Cupping Coffee in Portland

Follow along with Portland Phoenix food columnist Kate McCarty on her visits to four local shops to learn more about coffee processing and coffee tasting.

While sipping the four samples, my thoughts went like this: “Hmm, tastes like coffee… also tastes like coffee… yup, coffee again… Woah!” The fourth coffee tasted radically different due to the processing method. The Ethiopian coffee from Slate was naturally processed, meaning the fruits of the coffee plant, called “cherries” (inside of which you’ll find the “bean” or seed), are dried in the sun rather than mechanically pulped and then dried. The resulting coffee frequently is full of berry flavors; this one tasted like someone had infused it with blueberry syrup.

Reviews of Pai Men Miyake & David’s 388

The Old Pine Tree has reviewed Pai Men Miyake,

If you’ve been to Pai Men you know what I’m talking about; this place is a gem. If you haven’t been there go tonight. If Portland is on your vacation list this summer hit this place up, even if it’s hot out.

and the Press Herald has published a bar review of David’s 388.

David’s 388 is a classic South Portland bistro that offers a cozy bar area (and offers a full bar menu), a unique chef’s table that overlooks the open kitchen, and reasonable prices for cocktails, beer and wine.

Under Construction: Ten Ten Pié

tentenpieLate last summer DiPietro’s closed their neighborhood market on Cumberland Ave after 69 years in operation. Now the new owner, Markos Miller and wife Heather Nichols, are planning to launch a new bakery cafe and market called Ten Ten Pié.

The name is a Spanish expression which refers to a quick snack or bite to eat.

Miller tells me that Ten Ten Pié will serve freshly prepared pastry (with a multi-cultural twist) in the morning, and a take out lunch menu featuring international comfort food. They also expect to have a small retail market that meets some of the light grocery needs for the neighborhood and healthy grab and go foods.

More details should be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

For the details on all upcoming restaurants, bars, bakeries and food trucks check out our Under Construction List.

Beer Events: Pucker Up & Noshbow

puckerupDetails on a couple of upcoming beer events:

  • Sour beer fans take note, Pai Men Miyake is hosting a sour beer tap takeover this weekend called Pucker Up featuring beers from Petrus, Monks Cafe, Jolly Pumpkin, BFM, Loverbeer, Ritterguts, Troi Dames, Evil Twin, Allagash, Harviestoun, Off Color and Cantillon.
  • Nosh and Oxbow are collaborating again this year to organize Noshbow—an all day block party on Oak Street. The 2nd annual Noshbow is scheduled to take place Sunday June 29. More details to follow, in the meantime check-out these photos from last year’s event.