The Guardian: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in Maine

| Posted in Reviews

The Guardian has tapped a set of Maine-based bloggers to weigh-in on the best places to eat, drink and stay in the state:

Dine, Feed, Wolf, Nosh (and Sip)

| Posted in Uncategorized

de_oct2013The October issue of Down East features an article entitle Dine, Feed, Wolf, Gorge, Much, Nosh about the “62 places to eat your way through Maine’s hottest dining trends”.

Elsemere BBQ, Miyake Farm, the Portland Hunt & Alpine Club (shown right, click to enlarge), Flanagan’s Table, Gorgeous Gelato, Maple’s Organics, MDI Ice Cream, Beal’s, Gelato Fiasco and food trucks Love Cupcakes, Mainely Treats, Bite into Maine, Small Axe, Mainely Burgers and Wicked Good were all included.

The article isn’t yet online but you can find a copy of the October issue at your local newsstand.

Hunt & Alpine: Bon Appetit & Dinner Party Download

| Posted in General News

Hunt & Alpine Club bartender/owner Andrew Volk was quoted in article in Bon Appetit about the advantages of batch prepared libations.

Additionally, Volk was interviewed by Dinner Party Download for a humorous piece about the government’s mid-century Hurricane Modification Program as part of their ongoing and “rarely imitated history lesson with booze” series.

First Reviews of Piccolo

| Posted in Reviews

Wines; Tasted! and The Golden Dish have both published a reviews of Piccolo.

I’m really excited about Piccolo, not just because it’s southern Italian cuisine is a new addition to Portland and different from the northern and Tuscan Italian we already have.  Damian and Ilma both seem to be technically talented chefs; however, what made the food memorable to me is that it tasted like they were really passionate about it and excited to finally be able to share it with people.  That’s what I love about food and wine: the connections, emotions, history, and culture that’s bound up in it. [Wines; Tasted!]

The couple who joined me for dinner had, however, mixed feelings about the food as we progressed. Portlanders, they also live in Tuscany and are well versed in the cuisines of Italy. The husband thought the cooking could have been more robust while his wife, as did I, disagreed completely, loving every bite and morsel. It’s subtle, it’s elegant but passionate cooking. [The Golden Dish]

Maine Shrimp Population Down

| Posted in Fisheries

Today’s Press Herald includes a report on the Maine shrimp population.

This summer’s shrimp index was at its lowest point since the annual trawl survey began in 1984, said Maggie Hunter, a scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources who sits on a three-state technical committee that analyzes the data and recommends what the rules should be for the upcoming season.

Regulators will use the survey when they meet in November to decide the dates of this winter’s shrimp-fishing season — or if there will be one at all.

Fire on Fore Street: Street & Co, Dancing Elephant, Joe’s NY Pizza, Mark’s Place (Updated)

| Posted in General News

There was a 3-alarm fire on Fore Street early this morning. According to a report from the Press Herald,

[Fire Chief] LaMoria said at least five businesses in the building at 420 Fore St., which faces both Fore and Wharf streets, were severely impacted, including Street & Co., the Dancing Elephant II and Joe’s New York Pizza.

He said the businesses could be closed for several days if not weeks.

For additional information see this piece from WMTW.

UPDATE: Here’s some clarification and further detail from The Forecaster,

The blaze damaged businesses including the Dancing Elephant II Indian restaurant, Joe’s New York Slice Bar, and Mark’s Place, LaMoria said. There were also reports of damage to Street & Co. The apartments above the businesses were not damaged by the fire, but were damaged by smoke and water.

The Munjoy Hill News has also posted a report on the fire.

Development Could Affect El Rayo

| Posted in General News

Both the Press Herald and the Bangor Daily News have published a report on a proposal that would lead to the redevelopment of the corner of York and High Streets, the current location of El Rayo.

The J.B. Brown official said fans of the popular Mexican eatery currently at the site should not worry.

“I could see something like an urban grocer on the ground floor and residential units on the top three floors,” Veroneau said. “Our intention is to have El Rayo be part of any development of that site.”