Under Construction: Gross Confection Bar

| Posted in Under Construction

Pastry chef Brant Dadaleares has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the launch of his dessert-only restaurant Gross Confection Bar (instagram) The $35,000 raised by the campaign will be used to pay for the build-out of the restaurant and for refrigeration equipment.

Gross Confection Bar will be a dessert-focused restaurant and bar to be located in the heart of the Old Port district in Portland, Maine. Gross will provide a unique and consistent restaurant experience featuring an ever changing selection of high-quality artfully-plated desserts, cocktails, dessert wines, digestifs, and exceptional service. Gross will also provide a consistent selection of enrobed ganaches, fruit pates, bon-bon, entremets, late night savory snacks and desserts to go. Gross will create a new niche for a “just for dessert” destination experience in Portland.

I’ve been seeking out and happily consuming Dadaleares’ desserts for many years at Fore Street, Eventide/Honey/Paw, Central Provisions/Tipo and at his dessert pop-ups. Portland Food Map is a contributor to the Gross Confection Bar Kickstarter campaign.

Reviews: Eventide, Pai Men, Big Fin Poke

| Posted in Reviews

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Big Fin Poke,

If you go to Big Fin Poke – and you should – feel free to get creative with your bowl. I went a little light on the add-ons this time, but you’re able to get as crazy as you want. Load on the goodies and enjoy your work in creating a masterpiece. That’s half the fun of going. Of course, the food itself is also awesome. Stay tuned for more awesomeness as a new Big Fin comes to South Portland soon too.

As the Lobster Roll has reviewed Eventide, and

And did I mention those miniature steamed buns are stuffed full of lobster which has been skillfully sauteed in the brown butter? I have no idea what else they add to the mixture and honestly, I don’t care… because it’s so decadent and delicious! The price is $15 for one lobster roll (no accoutrements included) and whoever can go there and just eat one is a bigger person than me.

the Press Herald has published a bar review of Pai Men Miyake.

The food is what truly shines at Pai Men Miyake. If you’re a fan of sour flavors or drinks with heavy lime/lemon flavorings, then this is the cocktail list for you. Otherwise, sticking to their beers (a large, exciting selection of both local and Japanese brews), wine or sake is likely the way to go. A loud, casual and hip atmosphere make this a fun place to grab some food and a drink with friends or a date.

Under Construction: Bob’s Clam Hut

| Posted in Under Construction

Bob’s Clam Hut (website) in Kittery is opening a second location at 109 Cumberland Ave in Portland.

According to their press release:

Bob’s Clam Hut is actively involved in securing space for a second restaurant location at 109 Cumberland Avenue in Portland, ME. The Portland property will be an extension of the award-winning Kittery-based seafood restaurant that opened its iconic roadside stand over 60 years ago. Sticking to its roots, Bob’s Portland location will continue its emphasis on classic New England seafood, but with a few tweaks to offerings that better align with the Portland dining community and leverage distinct features of the new space.

Bob’s has been in business since 1956.

109 Cumberland was formerly the home of 3 Buoys Seafood Shanty & Grille, which closed earlier this year.

This Week’s Events: Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Indie Biz, Mushroom Walk, Panarda

| Posted in Events

Wednesday – Old Port Wine is holding a tasting, and the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Thursday – the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is holding the inaugural meet and greet at Sable Oaks, Terlingua is partnering with Austin Street and Cold Spring Ranch on a beer dinner.

Friday – Rob Evans and several other chefs are holding a Lettuce after party as a benefit for Full Plates Full Potential, it’s the last day to cast your vote in the Indie Biz Awards, and there will be an Italian wine tasting at Rosemont on Brighton.

Saturday – North Spore is leading a mushroom identification walk at Pineland, Portersfield Cider is holding a farm party in Pownal, and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Sunday – Piccolo is celebrating their 4th anniversary with a 20-course panarda dinner, Solo Italiano is holding a Porto Vino wine dinner, Portland Ballet will be performing at Allagash, and North Spore is leading a 2nd mushroom identification walk at Pineland

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, please provide details as a comment to this post.

Reviews: Bayside Bowl, Local 188, Little Giant, Yobo, Tipo

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Bayside Bowl and 33 Elmwood,

Its new outdoor rooftop deck is an absolute stunner, with a bar and an Airstream trailer that serves as a taco truck. Unfortunately, the food seems occasionally like an afterthought, lagging behind the standard set by the modern, often elegant spaces that make up the business. Among the better dishes are the tender cactus taco and Bayside’s vegan interpretation of a Reuben sandwich, the Rachael, made with smoky tempeh and tangy sauerkraut. Steer clear of the gloppy, oversauced tot poutine, which our server described as “unforgettable.” She’s not wrong.

the Portland Phoenix has reviewed Little Giant,

The LG Burger & Jojos (read: burly, delicious steak fries) served as the evening’s entrée, a no-frills take on the diner staple topped with American cheese, pickled grilled red onion, iceberg lettuce and BBQ mayo. Though a bit on the small side, the burger’s sheer and undulating juiciness made up for any perceived size discrepancies demanding bite after blissful bite. I left full and happy.

The Bollard has reviewed Yobo and Tipo,

The classic bibimbap ($15) is a solid choice — a combination of beef or tofu with rice (fried to a delicious crisp on the bottom of the hot stone bowl), veggies, a runny egg yolk and gochujang (red-chili paste) that you mix yourself. If there’s a taco special, order that too. The pork belly and local uni (sea urchin) tacos ($12) were the tastiest dish on the table one Thursday night.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Local 188,

On the other hand, the mushrooms had me at “hello”. One bite of the voluptuous oyster shrooms was enough to know I was in fungal heaven. I noticed the pickled shallots immediately and then a little romesco. My next bite added a couple slices of almond and there was something about the nut flavor that covered the mushrooms in a calmness, muting a little of the vinegar and blending everything together. I found it entrancing.