Mirabelle House (Updated)

| Posted in General News

The Bangor Daily News has a report on Mirabelle House Culinary Vacations, a house in Falmouth that is home to a “full immersion into the Portland foodie and culinary scene”.

Daylong and evening classes are expected to attract local participants from Maine and New England. Though bookings have not yet begun, the concept is designed for “people who have a solid foundation in cooking already and want to go to the next level and have a one on one experience with the chefs,” Howland said, adding that kids classes will be added if there is a demand.

Update: The Portland Phoenix has also published an article about the culinary retreat.

Kramer Cookery Collection Goes to Bowdoin (Updated)

| Posted in Openings

Rabelais Books and Bowdoin College announced today the acquisition by the college of The Esta Kramer Collection of American Cookery—more than 700 titles spanning from the Colonial Era to the 1960s.

Rabelais is very pleased to have placed the cookbook collection of Clifford Apgar with the Bowdoin College Library. The placement was made possible through a donation to the College by Esta Kramer, and to honor that generosity the college has named it The Esta Kramer Collection of American Cookery. For the first time, there is an important resource for the history of American cookery in the State of Maine. It’s only fitting that a state with such a long history of food production, and with an exciting current dining scene, should also have the materials for students and scholars.

According to the release from Rabelais, the collection,

…contains more than seven hundred culinary titles, from the Colonial Era through 1900, but a selection of important works from 1900 until 1960 – the year of the publication of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking – is also integrated. Beyond cooking, the collection illuminates the development of American culture, encompassing American social movements and historical events.

Update: The Press Herald has published a front-page article on the Kramer Collection.

El Rayo in Portland (Updated)

| Posted in Under Construction

Today’s Press Herald has a report on plans for a five-story building planned for the corner of High and York Streets—the current location of El Rayo.

The one-level structure that currently houses El Rayo, a traditional Mexican cantina, and the adjacent building that once housed the El Rayo Cantina will be torn down to make way for the new development, according to Veroneau.

“We don’t know at this point but certainly if El Rayo wants to be part of the project we’d love to have them,” Veroneau said.

El Rayo’s owners did not respond to several attempts to reach them Monday.

According to Facebook post on Sunday by Eat Maine, El Rayo is “closing for good at the end of September“.

Update: El Rayo has put out a press release confirming that they’ll be closing their York Street location at the end of September and will be holding a “Farewell Fiesta” on September 26th and 27th.

2nd Update: the Bangor Daily News has published an article about the transition of this space as well.

This Week’s Events: Filipino Dinner, Bissell Reciprocal, Flea Bites

| Posted in Events

Monday — chefs Yana Gilbuena from the Salo Series and Dave Mallari from The Sinful Kitchen are collaborating on a Filipino pop-up dinner.

Tuesday — The Otherside Delicatessen is holding a wine tasting.

Wednesday — it’s the release day for Bissell Brothers Reciprocal, and the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Friday — the summer’s last Flea Bites food truck gathering in West Bayside is taking place as is a wine tasting at the West End Deli.

Saturday — the Hunt & Alpine Club is celebrating their 2nd Anniversary, and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market is taking place.

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.

2 Star Review of the Old Port Sea Grill

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the Old Port Sea Grill.

The Old Port Grill has at least three things going for it: a prime location in the shadow of the U.S. Custom House, a fine fish sandwich at lunchtime, and that delicious salmon spread at dinner. But walk into this seafood restaurant with high hopes of a great meal and you’re likely to head home with a sinking feeling.

Reviews: Terlingua, Central Provisions, Piccolo

| Posted in Reviews

Portland Magazine has reviewed Terlingua,

Though not specifically a barbecue joint, (Terlingua bills itself as “boutique barbecue”), the house-smoked meats–daily preparations listed on a board at the bar–offer some mighty fine fare along those lines. Crossed off a second after we order, our St. Louis ribs appear, perfectly blackened on big bones ($14/$21). With these tender beasts are savory sauces (spicy vinegar and sweet-and-smoky), slices of ripe watermelon, a tangy mixture of house-pickled vegetables, and grilled pita bread.

The Golden Dish has reviewed Central Provisions,

Ending with a hot dish of seared wild black bass a la plancha, a festive and generous dish of white fish seared fast and furiously to retain moistness and flakiness.  Spread alongside was the sweet-sour fig agrodolce and batons of king oyster mushrooms, all of which was so right.

and Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Piccolo.

Their small but unique menu gave us a different take on Italian. Their cozy restaurant is a little tight, but definitely well placed. Their service staff was prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable. Add this one to your list when you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, when you feel like every day is exactly the same, and you want to branch out and feel alive in the superunknown.

Under Construction: Veranda Thai

| Posted in Under Construction

The Press Herald reports that the owners of Veranda Thai have leased the former Salt Exchange space on Commercial Street.

It’s unclear whether the owners of Veranda Thai and Veranda Noodle Bar, located across the street from each other on Portland’s Veranda Street, are opening a third restaurant also named Veranda Thai, or just moving the Veranda Thai at 9 Veranda St. to a new location.