Maine Wine Regulations

| Posted in Wine

The Appel on Wine column in today’s Press Herald examines state regulations that are impeding the Maine wine industry,

As Ned Swain, owner of the Maine distributor Devenish Wines, put it, “Allow shops to sample people on wine. If they’re in good standing (and) not selling alcohol to minors, having a sample bottle open wouldn’t harm anyone. It would make it a lot easier for shops to sell new, unusual, unknown wines.” (I’ll add: The state liquor authority could conduct undercover monitoring of a one- or two-ounce maximum per customer, to prevent an increase in public inebriation.)

Review of Nosh

| Posted in Reviews

The Golden Dish has published a review of Nosh.

Then consider the Nosh burger. For me a great burger is a thick 8-ounce mound of beef that’s simply seasoned and charred over a grill. Here  the ultimate choice is the extravagantly conceived Apocalypse Now Burger, a summit of  multi layers of meat patties each topped with bacon, deep fried pork belly, foie gras, mayo, cherry jam and glued together with melted cheese.
Outrageous? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.

Review of Boda

| Posted in Reviews

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Boda.

The Miang Kum Som-oh is not to be missed though.  The “bite-sized pummelo fruit salad [is served] on betel leaves w/ toasted coconut, peanut, lime, ginger, shrimp & shallots in a palm sugar dressing ($5).”  As you can see, these fruit salad bites include a lot of great Thai flavors, and it comes together nicely in a mix of bitter, crunchy, sweet, and herby.

Portland Food Co-op Expands

| Posted in General News

Today’s Press Herald includes a report on the Portland Food Co-op and their new space on Hampshire Street.

Each month, the Portland Food Co-op orders $10,000 worth of goods from the Crown O’Maine Organic Cooperative, United Natural Foods, Frontier Natural Products Co-op and individual farmers and food producers.

All of the food is marked up 10 percent from its wholesale price to cover operating expenses, such as property taxes and electrical bills. Most retailers add a 20 percent to 40 percent markup on food products.

Review of Little Lad’s

| Posted in Reviews

Will Travel for Vegan Food has published a review of Little Lad’s.

What is lesser known about Little Lad’s is that they also have a wonderful bunch of cafes. Our trip in Portland, ME  included a stop on Congress Street at Little Lad’s Basket, a quaint eatery which features a menu and a buffet as well as takeaway items like bags of popcorn, pints of frozen vegan desserts, whole grain breads and more.

This Week’s Events: Food Co-op Open House, Twilight Dinner, Portland Brew Festival

| Posted in Events

Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

Thursday — the Portland Food Co-op is holding an open house at their new location on Hampshire Street, the next Twilight Dinner at Turkey Hill Farm is taking place, the Great Lost Bear is featuring beer from Victory Brewing at this week’s brewery showcase, and the South Portland Farmers Market is taking place in the afternoon.

Friday — there will be a wine tasting at the West End Deli, and the September First Friday Art Walk is taking place and restaurants will be busy so make your reservations early.

Saturday — it’s the first day of the Portland Brew Festival and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Sunday — it’s the second day of the Portland Brew Festival.

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.

Review of Petite Jacqueline

| Posted in Reviews

From Away has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.

Our dinners, they were very fine. Extremely well-crafted, best examples of basic fare. Each cube of tuna was seared immaculately; our only desire was that they were a little more integrated into the the salad, composed of olives, egg, potatoes, string beans and the rest. My medium-rare steak was dead on, seared well and melt-in-the-mouth. Oh, but then. That best portion of a good woman’s meal. Frites so lithe and narrow to call them shoestring would be an insult, crisped, crackling, and lightly drizzled with aioli.

Review of The Thirsty Pig

| Posted in Reviews

Appetite Portland has published a review of The Thirsty Pig.

The Exchange street purveyor of tasty pig parts slings a Sweet Italian that fairly bursts with fennel flavor. Slapped into a hot-pressed Italian roll and piled high with caramelized red peppers – it truly doesn’t get much better than this juicy, herbed-up sausage. A side of cole slaw also satisfies. Crisp strings of carrot and cabbage float in a light mayo puddle – a gaggle of poppy seeds swimming freely.

Under Construction: Granny’s Burritos & The Bakery on the Hill

| Posted in Under Construction

Here are a pair of new items on the Under Construction list:

  • Owner Chris Godin is reopening Granny’s Burritos. This new incarnation of Granny’s will be located on the 2nd floor of the Public Market House in the space formerly occupied by Deux Cochon. Godin has announced a grand reopening will take place September 4th.
  • The Bakery on the Hill is the name a of new French bakery that under construction at 253 Congress Street a couple doors down from Figa. Their goal is to open in October.