Under Construction: 185 Cottage Rd

| Posted in Under Construction

The Forecaster has published an update on the collaboration between Rawanda Bean, White Cap Coffee and Cape Whoopies under construction at 185 Cottage Rd.

No name has been decided on yet, but Marcia Wiggins, of Cape Whoopies, said she has been lobbying for “Coffee Guys and Whoopie Pies,” to encompass all aspects of the business and those involved — Ben Graffius and Tom Marlow of White Cap Coffee, and Mike Mwenedata and Nick Mazuroski of Rwanda Bean Coffee.

The businesses are all relatively young, and less than five years into operation, and the owners said they are pleased with the growth that has allowed them to lease the space on Cottage Road at the foot of Meetinghouse Hill.

Oakleaf Dinner Series

| Posted in Events

Chef Tyler Vorce has returned to his home state of Maine and is holding a pop-up dinner series during the month of February.

Originally from Kennebunk, Maine, Tyler started working in restaurants as a dishwasher at age fourteen. He most recently was a sous chef at The French Laundry in Yountville, California where he worked for five years. He also worked at Dovetail restaurant in New York City and spent time in the kitchens of La Maison Troisgros and Epicure in France.

The 5-course the Oakleaf (website, facebook, instagram) dinners are taking place at Fork Food Lab on February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. According to the Oakleaf website, “[e]ach dinner will feature five courses including canapés, a few savory courses, and dessert, as well as an optional wine pairing.”.

Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite.

Francine Bistro Closed

| Posted in Closings

The Press Herald reports the very sad news that Francine Bistro in Camden has gone out of business.

The restaurant closed for the winter in November with a sign on the door that indicated it would reopen in May. But chef/owner Brian Hill confirmed Wednesday that he has shuttered the restaurant for good after 15 years, citing a combination of “insurmountable debt” and a desire to spend more time with his young daughter, who lives with her mother in southern California.

Under Construction: Poké Pop

| Posted in Under Construction

The Press Herald has posted an updated on Poké Pop (instagram) which has been under construction at 658 Congress Street.

Limsitong said his Portland restaurant will offer something different. His goal, he said, is to target Asian customers with a variety of Asian dishes, “and local people who want to try something new and of good quality.” He said he believes he will be the first restaurateur in Maine to serve bingsu. In his version, the shaved ice will be flavored with things like green tea, and toppings will include fruit such as mango and strawberry.

Heart of Hospitality

| Posted in General News

The Press Herald has published a report on Heart of Hospitality, a new training program for restaurant workers “recognize and de-escalate harassment”.

To tackle potential sexual harassment, a few local bar and restaurant owners are launching the Heart of Hospitality program Thursday. It will offer two-hour sessions to train servers, bartenders and other hospitality staff to recognize and de-escalate harassment, whether from an employer, an employee or a customer who’s had too much to drink.

CNN: Vena’s Fizz House

| Posted in People

CNN has published an interview with Vena’s Fizz House owners, Steve and Johanna Corman.

“I had this whole vision,” she said. “A bar with bartenders, and they’re mixing and muddling and shaking. But there’s no alcohol. It’s seltzer-based, but they’re using really good, healthy ingredients.

“I love old fashioned ingredients, like bitters and tonics and shrubs and syrups. I just could see the whole thing in my brain.”

This Week’s Events: Pie Buffet, Ice Bar, Latte Art, Peddleman’s Pop-up

| Posted in Events

Tuesday – Two Fat Cats is celebrating National Pie Day with a pie buffet, and it’s the opening night for Portland Stage’s production of Babette’s Feast (get tickets).

Wednesday – there will be a tasting at the Old Port Wine Merchants.

Thursday – it’s the opening night of the annual Ice Bar at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Tandem Coffee is hosting a barista latte art competition, Petite Jacqueline is holding a Loire wine dinner, Bao Bao is holding a Boothbay Brewing beer dinner, and Island Creek is teaching a (sold out) oyster shucking class.

Friday – Peddleman’s Falafel is holding 4 seatings of a pop-up dinner at Palace Diner, and there will be a wine tasting at the Brighton Ave Rosemont Market.

Saturday – the Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place.

For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.

Reviews: Yobo, Izakaya Minato, Bolster Snow, Maelily Ryleigh’s

| Posted in Reviews

The Blueberry Files has reviewed Yobo,

Yobo brings a delightful Korean option back to the peninsula, each dish solid in its preparation and flavor. While it’s on a relatively quiet block in Portland, I recommend you think of it next time you’re in the mood for some Korean spice.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Izakaya Minato, and

Izakaya Minato knocked it out of the park again. They create stunning dishes that always leave me in food-borne ecstasy, reinventing some basic Japanese to make it exponentially better, while also creating their own bold recipes that excite anyone looking for something uniquely delicious.

the Press Herald has reviewed Bolster Snow and Maelily Ryleigh’s.

The drinks are good, well thought out and made with care. However, the food here is where it’s at. Get the best of both worlds by sitting at the chef’s counter and watching the magic happen or, if you’re not eating, sit out in the front lounge by the fireplace and enjoy one of the fabulous cocktails.