maps Cafe is going into the subterranean spot formerly occupied by Carman’s Cafe.  Owner Kyle Tzrinske is aiming for a “European feel whilst focusing local Maine produce in a relaxed environment.” A draft menu (page 132) is available online. Maps Cafe hopes to open in June.
• Bonfire (facebook) is a “country themed establishment” under development by Tanner Herget, owner of 51 Wharf. Bonfire will be located at 37 Wharf in the former home of Seawall. Bonfire will open in May.
• Arcadia National Bar (twitter, facebook) will be located at 24 Preble Street in space that’s been the longtime home of Slainte. Owners Ben Culver and David Aceto are looking to create an “old-school style arcade with classic gaming titles and pinball machines” that will create a “viable alternative to the traditional night out in Portland”. As for the food and drink, Arcadia will serve local craft beer, a basic cocktail list and pub food. They hope to open in June. For more info on Arcadia see this article on Maine Today.

Pepperclub has lost there lease and is searching for a new space to relocate to, according to a report from Maine a la Carte.

The Pepperclub/Good Egg Cafe on Middle Street has lost its lease and will be moving to a new location by September.

Mary Ledue Paine, a fixture at the Pepperclub for the last 25 years, and at the original Good Egg before that, says increased competition, rising food costs and high overhead – the restaurant can seat 100 people – have all led to this sad but inevitable conclusion.

For more information see this article from the Bangor Daily News.

A new eatery named Red Sea Restaurant is under construction at 30 Washington Ave in the space that had been occupied by Safari. According to a sign in the window they hope to open soon, perhaps by the end of March.

The Forecaster has posted an update on Otto’s 2nd South Portland location.

According to Community Planner Stephen Puleo, approval would allow Otto to build a prep kitchen for storage of supplies and ingredients, as well as a 36-seat restaurant.

Foodworks, the catering company and sandwich shop located at 47 India Street, is planning to move to 61 India Street—where the Blue Lobster Urban Winery was originally planning to locate.

Former Rosemont Market butcher, Jarrod Spangler is seeking $50,000 of funding on Kickstarter to help fund a butcher shop he has under construction in Kittery.

Bonfire (facebook) is under construction at 37 Wharf Street in the space formerly occupied by Seawall and Brook There. Bonfire is a country-themed bar. They hope to open in May.

Bonfire Country Pub located in the Heart of the Old Port at 37 Wharf Street in Portland. This amazing place features a country vibe with fun lively atmosphere. Specializing in our drinks served in Red Solo Cups and a hint of technology, you will have an absolute blast with this fun atmosphere.

Tandem Coffee Roasters (facebook, twitter, instagram, website) has announced plans to launch a cafe and bakery in the West End at 742 Congress Street. For this venture Tandem is teaming up with baker Briana Holt, whose resume most recently includes Pies ‘n’ Thighs in Brooklyn. Tandem plans on starting construction next month and hope to be open in early summer.

Some of the seasonal bakery offerings will include sweet and savory pastries and a rotating selection of pies, all made on site. Expect more seating and a similar vibe to Tandem’s East Bayside location, ie. hi-fi no wi-fi.

This is Tandem’s second location, their roastery and original cafe opened on Anderson Street in East Bayside in 2012.

742 Congress had originally been slated as the location for a bakery run by Local 188, but the project was put on hold in order to focus time and attention on the launch of Salvage BBQ.