Portland Bar Lore

| Posted in People, Profiles

Chris Busby’s article in the April issue of The Bollard shares some interesting stories from Portland’s past.

Since it was late in the war, with the outcome in Europe already decided, our government had no use for the services of the sub’s crew. They were given the option of being returned to Italy or remaining in this country…one of them was a man with the surname Ricci.

With the money allotted to him, Mr. Ricci opened an eatery on Portland Street and named it Ricci’s Tavern. Ownership passed from one individual to another over the years, and the name was eventually Americanized to Rickey’s Tavern — the addition of “Rockin’” being the latest twist.

Wired: Wild-Fermented Beers

| Posted in Beer

Allagash features prominently in an article in Wired magazine about wild-fermented sour beers.

A few miles north of Portland, Maine, inside Allagash Brewing Company’s gleaming fluorescent-lit beer factory, a heavy door leads into a climate-controlled room lined with barrels full of aging beer. Past those barrels, behind a second, smaller door, is one of craft brewing’s most sacred spaces. In here, the thrumming industrial drone of bottling lines and keg washers fades away. Wooden casks stand silent sentry. Dust hangs heavy. Cobwebs lilt. The owner of Allagash, Rob Tod, sets a small green bottle of beer on an upturned cask. Its contents were aged in this very room. He pops the cork and pours a fragrant, foamy measure into a yellow plastic KOA coffee mug.

Review of Big Sky

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has reviewed Big Sky.

The egg salad has just the right balance of tarragon, enough to scent it but not overwhelm. Big Sky doesn’t go overboard on the mayonnaise either, so what you get is the sense of say, a good deviled egg stuffed into a sandwich instead of yellow mayonnaisey glop. It comes on wheat bread unless you ask otherwise, with lettuce and tomato (not too bad for out of season) and sprouts. If you like egg salad – it’s one of those foods people run very hot or cold on – Big Sky’s is delicious.

Best American Food Cities

| Posted in Reviews

Portland tops the Daily Meal list of Best American Cities for Food.

If Portland (the other Portland) doesn’t immediately make you think of food, you might need to rethink your assumptions. Recently included on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Best American Cities for Foodies, Portland has come a long way from the lobster roll (though you can still find those, too). The city is currently offering up some of the country’s best and most innovative seafood.

Deering Oaks Cafe

| Posted in Under Construction

The Press Herald reports that the small “castle” in Deering Oaks may be bid out as restaurant space.

“Our goal is something that is really user-friendly (for) a wide demographic, and all-American (so) everyone can relate to it,” [Cheryl] Lewis said. “We originally thought about crepes, but in the end, it’s really got to be something everyone is familiar with.”

Though the space is small, Lewis is excited about the potential for both indoor and outdoor seating, including a beer garden that would have a couple tap beers and wine, as well as nonalcoholic beverages such as root beer and smoothies.

Under Construction: The Point

| Posted in Under Construction

Jason Loring, co-owner of Slab and Nosh along with Mike Fraser from Bramhall and Nat Towl are launch The Point, a new clam shack on Thompson’s Point, according to a report from the Press Herald.

The restaurant, which will be called The Point, will serve all the fried foods traditionally found at clam shacks, including fried clams, fried oysters and fried scallops, as well as steamers and lobster dinners. Loring said he would serve Rhode Island calamari when it is in season, and three or four versions of lobster rolls, including a tempura-fried lobster roll served with a corn chowder.

Loring & Co plan to open this July with all outdoor seating and kitchen facilities in 2 shipping containers.

Cellardoor Winery has plans to open a tasting room on Thompson’s Point in 2016. See the PFM Under Construction page for a full list of local food businesses in development.

 

This Week’s Events: Mothers & Thieves, Edible Book Contest, Winter Market, Vinland Seder

| Posted in Events

mothersandthievesMonday — there will be a wine tasting at Flock & Vine.

Tuesday — as part of their new pop-up series, Vinland is hosting chefs Ryan Quigley and Tavis Potter for a Mothers & Thieves 7-course dinner.

Wednesday — Black Tie is teaching a cooking class.

Thursday — The Great Lost Bear will be showcasing beer from Liquid Riot, and Sur Lie is holding a wine tasting event.

Friday — the Edible Book Contest entries will be on display at the Public Library and there will be wine tastings at the West End Deli and at Rosemont on Brighton.

Saturday —the Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Sunday — Vinland is serving a Passover Seder.

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.