Reviews: Chaval, East Ender, Scales

| Posted in Reviews

The Golden Dish has posted a first look review of Chaval,

Rarely does a new restaurant get it so right at the gate. But then when you have two pros—a highly acclaimed chef and pastry chef, in this case husband and wife who are the owners of the new establishment, Chaval, then the level of success is nearly assured. With Chaval’s opening this week after a renovation of the former Caiola’s in which it’s housed, this duo has brought to Portland one of the most exciting restaurants in the city set to pamper those who cross its threshold.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed East Ender,

With the table soon full of empty plates, we called it quits. We were a happy brunch bunch and I was sure I’d be back to try the dinner menu at some point. The meal tab for my wife and I came to about 30 bucks before tip. I left smiling and Mrs. Portlandeater noted her approval, so all was well. If you’re looking for some Sunday morning or afternoon goodness, take a trip down to East Ender. There are no lines and the food is both interesting and sure to please.

The Blueberry Files has reviewed Scales,

Like I said, while dinner at Scales is not inexpensive, it is certainly worth it. Be sure to make a reservation, as like most restaurants in Portland now, it’s popular and difficult to get a table without planning ahead. And consider happy hour in the bar/lounge area, where the full menu is available and you can still enjoy the ambiance and great service.

Duckfat x Oxbow on Washington

| Posted in Under Construction

Duckfat has announced a collaboration with Oxbow Brewing to create the Duckfat Beer Garden. The new venture takes advantage of the commissary kitchen Duckfat has on the back side of the CBD building on Washington Ave, and has involved renovating the courtyard outside the door to the Oxbow tasting room.

They plan to be open Wednesday through Sunday, 6-10pm during the summer. The menu (2nd image in series) includes items like Pickled Mussels with Potato Salad, and BBQ Pork Belly with Bean Salad and Corn Bread that are different from the staple items from the Duckfat menu on Middle Street.

Portland Barrel Co.

| Posted in People, Profiles

Mainebiz has published an article about the Portland Barrel Co. and its owner Ed Lutjens.

Lutjens works alone, planing staves so they fit together tightly, sculpting the staves’ inside and shearing off some wood outside so they’ll form a round barrel when set into hoops. He starts from the top of the barrel, placing the staves, which are of different widths, inside a metal hoop that he also hand makes. No glue is involved, so the sides of the staves need to be planed flat and fitted carefully.

Bayside Restaurant Challenges

| Posted in General News

The Press Herald has published an article on the challenges Bayside restaurants face as the number of people seeking help at Preble Street has increased.

“It definitely is a challenge for us every day,” Stratton said. “I don’t want to say anything negative about the (Preble Street) resource center. I think the resource center is a great thing for the city. I do appreciate what they do, but as far as a business-friendly neighborhood? We are not located in one.”

Mobile Food: Mr. Tuna, Greeks of Peaks

| Posted in Under Construction, Openings

Here’s the latest in mobile food news:

Three New Seafood Shacks: Fishermen’s, Miller Brothers, Linda Kate

| Posted in Openings

Three new or returning seafood restaurants have recently opened:

  • Fishermen’s Grill (website) has reopened at their new location, 650 Main St, Westbrook. They plan to eventually add Italian options to their usual menu during dinner service and will be opening a small bar in late July.
  • Miller Brothers Seafood (facebook) has opened in the former Fishermen’s Grill space, 849 Forest Ave. I’ve heard they make some excellent onion rings.
  • Linda Kate (facebook) has opened at 1035 Ocean Ave near the border of Portland and Falmouth. Chef Sam Bergeron is serving a menu of lobster bisque, clam chowder, two types of lobster rolls, crab lettuce wraps and lobster tacos.

Development Off of Forest Ave

| Posted in Under Construction

Today’s Press Herald reports on the growing number of restaurants that have opened or are in development along Forest Ave.

But there’s also a new hunger in off-peninsula neighborhoods for quality food served at family-friendly restaurants that are within walking distance – especially as these neighborhoods transition to homeowners of a younger generation. Millennials love to dine out, and expect more from the restaurants they frequent than their parents may have.