First Look at MJ’s

| Posted in Reviews

The Blueberry Files has posted a first look at MJ’s, the new wine bar that opened Wednesday in the One City Center building.

I hear ‘wine bar,’ and I think ‘stuffy.’ But this place, run by an affable man named Mark who used to bartend at Little Tap House, has not one fleck of pretentiousness. The staff is clearly knowledgeable, but will help you out when you just want a glass of wine and don’t care what it is. I think MJ’s wine bar is a welcome addition to this awkward little corner of space where Monument Square meets Free Street.

Popups & Supperpie

| Posted in Events

The Bangor Daily News has published an article about Supperpie and other popup events taking place in Maine.

Food served in a new and often secret location by chefs who bring their “A” game is the dining trend of the moment. In Portland and across the state, more underground dinners are popping up this summer than ever.

At the helm last Thursday was Rocco Salvatore Talarico, a traveling chef who has cooked his way from San Francisco to South Portland and is working on a cookbook centered on his creative, international culinary style.

The next installment of Supperpie is scheduled to take place on August 8.

Under Construction: Foundation Brewing Co.

| Posted in Under Construction, Beer

A new brewery called Foundation Brewing Company (website, facebook, twitter) has secured financing and leased space on Industrial Way. The brewery is a collaboration between Joel Mahaffey and John Bonney.

As of July, we’ve leased space at the infamous One Industrial Way building, the same complex that birthed some other Maine breweries you may have heard of, like Rising Tide and Maine Beer Company. We’re psyched to be moving in to such a great space down the street from Allagash. Hopefully some of the great beer mojo of Industrial Way will rub off on us.

The brewery’s website lists 2 beers they’re working on: Blaze (hybrid between a traditional Saison and an American IPA) and Bedrock (easy drinking dark beer). They hope to be in commercial production before the end of the year.

Reviews of Wannawaf and Nosh

| Posted in Reviews, Beer

The Press Herald has published a review of Wannawaf,

It was an interesting blend of flavors, but I wished the brie pieces had been a little larger, because most of the chunks blended into the batter and got a little lost. When all the flavors came together in one bite, it was heaven.

All of the savory waffle options cost $6.89 — add a cup of coffee, and the entire meal will set you back $9 and change.

and a bar review of Nosh.

But what about Nosh as simply a bar — does it stand alone? Is it possible to walk into Nosh and not be tempted to order a pail of fries (and a charcuterie plate, fried pickles and fried cheese curds)?

The short answer is no — it’s nearly impossible. But anyone could tell you that.

Today’s paper also includes this week’s What Ales You column.

Interview with Damian Sansonetti

| Posted in Under Construction, People

Eater Maine has published an interview with Damian Sansonetti about Blue Rooster, his plans for Piccolo and being part of Portland’s food community.

What are some items that we’ll see on the menu [at Piccolo]?
You’re definitely going to see cavatelli. Both my grandparents cooked cavatelli and I swear that was the first pasta I ever remember making. I remember making it with my nana, my mom’s mom. As soon as I could see the table, I’d help her. She’d feed the machine and I’d crank it through. When I was older, I’d put the dough through myself. She’d tell me to put it through nice and easy so it didn’t gum up. It makes me happy cooking it. One dish I used to do a lot is a lamb neck bolognese, which I’m looking to have.

Sansonetti also emailed to let me know that his wife Ilma Lopez will be taking on the role of pastry chef at Piccolo and will be joining the staff at Blue Rooster. Additionally, Blue Rooster will be in Newcastle this weekend for a pop-up at Oxbow Brewing.

Review of Boda

| Posted in Reviews

The 207 Foodie has published a review of Boda.

Now that I’ve tried Boda in the evening, I look forward to trying it for dinner and getting to order off the entire menu. I will be back, and I have a feeling I’m going to leave knowing I’ve found my favorite Thai place in Portland…

MJ’s Plans to Open on Wednesday (Updated)

| Posted in Openings

markoMJ’s (website, facebook), the new wine bar in One City Center, plans to open on Wednesday pending final inspections taking place today.

Mark Ohlson, the owner of MJ’s, a Certified Sommelier who has over the years worked a number of Portland restaurants including Perfetto’s, Bull Feeney’s, Walters, Hugo’s, Uffa and Frog and Turtle.

Ohlson plans to serve “30 wines by the glass and half glass from around the world focusing on traditional varieties from prominent regions”. The food menu will consist of a “selection of cheese, nuts, olives and chocolate and appropriate accompaniments”.

Update: MJ’s is on track to open on Wednesday. Mayor Brennan will be on hand for a ribbon cutting at 4pm and the bar will open to the public at 6pm. Take a look at this panoramic photo of the interior.

Vena’s Fizz House

| Posted in Profiles

The Forecaster has published an article about Vena’s Fizz House.

Vena’s, which opened July 10 at 345 Fore St., serves more than 35 varieties of all-natural, freshly made soda concoctions. They include pina colada, pomegranate limeade and even “Dim and Stormy,” which uses ginger beer and spiced tonic water to create a non-alcoholic version of a Dark and Stormy cocktail.

“This is a modern version of the old-fashioned soda parlor,” said Johanna Corman, who founded Vena’s with husband Steve and manages its operations. “We think we’ve found a niche.”