North Star Ends on the 19th

| Posted in Closings

North Star Music Cafe owner Kim Anderson announced today that the cafe will be closing their doors for the last time this Sunday at 5 pm. It’s certainly sad news for the East End and the community of people from all over the city that made North Star a regular part of their lives.

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today.  I have come to the difficult decision to close the doors of North Star.  I have so much love for this community and this city.  I am sad to say goodbye, but I am grateful for the three years you have embraced me and the North Star as family…

For additional reporting see articles in the Munjoy Hill News, Portland Daily Sun and Press Herald.

Review of Blue Burrito & Article on Maine Beer Co.

| Posted in Reviews, Beer

Blue Burrito Cafe in Westbrook received 4 stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the meat in my quesadilla was tender and still lightly pink in the center. It came with caramelized poblano peppers, onions and sauteed mushrooms, with sour cream on the side. The smaller version of this dish costs $7, and is plenty for one person’s lunch. A larger version is also available for $8.50, if you’re really hungry or want leftovers.

Today’s paper also includes a What Ales You column on Maine Beer Company, makers of Spring Peeper Ale.

“Even as we speak, we are expanding to a 15-barrel brewhouse, which will speed things up dramatically,” David said.

Not only will their beers be more available when the new system comes online, probably in mid-October, the company will be able to introduce new styles and, perhaps, come closer to making some money.

Review of Blue Burrito & Article on Maine Beer Co.

| Posted in Reviews, Beer

Blue Burrito Cafe in Westbrook received 4 stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the meat in my quesadilla was tender and still lightly pink in the center. It came with caramelized poblano peppers, onions and sauteed mushrooms, with sour cream on the side. The smaller version of this dish costs $7, and is plenty for one person’s lunch. A larger version is also available for $8.50, if you’re really hungry or want leftovers.

Today’s paper also includes a What Ales You column on Maine Beer Company, makers of Spring Peeper Ale.

“Even as we speak, we are expanding to a 15-barrel brewhouse, which will speed things up dramatically,” David said.

Not only will their beers be more available when the new system comes online, probably in mid-October, the company will be able to introduce new styles and, perhaps, come closer to making some money.

Dean's Sweets Profile

| Posted in Profiles

Mainebiz has published an interview with Dean Bingham, owner of Dean’s Sweets.

Owner Dean Bingham attributes success to his persistent use of local products. His seasonal special, for instance, consists of fresh Maine blueberries covered in rich chocolate. His popular “Chocolate Stout” features Maine-made beer Allagash Black, a Belgian-style stout brewed by Allagash Brewing Co. in Portland. Bingham also uses vodka distilled from Maine potatoes made by Freeport-based Cold River Vodka to make the “Needham Coconut.”

Dean’s Sweets Profile

| Posted in Profiles

Mainebiz has published an interview with Dean Bingham, owner of Dean’s Sweets.

Owner Dean Bingham attributes success to his persistent use of local products. His seasonal special, for instance, consists of fresh Maine blueberries covered in rich chocolate. His popular “Chocolate Stout” features Maine-made beer Allagash Black, a Belgian-style stout brewed by Allagash Brewing Co. in Portland. Bingham also uses vodka distilled from Maine potatoes made by Freeport-based Cold River Vodka to make the “Needham Coconut.”

Review of Micucci's

| Posted in Reviews

1840 Farm has published a review of the pizza at Micucci Grocery Company.

Five minutes can seem like a lifetime when you’re left to stand there staring at an empty stainless steel shelf smelling pizza this good.  Once the slabs hit the window, you’ll notice that they come on simple, white paper plates.  You can either box each slab up to take home or walk it back through the maze of grocery items to the cashier.  Once you’ve paid for your slab, you can return to the back room and sit at one of the two patio tables and finally dig in with your plastic knife and fork.  Welcome to pizza nirvana.  Now you know the secret handshake.

Review of Micucci’s

| Posted in Reviews

1840 Farm has published a review of the pizza at Micucci Grocery Company.

Five minutes can seem like a lifetime when you’re left to stand there staring at an empty stainless steel shelf smelling pizza this good.  Once the slabs hit the window, you’ll notice that they come on simple, white paper plates.  You can either box each slab up to take home or walk it back through the maze of grocery items to the cashier.  Once you’ve paid for your slab, you can return to the back room and sit at one of the two patio tables and finally dig in with your plastic knife and fork.  Welcome to pizza nirvana.  Now you know the secret handshake.