First Reviews of Piccolo

| Posted in Reviews

Wines; Tasted! and The Golden Dish have both published a reviews of Piccolo.

I’m really excited about Piccolo, not just because it’s southern Italian cuisine is a new addition to Portland and different from the northern and Tuscan Italian we already have.  Damian and Ilma both seem to be technically talented chefs; however, what made the food memorable to me is that it tasted like they were really passionate about it and excited to finally be able to share it with people.  That’s what I love about food and wine: the connections, emotions, history, and culture that’s bound up in it. [Wines; Tasted!]

The couple who joined me for dinner had, however, mixed feelings about the food as we progressed. Portlanders, they also live in Tuscany and are well versed in the cuisines of Italy. The husband thought the cooking could have been more robust while his wife, as did I, disagreed completely, loving every bite and morsel. It’s subtle, it’s elegant but passionate cooking. [The Golden Dish]

Maine Shrimp Population Down

| Posted in Fisheries

Today’s Press Herald includes a report on the Maine shrimp population.

This summer’s shrimp index was at its lowest point since the annual trawl survey began in 1984, said Maggie Hunter, a scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources who sits on a three-state technical committee that analyzes the data and recommends what the rules should be for the upcoming season.

Regulators will use the survey when they meet in November to decide the dates of this winter’s shrimp-fishing season — or if there will be one at all.

Fire on Fore Street: Street & Co, Dancing Elephant, Joe’s NY Pizza, Mark’s Place (Updated)

| Posted in General News

There was a 3-alarm fire on Fore Street early this morning. According to a report from the Press Herald,

[Fire Chief] LaMoria said at least five businesses in the building at 420 Fore St., which faces both Fore and Wharf streets, were severely impacted, including Street & Co., the Dancing Elephant II and Joe’s New York Pizza.

He said the businesses could be closed for several days if not weeks.

For additional information see this piece from WMTW.

UPDATE: Here’s some clarification and further detail from The Forecaster,

The blaze damaged businesses including the Dancing Elephant II Indian restaurant, Joe’s New York Slice Bar, and Mark’s Place, LaMoria said. There were also reports of damage to Street & Co. The apartments above the businesses were not damaged by the fire, but were damaged by smoke and water.

The Munjoy Hill News has also posted a report on the fire.

Development Could Affect El Rayo

| Posted in General News

Both the Press Herald and the Bangor Daily News have published a report on a proposal that would lead to the redevelopment of the corner of York and High Streets, the current location of El Rayo.

The J.B. Brown official said fans of the popular Mexican eatery currently at the site should not worry.

“I could see something like an urban grocer on the ground floor and residential units on the top three floors,” Veroneau said. “Our intention is to have El Rayo be part of any development of that site.”

 

Review of Empire Chinese Kitchen

| Posted in Reviews

eggrollMap & Menu has published a review of Empire Chinese Kitchen.

First up were the delicious peking duck buns (my personal favorite) and the har gow (one of a few of the gluten-free options on the menu). It’s a standard rule of thumb for me that pretty much anything served in a steamed bun will be awesome, and the savory peking duck didn’t disappoint – I’d highly recommend trying it…

Photo Credit: Map & Menu

2013 Apple Season

| Posted in Farming

The Food & Dining section in today’s Press Herald includes an article about the 2013 apple season and the paper’s annual guide to apple picking in Maine that dozens of varieties from Baldwin to Wolf River.

“Last year we not only had a freeze, but we had hail in June, so this year is 100 percent better than last year,” said Ellen McAdam of McDougal Orchards in Springvale. “But even if we had had a good crop last year, this year is looking beautiful. The size is great, the color is great, the apples taste really good. It’s a wonderful year.”

Booze, Fish & Coffee: Salvage BBQ & Blue Rooster

| Posted in Reviews

Friends Brian Ericson and Bo Bigelow have launched an audio food blog called Booze, Fish & Coffee. They plan to seek out and

tell tales of delicious things: the best and freshest seafood, the finest local brews (beer, coffee, and others), and the off-the-beaten-path bars, bakeries, restaurants and farmstands where the locals go.

For their first two sessions they’ve published reviews of Salvage BBQ and Blue Rooster Food Company. They’re both well worth the time (approx 20min per episode) to listen to.

Fit for Foodies: Bar Lola, Fore Street, Hugo’s

| Posted in Reviews

Bar Lola, Fore Street and Hugo’s have all made it on to the 2013 OpenTable list of 100 top restaurants that are Fit for Foodies.

The top 100 were selected among 15,000 OpenTable customers in the US based on restaurant customer ratings during the past year.

“These restaurants put the wow factor in everything they serve,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. “Through pure imagination and ingenuity, they’re taking culinary creativity to another level with delicious dishes that are as fun to eat as they are to share on social media.”

Chief Dining Officer…what a great job title.