Review of The Honey Paw

| Posted in Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed The Honey Paw.

The Honey Paw, a third contiguous Middle Street restaurant from the folks behind Hugo’s and Eventide, hews closer to the latter strategy. Like Roger in full flight, Honey Paw seems willing to try anything, certain they have the talent to pull it off.  The menu has a lot of noodles, and the flavors lean toward Asia. But these serve as basic ideas, not rigid constraints, and many of the dishes pleasantly surprise you with unexpected combinations of approaches, textures and ingredients.

Evo

| Posted in Profiles

Eating Portland Alive has published a set photos and some commentary on Evo.

That being said, I greatly enjoyed my meal at EVO and I would not hesitate to steer diners in their direction. The stars of the evening for me were the meat courses. The duck meatballs, lamb loin, sweetbreads, and chicken livers were all stand-outs. I also greatly appreciated the bartender’s efforts to develop a selection of mocktails while the other guests were offered wine pairings. I think that EVO is a strong addition to both the growing Mediterranean niche and Portland’s food scene in general.

Food Republic: Eating in Portland

| Posted in Reviews

Food Republic has set of 5 restaurant recommendations for Portland: Bao Bao, Lolita, Salvage, Union, Vinland.

During the summer months, Portland, Maine, is as irresistible as a destination gets. The weather is comfortably warm, with low humidity. The skies are crystal-clear, and the water is, well, right there. Aside from the postcard-perfect backdrop of the city and its natural surroundings, there’s plenty of good eating to be done.

Sam Lives! Smoothies

| Posted in Profiles

The Press Herald has a report on a new smoothy line from Maine called Sam Lives! run by Samantha Levin.

Some would say smoothies run in Samantha Levin’s veins. Including Levin herself.

“I have a love for smoothies and juices because I came from a family where we were always playing around with them,” said Levin, 24, who launched a new line of bottled, superfood smoothies called Sam Lives! at the Portland Whole Foods Market earlier this month. The store sold out of its initial order of 500 bottles in two days.

Those of you who were in Portland back in the ’90s will remember the Fresh Samantha line of smoothies. That company was launched by Levin’s parents and named for Levin.

This Week’s Events: Pocket Cruise, Summer Session

| Posted in Events

summersessionTuesday — the Local Foods Networking Breakfast is taking place at Local Sprouts, and the Pocket Brunch team is hosting a Pocket Cruise on the Frances.

Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Saturday — More than 50 brewers will be at Thompson’s Point for the Summer Session Beer Festival, and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Indonesian Dinner — The Honey Paw will be serving an Indonesian dinner on August 4 in collaboration with Kaki Lima from Boston. Tickets are available online and are $65 per person.

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.

Under Construction: Tomaso’s Canteen

| Posted in Under Construction

Sam Minervino, owner of Samuel’s Bar & Grill, has applied for a liquor license for Tomaso’s Canteen, the new neighborhood pub he has under construction in the former Sangillo’s. Here’s an excerpt from Minervino’s cover letter,

The decor will pay  homage to the history of the neighborhood. My goal is create a comfortable neighborhood gathering place, where those who live and work nearby can come frequently for a drink and a reasonably priced bit to eat.

The draft menu (page 75) includes the Wings that Samuel’s is known for as well as Italian Subs, Burgers and Fried Stuffed Olives. Tomaso’s is named for Minervino’s great grandfather.

Under Construction: Roustabout

| Posted in Under Construction

Roustabout(twitter, instagram) has applied for a liquor license. The draft menu (page 40) included in the application includes items such as Smoked Baby Back Rigatoni, Roasted Char and Roasted and Dressed Mushrooms.

The restaurant, which includes a private dining room, will seat a total of 75. Owners Kit Paschal and Anders Tallberg hope to open the restaurant this Fall. Roustabout will be open 7 days a week, 11 am to midnight.

roustabout_map