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Here are a few pictures from Thursday’s friends and family preview at Cong Tu Bot (facebook, tumblr, instagram, twitter). Owners of the new Vietnamese restaurant on Inner Washington Ave are planning to open to the public late next week.
CN Traveler: Portland Keeps Getting Cooler
Conde Nast Traveler has published an article entitled How Portland, Maine Keeps Getting Cooler.
In the last few years, as the city’s various industrial no man’s lands have given way to breweries, speakeasies, concert venues, and upscale boutiques, Portland, Maine has become New England at its prime: innovation without the altered skyline, urban culture without the traffic jams, seaside charm with all the lobster and only some of the knick-knacks. Best part is: You can do it all on foot.
Under Construction: Mr Tuna
A new food cart called Mr. Tuna (instagram, facebook) is under development. Owner Jordan Rubin plans on serving a menu of sushi burritos, hand rolls and bowls wish vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Rubin has worked at Uni Sashimi Bar in Boston and Solo Italiano in Portland.
He hopes to finish final inspections soon and be out on Commercial Street next week.
Under Construction: Higher Grounds Cafe
A new coffee shop has leased 1,400 sq ft on Wharf Street. Higher Grounds Cafe will be located at 51 Wharf Street and be taking over a portion of the space formally occupied by 51 Wharf.
In conjunction with Fore Street Partners, NAI The Dunham Group is reaching out to the market in search of restaurants, arts or retail users to fill the remaining space and complete the goal of transforming this block of Wharf St. The owner is flexible and welcomes creative ideas to help turn this area into a destination for food, coffee, retail and pubs. The remaining 3,500 s/f is available for lease. It can be subdivided into two smaller spaces and features a fully built-out kitchen for food users.
Island Dog Brewing
The Forecaster has published an article about Island Dog Brewing.
Still in its nascent stages, Island Dog Brewing only sells tasting flights, pints, and growlers, although by August they hope to distribute kegs to area bars and restaurants – including Otto Pizza, which is in the same complex behind the Maine Mall, and will deliver pies to the 4,200-square-foot tasting room.
Bagels at Scratch
Kitchn has posted an article about the bagels at Scratch Baking Co.
Growing up in Fairfield County — New York City just a quick train ride away — I was sure I was eating some of the best (if not the best) bagels in the world. Ess-a-Bagel, Russ & Daughters, Absolute Bagels, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee, Murray’s, Tompkins Square Bagels — these are the bagel shops that had my love and allegiance for most of my life.
But that all changed when I visited a small bakery in South Portland, Maine.
Vegan Food Trucking
An article in the Press Herald highlights three Portland food trucks that serve vegan options on their menu: Mashed, Thainy Boda and Falafel Mafia.
Portland Pulp Opening Friday
The Lost Kitchen
The Boston Globe and Plate have published articles about The Lost Kitchen.
French brings out lit tapers in white candlesticks to each table. She tells her guests the story of their dinner: what they are eating, where it comes from. Then she offers a toast. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she says. “This is my favorite place in the world.”
Under Construction: Little Woodfords
A new coffee shop called Little Woodfords (website, instagram, twitter, facebook) is under construction in Woodfords Corner at 643 Forest Ave in the IOOF Building.
The 1,000 sq ft LW is self described as “a tiny shop serving up coffee, snacks and community”.
Owners Andrew Zarro and TJ Quinn live in the neighborhood. They signed the lease for the space just a few days ago and hope to make quick work of the renovations to open by the end of August.
Zarro and Quinn have been in touch with a number of roasters and are narrowing down for a final selection. The finalists are coffee roasters that aren’t currently served in Portland and so would bring something new to the broader coffee loving community of Portland.