Pandemic Tipping & 1975 Vegetarian Conference

| Posted in General News, Events

Today’s Maine Sunday Telegram include a look back at the effect the 1975 World Vegetarian Congress had on the development of meat-free eating in Maine (where the conference was held) and the US.

Exactly 45 years ago today, on Aug. 16, 1975, the World Vegetarian Congress opened at the University of Maine in Orono. Historians have called the two-week long event “the most important gathering of vegetarians in the United States of the 20th century.” The significance of the 1975 congress comes from the publicity it generated for meat-free eating, the alliances it forged between vegetarian activists, and the organizations its attendees went on to create.

and an article that looks at how the pandemic is/should impact how we tip staff in the hospitality industry.

Mainers may be known for their Yankee thrift, but when someone is in trouble they have no problem opening their wallets wide. Just look at how they’re tipping during a pandemic that has put restaurant servers’ livelihoods – and very lives – at stake.

Local restaurants report that diners generally have been tipping more generously, especially on takeout at the start of the pandemic.

PPH Best Takeout List

| Posted in Reviews

Maine Sunday Telegram restaurant critic Andrew Ross has assembled his list of the Best 15 Places for Takeout in Greater Portland.

In lieu of a full Best 75, then, I offer you a Best 15 focused exclusively on takeout. Some of the restaurants (and one food cart) here made last year’s full round-up, while others are newcomers. In each case though, they serve top-notch dishes with a heaping side of resurgent, Resurgam spirit.

Included in the list are: Banh Appetit, Belleville, Buxton Common, Chaval, Enio’s, Isa, Luis’s Arepera, Monte’s Fine Food, Mr. Tuna, Nura, Other Side Diner, Slab, Thai Essan, Thoroughfare, and Woodford F&B.

Sal de la Tierra Now Open

| Posted in Openings

Sal de la Tierra (instagram) opened for business today. Their hours are 9 am to 9 pm. They have both indoor and outdoor seating as well as takeout.

Owners Carlos Sanchez and Isai Galvez renovated the former Wild Burritos space at 581 Congress Street where they’re serving a menu of Puerto Rican, Mexican and Salvadoran food. I enjoyed the grilled tilapia with rice, salad and a glass of horchata for lunch.

George’s North Shore Launches

| Posted in Openings

The George’s North Shore (instagram, facebook) food truck is set to launch today at noon at Battery Steele Brewing. Owners Logan and Alison Abbey relocated from Massachusetts several years ago and the North Shore roast beef sandwich is a taste of home they’d like to introduce in Portland.

The feature item on the menu will be a Super Beef Threeway: a grilled buttered bun, thin-sliced rare roast beef, topped with white American cheese, mayo and James River BBQ sauce. George’s is named for their dog, George Costanza.

Wonder Woman Cookbook

| Posted in Under Construction

Briana and Andre Volk have completed a new book project, Wonder Woman, The Official Cookbook. Briana wrote the text and Andrew did the photography. The book is being published by Simon and Schuster and is set to release in November.

An enduring symbol of truth, justice, and equality, Wonder Woman has inspired comic readers of all ages for nearly eighty years with her unwavering moral compass and commitment to preserving peace on Earth. Now, fans can celebrate their love of this iconic hero with this fun cookbook inspired by all things Wonder Woman. Illustrated by gorgeous full-color photography, the book features over 50 delectable recipes—including Greek Goddess Salad, Themysciran Flatbread Pizzas, and Lasso of Truth Cupcakes—for cooks of all skill levels. With simple recipe instructions, suggested ingredient modifications, and prepared menus for several delightful Wonder Woman–themed parties, this is the perfect cookbook to share with friends, family, and Amazon warriors both big and small.

Halsted’s Chicago Style Eats

| Posted in Openings

A new food truck called Halsted’s Chicago Style Eats (instagram, facebook) launched this past weekend. Founders Angela and Jeff Aspito and Joel Jeffrey are serving up a menu of Vienna hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches—food classics from their native home of Chicago.

You can find them Saturday from 12-6 at Cornerstone Tile (1438 Washington Ave) and on Sunday 12-6 on the Eastern prom. In the meantime check out their promo video.