El Rayo to Open Restaurant in Scarborough

| Posted in Under Construction

El Rayo (website, facebook, twitter) has leased a 4,500 square foot building on Route 1 in Scarborough’s Oak Hill neighborhood where they plan to open a second El Rayo restaurant. Owner Tod Dana tells me they’re planning to stay close to the concept that’s been a success in Portland with “a few twists and surprises” thrown in for good measure.

El Rayo hasn’t yet set an opening date for the Scarborough location, but hope to be up and running sometime in the Spring of 2014. Once the Scarborough location is open they’ll be looking for other towns where their restaurant would be a fit.

This news comes on the heals of yesterday’s announcement that Pom’s Thai Taste will be opening a branch in Falmouth, and an increasing number of restaurant opening in South Portland including an Otto Pizza.

Mainers Feeding Mainers & Recreating Little Lad’s

| Posted in Cooking, Farming

The Food & Dining section in today’s Press Herald includes an article by Joe Yonan about his addiction to and attempts to deconstruct the formula for Little Lad’s herbal popcorn,

Then we slowed down and concentrated as we tasted, thinking instead of shoveling. Okay, dill is definitely among the herbs. And the nutty, kinda cheesy flavor had to be that staple of vegans everywhere: nutritional yeast. A closer look at the contents of the transparent bag and the telltale golden flakes inside confirmed it. But is that really all that goes into it?

and an article about Mainers Feeding Mainers, a program run by the Good Shepherd Food Bank that hires Maine farmers to raise produce for them at wholesale prices.

It’s an innovative initiative that aims to provide fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to Mainers grappling with hunger. What makes the program stand out is rather than just seeking donations from farms, the program works with farmers to pay them a fair price for their crops.

MJ’s Wine Bar

| Posted in Profiles

Dispatch has published an article about MJ’s Wine Bar.

The space itself is nothing short of inviting. It would’ve been incredibly easy to f[***] up the feng shui when introducing so many different levels of seating. The large granite bar top, a communal table at the same height, lower tables, a casual leather couch set up and an outdoor patio miraculously don’t clash at all. The room is open and designed to take you on a journey to every place their products were birthed.

MJ’s is holding their Grand Opening Party this Friday.

Fish Market/Restaurant on Maine Wharf?

| Posted in Under Construction

A report in today’s Press Herald suggests we may one day see a retail fish market and restaurant operating on the Maine Wharf.

[Developer Pat] Tinsman said he has received interest from people who want to open a fish market close to Commercial Street and a seafood restaurant next door…Tinsman said interest from the prospective restaurateur and fish market operator is “serious” but no formal agreements have been signed.

Reviews: Bresca and the Honey Bee, Vignola, Pai Men

| Posted in Reviews

The Golden Dish has published a review of Bresca and the Honey Bee.

If you’re looking for that little slice of heaven (the way life used to be?) — and exceptional food — then head over to the shores of the sweetest little bathing hole called Outlet Beach where the inimitable Bresca and the Honey Bee has set up shop.

The 207 Foodie has posted reviews of Vignola,

If you’re looking for fresh pasta, with ingredients served straight from the farm (some of the farms used: Olivia’s Garden, Stone Heart Farms, Grand View Farms, among many more) then Vignola is the place to try. I intend to come back for the cheese page, and the Prosecco! Also, come in for their brunch, available Saturdays and Sundays!

and of Pai Men Miyake.

I only wish I had ordered something a little bit more filling. I ordered a Soba dish, with chicken dumplings, egg cured in miso, seaweed and noodles. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my dish, because I did. I’ve never had a noodle dish quite like it. Obviously Miyake is all about being unique. And perhaps I’d be more satisfied if I tried Miyake on Fore Street, both owned by Chef Masa Miyake.

This Week’s Events: Bon Appétit List, Twilight Dinner, Wine Wise Sail

| Posted in Events

Wednesday — Bon Appétit plans to announce the Top 10 best new restaurants of 2013 plus their choice for the overall best new restaurant of the year, and the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

Thursday — Leslie Oster from Aurora Provisions will be the guest chef at this week’s Twilight Dinner at Turkey Hill Farm, there will be a summer beer tasting at the Bier Cellar and The Great Lost Bear will be showcasing beer from Captain Dick’s Brewery in Wells.

Friday — Wine Wise will set sail on the Frances for a tasting of Tuscan red wines.

Saturday — there will be a wine tasting at Browne Trading, and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market 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.