Under Construction: Bramhall Speakeasy, Otto Pizza and Jazeera Market

| Posted in Under Construction

The Portland food scene continues to grow and develop:

  • The old Bramhall Pub space in the basement of the Roma/Quimby Colony building at 769 Congress Street has been leased. The owners are planning to launch a “old school speakeasy with American comfort food”. They hope to open sometime this Summer after renovations are complete.
  • Otto Pizza has leased a space at 125 John Roberts Road in South Portland to handle their delivery business in the Portland area.
  • Jazeera Market, currently located at 652 Congress Street, will be moving to 625 Forest Ave in Woodford Corner. This move one of several that quickly changing the set of retail shops in the first floor of the Lafayette Apartments building.

For more information on food businesses under development see the PFM Under Construction List.

Allagash Avancé Release

| Posted in Beer

Allagash has announced that they’ll be releasing the 2014 production run of Allagash Avancé at the brewery this Friday morning. There will be a 2 bottle purchase limit.

Allagash Avance is a product of patience. Aged with strawberries for three years in bourbon barrels, this strong, sour ale has the aroma of strawberry preserves and toasted oak. The oak and berries continue their presence in flavor, and compliment the sweet, warm finish. 10.8% ABV.

Gunpowder Rye: Exceptional

| Posted in Distilling & Cocktails

ned_gunpowderNew England Distilling has earned a rating of 90 (exceptional) for their Gunpowder Rye from the Beverage Testing Institute. The BTI describes Gunpowder Rye as,

Burnished amber color. Attractive aromas of honeyed dried sour cherries, toffee, suede, and sandalwood with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a well balanced cinnamon rye toast, creamy milk chocolate, peppery spice, and mineral accented finish. Very tasty and versatile.

Reviews: JP’s Bistro and LFK

| Posted in Reviews

The Bollard has published a breakfast review LFK,

So while I may come back to LFK some evening for a burger and a beer, I probably won’t return for brunch. In a city like Portland, there are just too many other places serving brunch I do love.

and a review of JP’s Bistro.

The dishes are executed without any particular finesse. Sourcing local, ethical or organic ingredients doesn’t seem to be important at JP’s. And a mediocre meal doesn’t cut it when the tab for two approaches $100. That said, plenty of folks don’t share my qualms. If you decide to check out JP’s, make sure you make reservations — the place gets packed.

This Week’s Events: CBD, Maine Restaurant Week, Cajun Cookin’, Food History

| Posted in Events

All Week — Maine Restaurant Week continues.

Tuesday — it’s opening day at CBD’s new coffee shop in East Bayside, Gary Libby will be giving a talk about the history of the history of Chinese restaurants in Portland, the 19th Annual WMPG Fat Tuesday Cajun Cookin’ Challenge is taking place, Vinland is hosting a natural wine dinner with importer Zev Rovine, and Maine Restaurant Week is holding a pancake flipping race.

Wednesday — Allagash and Rosemont are collaborating on a beer dinner which will feature unusual beers from Allagash and behind the scenes tour.

Thursday — Food historian Sandy Oliver will be giving a talk at the Maine Historical Society.

Friday — the opening night reception for From Chop Suey to Washington Pie: Maine Menus is taking place.

Saturday — Vena’s Fizz House is teaching a bitters workshop, there will be a wine tasting at Browne Trading and the Winter Farmers Market is taking place at the Urban Farm Fermentory on Anderson Street.

Sunday — The MRW Cocktail and Dessert  Competition 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.

Review of Samuel’s

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Samuel’s.

The quintessential neighborhood bar and grill, Samuel’s is a popular watering hole and casual restaurant serving very decent no-frills pub fare with a super-friendly vibe. They’re famous for the chicken wings and rightly so. Pizzas are good, as are a list of daily lunch and dinner specials. Don’t miss, for instance, the chicken tostada with chili verde – a half-foot-high pile of chips, dips and chicken.