This Week’s Events: A Place at the Table, PSO Wine Dinner, Vietti Dinner, Allagash Tasting

| Posted in Events

aplaceatthetableMonday — Space Gallery is screening the movie A Place at the Table which is about hunger in America. The film will be followed by a discussion led by Maine Hunger Initiative.

Wednesday — the 13th Annual PSO Wine Dinner (sold out) is taking place; this year’s dinner features Greek wines paired with dishes prepared by Emilitsa, Piccolo, Fore Street, Inn by the Sea and the Harraseeket Inn. Black Tie is teaching a cooking class.

Thursday — Wine Wise and Vignola are collaborating on a Vietti wine dinner, Eve’s is hosting a South American dinner featuring dishes from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, and the Bier Cellar is holding an Allagash beer tasting.

Saturday — the Winter Farmers Market is taking place at the Urban Farm Fermentory on Anderson Street.

American Sommelier Classes – the Maine chapter of American Sommelier is offering several wine education programs this year: monthly seminars on a wide range of topics, a 6-week foundation series on major grape varietals, and a 10-week series on viticulture.

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 Vinland

| Posted in Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Vinland.

Vinland’s myriad ideas are most eloquently expressed when the food itself speaks for them. And the restaurant lets that happen — the menu and the service offer few hints of the righteousness that has become Vinland’s public persona. The handsome room is spare and well lit, the better to appreciate the presentation of the cuisine — which remained true to its astringent-aesthetic from that beet chip beginning to a delicious dried-parsnip crumble for dessert.

Under Construction: Bonfire Pub

| Posted in Under Construction

bonfire_logoBonfire (facebook) is under construction at 37 Wharf Street in the space formerly occupied by Seawall and Brook There. Bonfire is a country-themed bar. They hope to open in May.

Bonfire Country Pub located in the Heart of the Old Port at 37 Wharf Street in Portland. This amazing place features a country vibe with fun lively atmosphere. Specializing in our drinks served in Red Solo Cups and a hint of technology, you will have an absolute blast with this fun atmosphere.

Roost House of Juice Closing

| Posted in Closings

roost_logoRoost House of Juice has announced that they are closing up the business as of April 1.

We have decided to close the doors to our café & juice bar at 11 Free Street. We’ve had a tremendous run here and we’ve felt your love and support throughout this endeavor.

We want you to know that our decision to close is based on a number of factors, with the biggest being that we’re ready to move on from the brick & mortar business model.

Roost’s closing comes as Liquid M2, a business with a seemingly similar concept, is soon set to open.

Review of Fishermen’s Grill

| Posted in Reviews

Blueberry Files has reviewed the Fishermen’s Grill.

This place isn’t sexy, but the food is the real deal. The seafood is ordered fresh daily and sourced locally. Once there weather warms up, I could see sitting outside or getting food to go and enjoying it in Baxter Woods across the street. It’s not necessarily cheap, but portions are big and easily feed two. The Fishermen’s Grill is cash only. Go check it out and enjoy the “locals only” feeling.

Star Chefs Announces 2014 Awards List

| Posted in Reviews

Star Chefs has announced their 2014 Coastal New England Rising Stars list and on it are several Maine chefs and food purveyors:

  • Ravin “Bas” Nakjaroen from Long Grain in Camden
  • Andrew Taylor and Michael Wiley from Hugo’s/Eventide
  • Ilma Lopez from Piccolo in the Pastry Chefs category
  • Eli Cayer from the Urban Farm Fermentory in the Artisans category
  • Will Pratt from Tandem in the Coffee Roasters category
  • Nathan Sanborn from Rising Tide in the Brewers category
  • Andrew Volk from Hunt + Alpine in the Bartenders category