Portland Psst! reports that Saignon Sandwich & Variety is taking over the spot on Cumberland Ave formerly occupied by the Portland Grocery Store. They’re under construction now and are aiming to open on April 15.
Urban Chickens
This week’s Forecaster includes an article on Portlander’s new found ability to raise chickens in the city. Paris Farmers Union on Auburn Ave is a source for buying baby chicks. Portland Adult Ed is offering Chicken 101 classes, however all three sessions are alredy fully booked. The Union is getting a shipment of 800 chicks and the classes are sold out, but the Forecaster reports that only “four residents have taken out applications for permits”.
Meal at Miyake
Portland Food Coma has written up what sounds like quite an amazing 10-course meal at Miyake.
7th [course] Skate and hotate salad with parsley garlic oil, and micros over rice. Presentation was beautiful. You’d think I would have had something that wasn’t amazing at this point. Wrong.
Drinks at Sapporo
The Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Sapporo.
The sake list is a little small for the rice wine connoisseur, but for the average schmo there’s a fair range of sakes including the usual Ozeki – hot or cold – Nigori and Plum Wine. Even having a modest selection and big competition in the Japanese restaurant selection of Portland, this little restaurant and sushi bar is a hot number on Commercial Street.
Lunch at the Blue Spoon
Accidental Vegetables confesses that “left to my own devices, I will rarely leave the west end”. But she did manage to escape it’s gravitational pull long enough to enjoy lunch at the Blue Spoon on Munjoy Hill.
So, if you’re looking for a nice, friendly, reasonably priced lunch spot, give the Blue Spoon a try. There was a nice selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Next time, I’m going to try the burger. I promise, Munjoy Hill, I will forsake thee no more!
Bag Tax Gets Canned
A Maine legislative committee has decided against a 10¢ tax on plastic bags at grocery stores. A working group has been set-up to study the issue.
Plastic bags are under assault from environmentalists as an example of waste, and many Mainers are already switching to reusable bags. Opponents argued that the fee would create administrative problems, inconvenience customers and simply increase sales of plastic trash bags.
Passover in the Sun
Today’s edition of the Portland Daily Sun includes an article on the kosher seder being held at Shaarey Tphiloh.
At 8 p.m. tonight, the synagogue will open its doors and provide the Passover meal. About 55 meals are expected to be readied, Herzfeld estimated, noting that 45 people have signed up and anyone else who calls and expresses interest will be welcome.
Grassroots Organic Opens Today
Grassroots Organic, aka GRO, plans on opening for business this morning at 8 am. The menu is a mix of salads, sandwiches, juices and soups; most items are raw or lightly cooked.
Free Chocolate
Dean’s Sweets is running a special promotion. They’re “offering a free truffle to anyone that comes into their store between now and Tax Day”. You just need to mention the Tax Day truffle offer and you can select from one of Dean’s 18 flavors.
Bard Coffee Roasters Now Open
Bard Coffee Roasters is scheduled to open this morning at 7 am. Bard is located in the Old Port near the intersection of Middle and Exchange Streets. The interior looks really nice. I’ve heard that they’ll have free wi-fi and (relatively) late night hours on the weekend.