Anthony Napolitano founder of Maria’s Ristorante passed away this weeks at the age of 79.
Mr. Napolitano opened his first restaurant, Napoli’s Restaurant on Veranda Street in Portland, in 1960. He ran it until 1972 and then opened the first Maria’s Ristorante in Westbrook. He ran that restaurant for four years before moving to its current location on Cumberland Avenue.
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed The Honey Paw.
The Honey Paw, a third contiguous Middle Street restaurant from the folks behind Hugo’s and Eventide, hews closer to the latter strategy. Like Roger in full flight, Honey Paw seems willing to try anything, certain they have the talent to pull it off. The menu has a lot of noodles, and the flavors lean toward Asia. But these serve as basic ideas, not rigid constraints, and many of the dishes pleasantly surprise you with unexpected combinations of approaches, textures and ingredients.
Eating Portland Alive has published a set photos and some commentary on Evo.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed my meal at EVO and I would not hesitate to steer diners in their direction. The stars of the evening for me were the meat courses. The duck meatballs, lamb loin, sweetbreads, and chicken livers were all stand-outs. I also greatly appreciated the bartender’s efforts to develop a selection of mocktails while the other guests were offered wine pairings. I think that EVO is a strong addition to both the growing Mediterranean niche and Portland’s food scene in general.
A new brewery called Mast Landing Brewing Co.(facebook) is under development in Freeport. The operation was founded by a “small group of friends that met in college at the University of Maine” that have been brewing together for 2 years.
Food Republic has set of 5 restaurant recommendations for Portland: Bao Bao, Lolita, Salvage, Union, Vinland.
During the summer months, Portland, Maine, is as irresistible as a destination gets. The weather is comfortably warm, with low humidity. The skies are crystal-clear, and the water is, well, right there. Aside from the postcard-perfect backdrop of the city and its natural surroundings, there’s plenty of good eating to be done.
The Press Herald has a report on a new smoothy line from Maine called Sam Lives! run by Samantha Levin.
Some would say smoothies run in Samantha Levin’s veins. Including Levin herself.
“I have a love for smoothies and juices because I came from a family where we were always playing around with them,” said Levin, 24, who launched a new line of bottled, superfood smoothies called Sam Lives! at the Portland Whole Foods Market earlier this month. The store sold out of its initial order of 500 bottles in two days.
Those of you who were in Portland back in the ’90s will remember the Fresh Samantha line of smoothies. That company was launched by Levin’s parents and named for Levin.
The Forecaster has published an article about Snappy’s food cart and the new food truck called Morsel.
Two of Portland’s newest food carts are dishing out some rather interesting takes on otherwise ordinary street foods.
Tuesday — the Local Foods Networking Breakfast is taking place at Local Sprouts, and the Pocket Brunch team is hosting a Pocket Cruise on the Frances.
Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.
Saturday — More than 50 brewers will be at Thompson’s Point for the Summer Session Beer Festival, and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market is taking place.
Indonesian Dinner — The Honey Paw will be serving an Indonesian dinner on August 4 in collaboration with Kaki Lima from Boston. Tickets are available online and are $65 per person.
For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.
The Out on a Limb heirloom apple CSA is now signing up members for this Fall. Shares are $150 and get you 5 deliveries of ¼ bushel each which contain “varieties of rare and highly flavored apples with a wide range of uses, appearances, histories and flavors”. See the OOAL website for more info.
Sam Minervino, owner of Samuel’s Bar & Grill, has applied for a liquor license for Tomaso’s Canteen, the new neighborhood pub he has under construction in the former Sangillo’s. Here’s an excerpt from Minervino’s cover letter,
The decor will pay homage to the history of the neighborhood. My goal is create a comfortable neighborhood gathering place, where those who live and work nearby can come frequently for a drink and a reasonably priced bit to eat.
The draft menu (page 75) includes the Wings that Samuel’s is known for as well as Italian Subs, Burgers and Fried Stuffed Olives. Tomaso’s is named for Minervino’s great grandfather.