Friday and Saturday’s event gave a good start to the 2013 food truck season. By all accounts Flea Bites was a big success on Friday night. El Corazon sold out of food and the Chicken and Waffles from Wicked Good was a hit. There was a steady crowd at Rising Tide on Saturday for the appearance of Pizza Pie on the Fly at the brewery.
F&W: Gritty’s & Geary’s
Gritty’s Best Bitter and Geary’s London Porter get a passing mention in an article about beer tasting in this month’s edition of Food & Wine.
Under Construction: Wine Bar in One City Center
According to a report from Maine a la Carte, a new wine bar is in the works for the former Dante’s space in One City Center.
She declined to name the tenant because the lease is not yet signed, but did say that the wine bar would not have a full kitchen; the menu will be limited to “olives, cheese nuts – food to accompany wine and beer.” Wine courses may also be offered, she said.
A separate source emailed yesterday to pass on the news that Once City Center is planning on re-purposing some of the retail space in their food court as office space and so has given notice to some of the food vendors.
Review of Outliers
The Golden Dish has published a review of Outliers.
My entrée, described simply as beef shoulder tender, was another kitchen triumph. The beef was rendered absolutely soft and succulent by its sous vide process, producing intense flavor while keeping it buttery soft, juicy and lean. Served in a wine reduction, with fingerling potatoes, this was another very satisfying dish.
Two New Food Trucks Launch Tonight
Review of Bresca
Eat Maine has published a lunch review of Bresca.
Lunch at Bresca is a treat. The space is welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is friendly. While it’s possible to come for a salad and head back to work, it’s also a place where you can slow down, meet a few friends, and share an afternoon of amazing food and delicious wine.
Under Construction: Empire & Chris Gould’s Restaurant
Two Portland restaurants under construction were on the agenda for last night’s meeting of the Historic Preservation Board:
- Chris Gould has a proposal to renovate 414 Fore Street (where Dana Street connects Fore and Wharf Streets) for the new restaurant he has under development. According to the documentation, the restaurant will be located on the bottom two floors of the building.
- Empire is planning new signage for 575 Congress Street. The design is reminiscent of the sign that was in place during the early 20th Century when a prior Chinese restaurant called Empire had occupied the space. Edward Hopper may have incorporated the original sign in his 1929 painting Chop Suey.
Additionally, the May issue of Dispatch contains an article entitled “The Great Restaurant Boom” which includes a brief profile of Portland Hunt and Alpine Club among others. The article isn’t yet available online.
Reviews of Gather and El Rayo Cantina
Down East has published a review of Gather,
Even that dish, however, couldn’t compare with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with Worcestershire butter and fried onions. Ordered impetuously, it seemed like overkill alongside a crisp-crusted pizza with shaved Brussels sprouts and parsley pesto. But where the pizza was subtle and delicate, the side was dark, complex, and utterly addictive.
and Maine has published a review of El Rayo Cantina.
For me, the tlayuda—a Mexican version of a flatbread pizza—is the show stopper. Cut into fours, it can be an appetizer or a meal of its own. A spicy black bean paste is spread on a large corn tortilla, then layered with crunchy shredded cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, Oaxacan string cheese, and a creamy avocado sauce. Finally, the tortilla is finished with chorizo, beef, chicken, or mushrooms.
122 Coffee IPA
The Bee Babe has published a review of Bunker’s 122 Coffee IPA,
It arrived fresh from the tap with a slightly muddy light amber color. The aroma, however, was immediately unmistakable. Clear coffee notes arrived first, followed by something else entirely. Not strong hops, but a beery characteristic that offered up some additional spice notes.
and today’s What Ales You column in the Press Herald comments on the coffee beer as well as some additions to the Rising Tide line-up.
The 122 Coffee IPA is good and flavorful, but I have not completely gotten comfortable with the coffee and beer mix. It makes me think I should be having it for breakfast, and there are very few days each year when I want beer with breakfast.
Michael J. Fox @ Tony’s
Actor Michael J. Fox paid a visit to Tony’s Donuts earlier today.