Today marks the anniversary of the launch of Portland Food Map. It’s been fascinating to watch the evolution in the food scene that’s taken place since 2007. A majority of tourists now come to Maine for the outstanding options for food and drink. I can hardly imagine what 2023 will be like but regardless, I look forward to chronicling what happens in the years to come.
Eating Well in 1888
Here’s an artifact from Portland’s culinary past, a banquet menu for an 1888 dinner of the local association of drugstore owners. 8 courses which included oysters, beef tenderloin, baked pike, lobster and saddle of venison.
The menu is from the collections at Rabelais Books in Biddeford.
Smokin’ Sausage Showdown IV
After a 5-year hiatus, The Bollard has published the results of the 4th edition of their local smoked sausage review.
From 2007 to 2010, this was an almost-annual competition in which links from local butcher shops and markets vied for top honors in three categories: Hot Italian, Sweet (or Mild) Italian, and Wildcard. After a five-year hiatus prompted by my move out of state, the Showdown returned last month with some new competitors alongside seasoned veterans, as well as a couple new tasters to assist the usual officiating crew
Temperance Cocktails
This week’s Phoenix includes a set of articles on non-alcoholic drinking options including a report on the “peaceful coexistence” of mocktails and cocktails in Portland.
First Review of Joy’s Crepe Cafe
The Press Herald has reviewed Joy’s Crepe Cafe.
And the Mr. Crabby itself? Once it came out of the kitchen, I didn’t really care anymore about the price. It was simple and delicious. The crabmeat comes from The Fishermen’s Net next door, and it’s mixed with just a little Japanese mayonnaise – enough to hold it together and add some flavor, but not enough to overwhelm the taste of the crab. The crabmeat was fresh, bright and left me wanting more.
I was very impressed with the crepes, which were ultra thin and the perfect texture. I could bite right through them easily, but they held together well. I would definitely order the Mr. Crabby again.
Review of Boone’s
The Blueberry Files has reviewed Boone’s.
When the boyfriend suggested Boone’s for his mom’s birthday dinner, my first response was, no way. Then I thought, ugh, don’t be such a B, give it a shot. It’s a nice restaurant on the water, and I wanted to have an open mind about the food there. I called and made a reservation for a Monday night – I asked to sit outside, but they don’t make reservations for the outside decks. So we crossed our fingers and went.
If you want to be all TL;DR about it, the takeaway is that the food is fine, the service was not so fine, and I was unfortunately not impressed despite trying to find a silver lining.
Portland Street Eats
Today’s Press Herald reports on the growing diversity of food carts and food trucks on Portland’s streets.
The article profiles: BP’s Shuck Shack, Snappy’s Tube Steaks, Fresh Eats, Mami, Milly’s Skillet, Cannoli Joe’s, LemonCycle, High Roller Lobster, Zippy Doo Dog, Lola’s Taqueria, Yellow Cart, Pure Pops, Brulee Bike, Morsel and The Marshmallow Cart.
Milly’s Skillet Moving in September
The Forecaster reports that Peaks Island food truck Milly’s Skillet will be moving to Falmouth in September.
[Owner Molly] Ritzo said the Falmouth truck, which will set up at 226 Gray Road, will offer more of a farm-to-table menu, with breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches.
“I want to be the morning stop for people,” Ritzo said, adding she will also have prepared meals for customers to take home.
Bon Appetit Top 50: East Ender and Tandem Bakery
Bon Appétit has included both East Ender and Tandem Coffee + Bakery in their list of 50 nominees for this year’s best new restaurants.
Every year, we announce the Bon Appétit Hot 10, our list of America’s Best New Restaurants. And it all starts with these 50 nominees. Over the last several months, Andrew Knowlton and Julia Kramer criss-crossed the country seeking out the truly original, innovative, and unexpected cooking taking place right now. These are the spots that killed it this year. The restaurants range from a quintessential French bistro to a place that serves pretty much only hummus, an eclectic brewpub to a vodka-soaked Russian joint. The one thing they have in common is this: flat-out deliciousness. Which ones of these 50 nominees will earn a spot in the Hot 10? Check back August 18 to find out.
Under Construction: The Purple House (Updated)
Krista Kern Desjarlais has bought a small property in North Yarmouth where she plans to open a wood-fired bakery called The Purple House. The bakery is located at 378 Walnut Hill Rd, at the intersection of routes 9 and 115. Desjarlais will be serving Montreal-style bagels and wood-fired pastries along with Cuban coffee in the mornings. Ice cream will be on the menu year-round.
Desjarlais will also serve daily sit-down lunch in the 8-seat bakery as well as a monthly prix fixe dinners.
As you can see in the photo, the property does need some TLC to be ready and the wood-fired oven needs to be built, so the The Purple House is not likely to open until very late in 2015 or early next year.
Update: The Press Herald has interviewed Desjarlais and published an article about The Purple House.