Professor Ardis Cameron, a professor of American and New England Studies at USM, is teaching a class this summer entitled “Project Chef: Documenting Portland’s Food Industry“. As part of the class, students will interiview local chefs, wait staff or others involved in the local food economy. Required reading for the course includes Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. According to the syllabus, “The project’s goal is to produce a narrative for public presentation and distribution.” I look forward to hearing what they put together.
Fresh Deathmatch
The Deathmatch crew reunited this weekend for another gastro-celebration. This time around they were tasked with answering what food, drink, company, music and setting they’d want for their last meal. See JohnnyD’s post on the eGullet forums for photos, menus and more.
Rosemont Market Review
Tasting in Tongues has published a review of Rosemont Market and Bakery.
The Rosemont Market & Bakery has a neighborhood feel with a world-class selection run by an expert and friendly staff. Their focus is on local foods – produce, meats, dairy, eggs, and specialty products. All 3 locations feature artisanal breads and pastries made at their Brighton Avenue location. Their wine selection is way above par – extensive, unique and inexpensive.
This Week’s Events
Test you Portland culinary knowledge at Monday’s Food and Drink Trivia Night being held at Bull Feeney’s. According to The Maine Switch, the farmers’ market in Monument Square has started up ahead of schedule this year and will be open on Wednesday morning. This Wednesday afternoon there’s an open house at Portland’s community supported kitchen Local Sprouts. On Thursday, the Community Television Network will host a panel discusion on Maine Food Systems. Also on Thursday, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing beers from D.L. Geary Brewing. There are three classes scheduled this week: at Piatto per Tutti on Monday; as well as Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink classes on Tuesday and Thursday. There are two wine tasting: at Browne Trading on Thursday and Kitchen and Cork on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
More on Bard Coffee
The self-described coffee addict in charge of the Waiting for That Rocket’s blog has posted a profile of Bard Coffee Roasters.
Huzzah! There’s a new coffee shop in Downtown PTL! ((Because that’s exactly what I need – yet another place to feed my addiction)) The new place is called “Bard,” and it’s a surprisingly nice place. The interior is bright, there’s tons of seating, and the baristas have both personality AND smiles (something that may occasionally be lacking in my other coffee shops of choice).
Saigon is Now Open
Saigon Sandwich and Variety is now open for business.
Where to Eat Now '09
Down East has published the ’09 edition of their annual Where to Eat Now feature. The magazine compiled the favorite eating spots of 18 chefs, food writers and other eating experts into a timely guide of where to eat now. A number of Portland area restaurants made the cut this year: Susan’s Fish and Chips, Fore Street, Bonobo, Thanh Thanh II, North Star, Haggarty’s, Bar Lola, Bresca, Five Fifty-Five, Paciarino, Vaughan Street Variety, The Grill Room, Novare Res, Top of the East, Una.
Bard Coffee Review
Justin Henry’s Green Galoshes has posted a review of Bard Coffee.
Really want to get blown away? Try the breve macciatto. I believe my exact words were, “Wow. Is there cinnamon in this?”. Nope, the friendly barista across the counter replied, just a shot and steamed half-and-half.
Phoenix Readership Poll Results
The Portland Phoenix 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards results are now out. There are dozens of food related categories ranging from Bagel to Wine List and everything in between (Bakery, Beer Selection, Barbecue, etc). Portland Food Map won in the Best Food Blog category. Thanks so much to all of you who voted for the site!
Pending Food Legistlation
There’s an article in today’s Press Herald on the four bills pending in the legislature that are focused on genetically modified crops in Maine.
Nobody knows just how many acres of genetically altered crops are grown every year in Maine.
A bill being proposed by Rep. Benjamin Pratt, D-Eddington, would change that.
“We need to know what we are dealing with,” Pratt said.