The July issue of US Airways Magazine includes a profile of Portland. The articles highlights Bite into Maine, Eventide, Fore Street, Micucci’s, The Holy Donut, Novare Res, Standard Baking, Boda, and LFK.
Review of Fore Street
Peter Peter Portland Eater has published a review of Fore Street.
There was no doubt the meal made us happy. I was thrilled with the portion size. It wasn’t a cheap night at $140 after tip for two people but the meal did include two apps, two entrees, two sides, and a drink. For a special night it was worth it. I’d recommend Fore Street for those times when you’re looking to impress. They’ll provide an excellent meal, but it would probably be too pricey for the average person to visit on a regular basis. Give it a shot and add it to your special occasion list. And make your reservations early because they get booked really quickly.
Lanzalotta/Micucci Controversy
Maine a la Carte has posted a report on the news that Stephen Lanzalotta is no longer running the bakery at Micucci’s.
Lanzalotta sent out an email on Thursday to his Piatto per Tutti mailing list. In it he explains that he’s been fired for ” ‘overstepping my bounds’ in advocating for raises and fuller workweeks for bakery assistants”. The letter goes on to establish his claim to the recipes used and the bakery and asks for a boycott of baked goods at Micucci’s.
Meredith Goad contacted owner Rick Micucci about the issue,
Rick Micucci, president of Micucci Grocery Co., confirmed Friday that Lanzolotta is no longer working at the store, but wouldn’t say why or give any other details. “It is something I can’t comment on,” he said, “but the bakery is operating as usual.”
Wannawaf Opened Today
Wannawaf (website, facebook, twitter) opened for business today (photo) and will be staying open until 2am this evening. They’re located at 15 Monument Square in the space formerly occupied by Cobblestones.
Owner Anya Arsenault (aka Waffle Girl) opened the original Wannawaf in Boothbay in 2003. The menu for the Portland store includes a selection of savory and sweet waffle-based options such as The Kitchen Sink (“egg, home fries, your choice of meat all baked inside a warm waffle”) and the Grand Tradition (“hot waffle, vanilla ice cream, real Maine maple syrup, whipped cream & cinnamon”).
Reviews of Emilitsa & Blue Rooster
The Golden Dish has published a review of Emilitsa,
For a main course I chose duck. Here the breast was pan-roasted to medium rare, settled in a sauce made from a reduction of Attiki honey, Metaxa, balsamic and wild fennel pollen. It was accompanied by fingerlings roasted in duck fat and grilled asparagus. Every component of the dish jived to deliver great nuance of flavor and texture.
and Eat Maine has published a review of Blue Rooster.
Sansonetti and his crew have created an approachable, but different sandwich shop. As someone who works in the restaurant business, I know that the biggest compliment is to have industry people visit regularly and speak highly of an establishment. The Blue Rooster tests my limits of self-control, both in terms of how much I order while I’m there and how often I allow myself to visit. And that’s a good thing.
Bollard on Harding Lee Smith
The July issue of The Bollard will include an article about chef Harding Lee Smith.
The cover story I wrote for the July issue of The Bollard (which hits the streets this week) poses some uncomfortable questions for the so-called “foodies” in Maine who support our nationally renowned restaurant scene and have elevated chefs to the status of rock stars in recent years. These discerning diners increasingly demand vegetables that are locally and organically grown, but what if it’s not the farmer but the chef who’s creating a toxic environment? The same diners want to know the animals they’re eating were treated well, but what about the cooks and servers? How important is it that the humans are treated humanely?
Noshbow Photos
The Maine Project has published a very nice set of photos of last week’s Noshbow Block Party on Oak Street.
Under Construction: Hugo’s, Carman’s, Black Cat, Portland & Rochester
Construction crews are making big strides in completing renovations at Hugo’s. The restaurant announced last week on Facebook that they’re now taking reservations for dates starting on July 8.
Several other businesses on the Under Construction list have been sharing photos and status updates recently:
- The Portland & Rochester Public House has posted a set of construction photos.
- Black Cat Coffee has posted a photo of the newly painted space.
- Carman’s has posted a set of 15 construction photos and news that they’ll be sourcing their coffee from Matt’s/Speckled Axe.
Reviews: Small Axe Truck & Pai Men Miyake
Map & Menu has published a review of brunch at Pai Men Miyake.
Meredith loved her fried rice with bok choy, chinese chives, ginger, and a Miyake farm poached egg, and after we added a cup of always-amazing Tandem coffee, brunch at Miyake had easily been cemented in our minds as a new Portland brunch must.
The Press Herald has published a review of Small Axe.
Check out Small Axe for an on-the-go experience that’s fast, local and delicious.
Investigation at Petite Jacqueline
An article in today’s Press Herald reports on an investigation at Petite Jacqueline.
A popular Portland restaurant was investigated this month as a possible source of food-borne illness, the second such investigation of the restaurant in 18 months.
Health officials zeroed in on Petite Jacqueline after a food handler and a patron were stricken by the same bacterial illness on June 1, but they could not prove the restaurant’s food was the cause – or that it wasn’t – because too much time had passed since the people who became sick were exposed.