Fire at Boone’s

| Posted in General News

There was a fire at Boone’s early Wednesday morning that resulted in some damage, but the restaurant expects to re-open on Saturday.

“Firefighters on the scene eventually discovered the source of the smoke in the facade surrounding the chimney and fireplace.” he said.

“Unfortunately, we had to completely remove the facade to the fireplace to extinguish the fire,” he said. “The good news is this fire could have been much worse had it not been for the functioning fire alarm system. It worked exactly as it should have.”

Allen’s Coffee Brandy

| Posted in Distilling & Cocktails

The Morning News has published an article about Maine’s top-selling spirit, Allen’s Coffee Brandy.

Portland (and the state beyond it) may have bars full of local taps; its brewers guild may be growing so fast that it actually needed to hire an executive director. And the state may even be moving past the micro-brew renaissance toward craft liquors made of nothing but Maine potatoes, but if there’s any drink that holds Maine’s heart, it’s Allen’s, a liquor made in Massachusetts.

Otto’s Big Opening

| Posted in Openings

The Bangor Daily News has posted a report on Otto’s opening of their new restaurant in South Portland.

“This is wicked good,” said City Councilor Linda Cohen, grabbing a butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry slice at the soft opening Monday night.

Judging by the turnout, OTTO’s eighth store, in a renovated garage, and second new shop in two weeks, is in the right place at the right time.

“They wanted us here,” said co-owner Anthony Allen, mingling with customers and handing out free pizza. “It’s nice to be wanted.”

Audio Review of Eventide

| Posted in Reviews

Booze, Fish and Coffee has reviewed Eventide Oyster Company.

This dynamite seafood spot in the heart of Portland is perfect for lunch these days: not too crowded, serving up delicious oysters, lobster rolls, and other excellent stuff, at prices that won’t break the bank. Eat where the locals eat, and get to Eventide.

The episode also includes recommendations for feeding your extended family after they arrive but prior to Thanksgiving, thoughts on Bunker Brewing’s Hombre and shopping advice at Veranda Asian Market.

Allagash FV13 in Top 25

| Posted in Beer

Allagash’s FV13 is at the top of the Wine Enthusiast list of the Top 25 Beers of 2013.

This is Allagash’s first foray into the world of foudre (giant oak tanks used for aging) beers, and man, did they come out of the park swinging! FV 13 is a blend of wild yeasts and bacterias, a malty base beer and, “about four years of patience.” The brewery’s patience was rewarded, as the finished beer is a masterpiece, complex and layered yet nuanced and balanced. Initial aromas are tart and vinous, with upfront scents of sour cherry, plum and citrus supported by accents of lightly-toasted oak, walnut shells and forest floor…

Allagash had also been recognized by the publication back in 2011 when they came in 10th on the list for their Allagash Trippel Reserve.

Review of The Front Room

| Posted in Reviews

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed The Front Room.

Altogether with drinks, the meal was around $80 before tip. It was worth it as we were well-fed and our thirst was quenched. The Front Room is a serious place for people who like to eat. With great takes on traditional fare and reasonable prices, it’s pretty obvious why they stay so busy. Plus, the service is excellent. The Front Room continues to be great option if you want to eat a wicked good meal in Maine. Stop by and tell ‘em Peterpeterportlandeater sent ya.

This Week’s Events: Thanksgiving, Allagash Midnight Bret Release

| Posted in Events

Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

Thursday — it’s Thanksgiving, see the PFM Thanksgiving Resource Guide for a list of restaurants that will be open. The Wayside Food Programs will be serving a free dinner (11am – 1pm) at the Portland Club on State Street.

Friday — it’s the release day for Allagash Midnight Bret and for Rising Tide Hesperus.

Saturday — the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Sunday — Petite Jacqueline is holding their next movie night.

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.

Review of Oscar’s New American

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Oscar’s New American.

Now that we’ve become thoroughly versed in the exigencies of new American cuisine, consider this recent contender – Oscar’s New American. It opened in late September in the space formerly occupied by the Sea Grass café, a favorite dining spot and watering hole in Yarmouth. That it also operates in a small strip mall along the town’s Route 1 retail corridor augurs this stark fact – parking is easy.

After several visits, I’m convinced this establishment will flourish in the fluid style of the new American cuisine genre.