Review of Vinland

| Posted in Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Vinland.

Vinland’s myriad ideas are most eloquently expressed when the food itself speaks for them. And the restaurant lets that happen — the menu and the service offer few hints of the righteousness that has become Vinland’s public persona. The handsome room is spare and well lit, the better to appreciate the presentation of the cuisine — which remained true to its astringent-aesthetic from that beet chip beginning to a delicious dried-parsnip crumble for dessert.

Under Construction: Bonfire Pub

| Posted in Under Construction

bonfire_logoBonfire (facebook) is under construction at 37 Wharf Street in the space formerly occupied by Seawall and Brook There. Bonfire is a country-themed bar. They hope to open in May.

Bonfire Country Pub located in the Heart of the Old Port at 37 Wharf Street in Portland. This amazing place features a country vibe with fun lively atmosphere. Specializing in our drinks served in Red Solo Cups and a hint of technology, you will have an absolute blast with this fun atmosphere.

Roost House of Juice Closing

| Posted in Closings

roost_logoRoost House of Juice has announced that they are closing up the business as of April 1.

We have decided to close the doors to our café & juice bar at 11 Free Street. We’ve had a tremendous run here and we’ve felt your love and support throughout this endeavor.

We want you to know that our decision to close is based on a number of factors, with the biggest being that we’re ready to move on from the brick & mortar business model.

Roost’s closing comes as Liquid M2, a business with a seemingly similar concept, is soon set to open.

Review of Fishermen’s Grill

| Posted in Reviews

Blueberry Files has reviewed the Fishermen’s Grill.

This place isn’t sexy, but the food is the real deal. The seafood is ordered fresh daily and sourced locally. Once there weather warms up, I could see sitting outside or getting food to go and enjoying it in Baxter Woods across the street. It’s not necessarily cheap, but portions are big and easily feed two. The Fishermen’s Grill is cash only. Go check it out and enjoy the “locals only” feeling.

Star Chefs Announces 2014 Awards List

| Posted in Reviews

Star Chefs has announced their 2014 Coastal New England Rising Stars list and on it are several Maine chefs and food purveyors:

  • Ravin “Bas” Nakjaroen from Long Grain in Camden
  • Andrew Taylor and Michael Wiley from Hugo’s/Eventide
  • Ilma Lopez from Piccolo in the Pastry Chefs category
  • Eli Cayer from the Urban Farm Fermentory in the Artisans category
  • Will Pratt from Tandem in the Coffee Roasters category
  • Nathan Sanborn from Rising Tide in the Brewers category
  • Andrew Volk from Hunt + Alpine in the Bartenders category

2014 Best of Portland Nominations

| Posted in General News

The Portland Phoenix has kicked-off their 2014 Best of Portland readership poll. The Phoenix readership poll is a 2 step process:

  • Step 1 which just started, nominate candidates you think are an especially good fit in any or all of the categories
  • Step 2, next month the Phoenix will publish a ballot summarizing the top nominees from each category for us all to vote on

There are a plethora of food and drink categories (Bagels, Bars, Barbecue, Beer Selection, Brewpubs, Brunch, etc) to make nominations in there’s even one for food blogs. A list of the 2013 winners is available online as a reference.

If the 2014 polls follows the same schedule as past years then the final results will be made public in April at a live event at the Port City Music Hall.

Food Truck Rules

| Posted in General News

The Portland Daily Sun has a report on last night’s City Council subcommittee review of proposed changes to rules regulation food trucks.

The Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday supported policy initiatives that would amend the request for proposals process used for the city’s parks to allow food trucks to cluster and use the space and fix a requirement that proscribes what types of food can be served; amend the ordinance related to Compass Park that bars food service in that area; and recommend the city dedicate four spaces on Congress Street adjacent to Lincoln Park for trucks.

The changes no go before the full City Council for final approval.