Spoon and Shutter has posted a photo report from the Portland Taste Tours MBC progressive dinner that took place earlier this week.
SoPo Restaurant Expansion Rankles Some Neighbors
The Forecaster has published a report on how local residents feel about the growth in restaurants in the Willard Square neighborhood.
The arrival of several restaurants along Cottage Road has left a less-than-savory taste in the mouths of some neighborhood residents who are worried about traffic, parking, and an increase in alcohol sales.
“This is the greater Portland area coming into South Portland,” Elsmere Avenue resident Pamela Jordan said last week about congestion created by people dining at restaurants including Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill, across the street from her home.
Tandem Wins at Good Food Awards (updated)
Tandem Coffee was an award winner at the 2014 Good Food Awards for their Aylele Yirgacheffe coffee.
You can see a photo of co-owner Will Pratt with the award on Instagram, and a list of the competing coffee finalists on the GFA website.
For more information on the judging process see this article from Sprudge.
For a complete list of winners see the GFA website.
Update: For additional reporting on Tandem’s win see the article from the Bangor Daily News.
Reviews: El Tipico, Outliers & Shay’s
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed El Tipico,
El Tipico falls into the same sweet spot — it’s not flawless, but it is worth appreciating.
Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed Shay’s,
If you’re looking for a place with great deals, tasty food offerings, and a wide array of beverage options, Shays is your place. It’s also a great place to sit back and enjoy a drink in the heart of Portland.
and The Golden Dish has reviewed Outliers.
What impressed me so about the dinner there was the kitchen’s ability to serve a very approachable menu of highly provocative American bistro fare. Flavors were clear and bright, the cooking was meticulous; even the gorgeous pottery serving plates are unique and stylish. What’s more the dining room is extremely inviting—luxuriously inviting.
Boston Globe: Maine Pie Line
The Boston Globe has published a profile of Briana Warner and her Portland bakery the Maine Pie Line.
The Halverson’s Humble, which is a chocolate pie, started with a bet. Thirty-year-old Briana Warner, owner of Maine Pie Line in the East Bayside neighborhood here, had lost a wager to her then-colleague Adam Halverson while the two were serving as diplomats for the US Department of State in Guinea. As retribution, he challenged her to make him a “humble pie.”
Review of Little Bigs
The Blueberry Files visited Little Bigs over the weekend to join the crowd buying a cronut and has posted a review of the bakery.
The [cronuts are] so good, and I love how excited about them everyone is. But you know what? The stars of the show are there every day on the baker’s racks waiting for you. Their donuts are freaking amazing (technical speak).
Beer/Cheese Event & Apothecary Cocktails
Here are two more food events taking place this week for you to fit into your calendar:
- Warren Bobrow, author of Apothecary Cocktails will be a Vena’s Fizz House Friday 4-7 pm for a talk and book signing.
- Saturday 1-5 pm, Vignola/Cinque Terre is holding their 7th Annual Beer & Cheese Tasting, $30 per person.
Potential Changes for SoPo Farmers Market
South Portland is considering changing the location and day of the week for the city’s farmers market.
After a summary of an online market survey created and tabulated by city resident Ruth Price, farmers market association director Caitlin Jordan said she will check with vendors about operating the market on Sundays instead of Thursdays.
Several councilors, meanwhile, suggested moving the market from Hinckley Drive to the nearby City Hall parking lot off Thomas Street.
Under Construction: Easy Day
A new restaurant, bar and 10-lane bowling alley called Easy Day is under construction (photos) in South Portland at 725 Broadway, located just over the bridge from Portland.
Easy Day has started recruiting staff for the new establishment.
Winter Food Trucks
The Bangor Daily News has a report on Portland food trucks that are continuing to operate during the winter.
When winter descends, most food trucks go into hiding. Some hibernate in garages until spring, but increasingly, they are braving the ice-slicked streets. And business for these trendy, traveling canteens, despite the weather, is heating up.