Hugo’s tops the Opinionated About Dining Farm-to-Table list for the New England region.
From Away on Portland Food Book
From Away has published an article about Kate McCarty’s new book, Portland Food: The Culinary Capital of Maine.
Portland, Maine is fortunate to have so much incredible food, and even more fortunate to have such gifted local writers to document it. Kate McCarty’s new book, “Portland Food: The Culinary Capital of Maine” is the kind of volume you thumb through again and again, admiring its thoughtfulness, research, and the care the author took in crafting it.
Malcolm and Jillian have just completed their own book about Maine food and I am eagerly awaiting my copy from Amazon.
Aroma Joe’s, Sebago Bar Review, Shipyard Turns 20
Today’s Press Herald includes an article about Aroma Joe’s,
No intercoms. No mistakes. No attitudes.
Those three laws of service at Aroma Joe’s Coffee have helped propel the drive-thru coffee company from its first kiosk in a New Hampshire parking lot in 2000 to its plan to have 250 locations by 2020. The Portland-based chain currently has 19 founder-owned locations and three franchised locations.
a bar review of Sebago Brewing,
You can bet there will be at least one bachelorette or bachelor party a week, especially during the summer, and each weeknight seems to be designated for a particular meet-up group. For instance, the German club meets on Tuesdays, the Spanish club on Wednesdays, and recently, a small group of folks readying for the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada began meeting on Thursday nights. They sit by the fireplace.
and an article on Shipyard turning 20.
Shipyard Brewing Company turned 20 on April 24, but the big party will not be until July 12. The company won’t brew any special beers for the anniversary, I was disappointed to hear, but I understand.
New Food Truck: CN Shawarma
Under Construction: Lolita
Guy Hernandez, chef and co-owner of Lolita, appeared on WCSH where he spoke about the plans for the restaurant and prepared a dish dandelion greens and garlic puree.
Near the end of the interview Hernandez indicates that they’re targeting “right after Memorial Day” for the launch of Lolita (facebook, website).
Restaurant Impossible in SoPo
The Food Network show Restaurant Impossible will be in South Portland next month where they’ll be filming at Uncle Andy’s.
Under Construction: Old Port Spirits
The Urban Eye has posted an update on Old Port Spirits.
So much so that two weeks ago he purchased Downeast Beverage Co. from Doug Webber. Five blocks away, the store at 79 Commercial is transforming to Old Port Spirits and Cigars by the end of the month. After eight years running a wine shop downtown, he is ready for more.
“My goal is to have the best selection of bourbon, whiskey and craft beer,” said deVillier, who dropped $150,000 to improve the store, which had seen better days.
Bakery Reviews: Standard, Rosemont, Katie, Union Bagel
A new BDN blog called Out of the Oven has been posting a series of bakery reviews. Their most recent review is of Union Bagel Co,
As we lingered for a few minutes at their counter space and enjoyed our bagels, we noticed that nearly every customer that came in was addressed by name. That familiarity from the staff speaks volumes to me. That tells me that their customers come often enough to have built a relationship with the people working there. That’s good food and good feelings under one roof!
Earlier reviews were of Standard Baking, Rosemont and Katie Made.
Under Construction: 211 Danforth & Clark Street
Vespucci’s Market has closed. Owner Keith Hickman as begun renovating the space into a 64-seat restaurant and bar called 211 Danforth.
He plans on opening a new neighborhood market in the coming weeks in the retail on the side of the building (formerly Cordell’s) to be called Clark Street Deli & Market.
Piccolo’s Star Wars Dinner
Eating Portland Alive has published a report from the May 4th Star Wars dinner at Piccolo,
This was one of the most fun, creative, and delicious dining experiences I’ve ever had. It was truly as memorable as the beloved trilogy it was paying tribute to and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for next year’s celebration. The Force is strong with this pair of culinary Jedi, so get your butts in hyperdrive and pay them a visit!