According to a tweet from Amy K. Anderson, a segment on Duckfat will be featured on the November 6 episode of the Rachel Ray show.
Caiola's Brunch Review
Type A Diversions has published a review of brunch at Caiola’s.
I enjoy the little touches that make brunch at Caiola’s special – like the way they steam the milk for my coffee and infuse their blueberry muffins with lavender or other fresh herbs. And I appreciate the fact that we don’t feel rushed. Caiola’s is the kind of spot you can linger over the Sunday paper and have an extra cup of coffee without any guilt.
Harvest on the Harbor
If you weren’t able to make it to Harvest on the Harbor, check out this post from PortlandTown to see photos from the event. PortlandTown has also published a number of additional photos on Flickr.
This Week's Events
The weekly Piatto per Tutti cooking class and the Foodie Trivia Contest are taking place this evening. Bar Lola is holding a wine dinner on Tuesday featuring Cotes du Rhone. On Wednesday, The Salt Exchange is running their weekly wine and canapes event. Halloween parties are on the calendar at both Frog & Turtle and Grace. Portland’s weekly Farmers’ Markets are being held in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. Hood’s New England Dairy Cook-off is taking place on Sunday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
Lobster Chef of the Year: Mackenzie Arrington
The Press Herald has a report on yesterday’s Lobster Chef of the Year competition at Harvest on the Harbor.
“I think the right person won,” said Thomas, a fisherman who has been a regular at the competition over the years. “That was the best use of lobster I’ve seen in a long time.”
Arrington, who is 22 and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America last week, won the title and $1,000 by serving up roasted Maine lobster tail on braised cabbage with corn bread. He is the son of last year’s winner, Margaret McLellan.
Review of Grace
Portland Magazine has published a review of Grace.
If Chestnut Street Church had attracted crowds like this, it would still be a church. Transformed by a million-dollar restoration, Grace the restaurant accommodates nearly 200 diners on its ground floor and balconies and still finds room for a gigantic central circular bar.
Zack Bowen, The Essay
Portland Food Heads has published a new installment of the site’s essay series. Photographer Zack Bowen is the author of this essay which speaks to his personal experience/history with food.
everyone — the chefs in Portland and my family back at home — adhered to the same core thought: food was meant to be communal and enjoyed and nourishing to more than just your belly. it is a social bond — our cells remember a time when we would gather around the campfire after a day of killing mammoth to share stories and compliment the chef on the tenderness of the mastodon shank. it transcends cultures and economic status.
Rachels is Closed
Rachels has closed. A message on the restaurant’s answering machine says that “After a glorious run in Portland we have chosen to close our store” and goes on to thank the restaurants many customers. To hear the full message call Rachels at (207) 774-1192.
Type A Re-Review of Miyake
Type A Diversions has published an updated review of Miyake.
What Miyake does best is creative sushi. Think O Ya Boston, not neighborhood sushi joint. I’ve updated my best restaurants in Portland list to include Miyake as the most creative sushi in Portland. I’m pleased with the improvements in ambiance and quality of food, and will definitely be a repeat visitor going forward.
Review of The Farmer's Table
Portland Food Heads has published a review of The Farmer’s Table.
I ordered the cider-braised pork sandwich, which was described as “locally raised pork braised in apple cider, pulled and tossed in our sweet & spicy bbq served with hand cut fries and house slaw.”…And it was pretty good, but that’s about it. In fact, I would’ve been totally satisfied if it didn’t happen to cost $12, which is an absurd amount of money for french fries, coleslaw and pulled-pork on a bun.