The new issue of Down East is now out. Several Portland area businesses made it into the Food and Drink category for their Best of Maine 2009 feature article including Allagash, W.O Hesperus, The Cheese Iron, Shipyard, Rabelais and the Portland Food Map.
Evangeline
Down East also published a review of Evangeline.
“Evangeline has only been open since April 2008, but Desjarlais is clearly talented and his passion is one of his most important ingredients. One can only expect that this charming bistro will soon take its place on the list of Portland’s top restaurants.”
Mims Brasserie Closes
Chow Maine has published a report on the passing of Mims Brasserie. I’ve heard that a new restauranteur is already planning on taking over the prime Commercial Street space.
The Bollard
The December issue of The Bollard has hit newsstands. It includes another installment in the Land of Forgotten Cocktails series by mixologist John Myers and a review of the Miss Portland Diner. The review found the food somewhat lacking for the price “Miss Portland isn’t exactly sure what she wants to be. She’s too expensive to be a greasy spoon, but not good enough to reach the next level of dining in a city with plenty of other good options.”
Andy’s Old Port Pub
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Andy’s Old Port Pub.
“To get the menu you flag down one of the bartenders — seasoned thirtysomethings who suit the place. It’s the standard pub approach for the most part: burgers, pizza, fried stuff, something Mexican — with a few more ambitious entrees. The servings are big, and the food’s not bad.”
Miss Portland Diner
Portland Magazine has reviewed the Miss Portland Diner.
“But back to bacon, how good’s the food here? This is as good diner fare as we have ever enjoyed – not ‘gourmet,’ but the real deal.”
Port City Life
The December issue of Port City Life is now out. Standard Baking appears in a short list of Maine bakeries, there’s a profile of wild foods expert Kate Gooding, and the new issue provides some advice on what to get the foodie on your Christmas list.
Maine Food & Lifestyle
The new issue of Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine, which hit the newsstands last week, includes a nice profile of Green Elephant, as well as articles on the Maine oyster industry, Freeport’s Haraseeket Inn, a short list of some Maine chocolatiers.
Portland's the New Portland
Epicurious has published their list of 2009 food trends (via Portland Psst!). Number 8 on the list is “Portland (Maine) is the new Portland (Oregon). Abundance of great chefs, restaurants, and local foodies? Check, check, and check. Want examples? Visit Five Fifty-Five, Hugo’s, and Fore Street to start.”
Great Chilli & Chowder Challenge
The annual Great Chilli & Chowder Challenge has been cancelled by it’s organizers in favor of planning a Family Expo.