Emilitsa

| Posted in Profiles

The Portland Phoenix has published an article about Emilitsa.

As we tasted each beautifully plated dish, John, Nemo and Niko talked about what inspired each preparation. What resonated for me were references to growing up in a Greek home transplanted in the United States. Although it was important to assimilate, keeping the tradition of Greek food and culture alive had its place. It is this tradition that is the essence of Emilitsa’s success. You are at once transported to a time and place when family gathered around the table and celebrated the bounty of the land.

Maine’s Food Entrepreneurs

| Posted in General News

The Bangor Daily News has a report on Maine’s food entrepreneurs.

“Food is Maine’s brand,” said Tanya Swain, project co-director of The Maine Food Strategy, who spoke on a panel with entrepreneurs Joel Alex, founder of Blue Ox Malthouse, and Aaron Anker of Grandy Oats. “People are recognizing there is an opportunity to develop food businesses in Maine.”

There are several barriers, such as infrastructure needs and distribution, but the determination of the earnest ravioli maker and chocolatier who asked questions from the floor shone through.

This Week’s Events: Allagash Street Fair, Greek Festival, Strawberry Festival, Taste of the Nation, Noshbow

| Posted in Events

allagashTuesday —Piccolo is holding a 5-course French wine dinner.

Wednesday — there will be a community dinner in Congress Square to celebrate the Heart of the Community grant (El Corazon and Mami food trucks plus food from Figgy’s and Home Catering), and the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Thursday — The Honey Paw is hosting a release party for Oxbow’s 2015 edition of Liquid Swords, it’s the kick-off of the Greek Heritage Festival, and Tandem Bakery is hosting a Pies-n-Thighs Pop-up.

Friday — A group of food trucks are holding the Summer Solstice Celebration on Saint John Street.

Saturday — Allgash is holding a street festival to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the 7th Annual Strawberry Festival is taking place, there will be a wine tasting at Maine & Loire, Aurora Provisions is collaborating with Devenish Wines on a Rose tasting, the Craft Brew Race Festival and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market are taking place; Porterfield Cider will be launching Saturday at the market.

sos_maine 2_0Sunday — the 2015 Taste of the Nation and the 3rd annual Noshbow Block Party are taking place, Coffee by Design is throwing a party to celebrate their 21st anniversary, Rising Tide and Browne Trading are working together on a beer and oyster event, Vinland is holding a dinner and book signing with author Diana Rodgers.

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.

Now Open: Abilene & Joy’s Crepe Cafe

| Posted in Openings

Two new businesses are now open on Forest Ave:

  • Abilene is located in Woodfords Corner next to Bayou Kitchen. They opened on Friday serving lunch, dinner and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Today’s brunch menu includes options like Spicy Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash, a Roasted Vegetable Benedict, and a Pork Belly LT sandwich. The entrance is at 539 Deering Ave across from Big Sky.
  • Joy’s Crepe Cafe(facebook) opened a couple weeks ago. They’re located at 849 Forest Ave in the former Haggarty’s space. They serve a wide range of sweet crepes, as well as some savory options with lobster, crab, and one with capicola, Canadian ham, pastrami and buffalo turkey.

Tempo Dulu Opens Tonight

| Posted in Openings

tempoduluTempo Dulu(facebook, website, open table) held a friends and family-ish dinner dry run last night and opens to the public tonight. The Indonesian restaurant is located in the Danforth Inn at 163 Danforth Street in the West End. Chef Lawrence Klang leads the kitchen and Trevin Hutchins is the creative talent behind the bar.

For more information and photos of the space see this article from Maine magazine.

Pictured on the right is a quail egg amuse bouche from last night’s dinner.

Emilitsa’s Summer Menu

| Posted in General News

emilitsaBoth Maine a la Carte and Urban Eye have posted reports on Monday’s press preview of Emilitsa’s new summer menu.

Juicy duck that melts in your mouth. Nutty, flaky baklava infused with clove and honey. A medley of asparagus, toasted walnuts and farm chèvre tossed in mint tarragon dressing. Artisan mushrooms served with pan-fried eggplant on a bed of wilted kale and farro, the entire mess drizzled in top-shelf olive oil — what’s not to like?

Review of Figgy’s

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has reviewed Figgy’s.

Once you’ve downed all that fried chicken and a couple of carby sides, might as well destroy your diet completely and order dessert. I was thrilled to see they have a decent banana pudding (or as we call it back home, nanner puddin’), complete with Nilla wafers and whipped topping. The other dessert option is a homemade ice cream sandwich, with flavors changing daily.

What have I left out? Oh yes, there are a couple of salads on the menu, but if I were you I’d save the self denial for another day and another dinner. Don’t visit Figgy’s without trying the fried chicken.

Portland Patisserie Now Open

| Posted in Openings

patisserie_logoPortland Patisserie(website, facebook, instagram, twitter) is now open. The French bakery and “grand cafe” is located at the corner of Milk and Market Streets. The pastry chef is Catherine Coté-Eliot, who’s resume includes time at Standard Baking and at Financier in in New York City.

You can find a full menu for Portland Patisserie on their website. The pain au chocolat I had was exceptional.