Review of Ramen Suzukiya

| Posted in Reviews

The Bollard has reviewed Ramen Suzukiya.

Shoyu broth is “Oriental” flavor’s elegant cousin — a complex, meaty broth with an earthy taste of mushrooms. The miso broth is more refined, with a satisfying saltiness. The Hakata-style ramen has an incomparably rich tonkotsu broth. Traditionally made by boiling pork and chicken until the bones and marrow begin to break down, this broth is milky and murky with sediment, yet has a gelatinous sheen. This is the ultimate comfort food, and surely the style I’ll choose when winter’s chill arrives.

Ocean Approved Kelp Farming

| Posted in Farming

Today’s Boston Globe includes a report on Ocean Approved’s seaweed aquaculture operation.

At the vanguard of New England’s nascent seaweed farming industry is Paul Dobbins, president and cofounder of Ocean Approved, a kelp farming operation based in Portland, Maine.

“The majority of seaweed gets imported from Asia,” Dobbins said. “We see an opportunity to provide a local alternative to that, and the response has been tremendous.”

Under Construction: Lone Pine Brewing

| Posted in Under Construction, Beer

lonepine_logoA new brewery called Lone Pine(website, facebook, twitter, instagram) is under development in East Bayside, according to a report from Eater Maine. The brewery is going in at 219 Anderson Street at the former location of Pistol Pete Upholstery Shop.

Lone Pine Brewery is the project of Tom Madden from Madden Beverage in Saco. He hopes to open Lone Point this winter.

Need to get caught-up on all the new places under construction? Check out the our Under Construction list for the latest details.

Under Construction: Farm Truck Juice (Updated)

| Posted in Under Construction

farmtruckjuice_logoFarm Truck Juice(facebook, website, twitter, instagram) has leased a retail space at the corner of Brackett and Pine Streets next to Rosemont Market.

The juice bar will serve “fresh pressed juices made from organic, locally sourced ingredients”. Additionally, the cooperatively run business promises,

FTJ customers will be aware of exactly how and where the ingredients are being sourced as well as how and where their dollars are being spent…We strive for excellence while maintaining our values. We will not only be offering a healthy product, but by doing so, we will play an active role in the stewardship of our growing community.

Update: Restaurateur Walter Loeman who founded Walter’s, Perfetto’s, Mazza, Cotton Street Cantina and several other restaurants is part of the cooperative team launching Farm Truck Juice.

This Week’s Events: Elderberry Workshop, Patio to The Point, Blue Point, Symphony + Spirits, Knightsville Brewpub

| Posted in Events

sandslogoTuesday — there will be an Italian wine tasting at Otherside Deli, an elderberry syrup workshop at the Portland Coop, and Julia & Craig Dilger are holding a meeting at CIA Cafe to talk about the new brewpub they have under development in Knightsville.

Wednesday — the Monument Square Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Thursday — Rising Tide is holding a launch party for Waypoint a coffee porter made with Tandem beans, there will be a cider and cheese tasting at the Public Market House and a wine tasting at the Brighton Ave Rosemont.

Friday — Bissell Brothers is teaming up with CN Shawarma, Mami, Locally Sauced, Fishin’ Ships and High Roller Lobster on an outdoor beer dinner at Thompson’s Point called Patio to The Point.

Saturday — LeRoux Kitchen is holding a wine tasting, Blue Point Brewing is holding a Boatyard Bash on Union Wharf, and the Deering Oaks Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Sunday –the Portland Symphony is teaming up with Novare Res for a new edition of Symphony + Spirits. For $20 you get a ticket to the PSO concert and a post-concert Oktoberfest beer at Novare Res with 70+ other 21-40 year olds who participate.

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.

Rwandan Bean Co.

| Posted in People, Profiles

Today’s Press Herald includes an article about the Rwandan Bean Company in Portland.

Mwenedata, 30, and Mazuroski, 28, are the founders of the year-old Rwanda Bean Co., a coffee bean wholesaler. They’re also philanthropists. Or at least that’s the plan.

By buying coffee beans directly from a farmer’s cooperative in the western Rwandan province of Karora, they cut out the middleman coffee broker and pay the farmers more. But their commitment to giving back doesn’t stop there.

You can learn more about Rwanda Bean on their website rwandabean.com.