If you see the author of Edible Obsessions about town be sure to congratulate her. Earlier this month she passed a rigorous set of exams to become a Certified Cheese Professional—one of only 253 in the country.
She’s also announced the end of the witty and wonderful Edible Obsessions blog. I’ll be sad to see it go.
Portland magazine has published a review of Boone’s,
It’s amazing that a lost institution like Boone’s can be found like this. The happy noise and fun and pounding music assures you you’ve found the mystical place you’ve been looking for. Come on in and crack one open. We rate this place five seagulls.
an interview with Tollef K. Olson of Ocean Approved about Maine’s seaweed industry,
A multi-billion-dollar industry is making a big splash on Maine’s shores. “We’re going global in the spring,” says Tollef K. Olson (pictured right), CEO and founder of Ocean Approved at 188 Presumpscot Street in Portland, an innovative firm that’s creating a lucrative market for Maine’s kelp beds overnight.
and an article about the claims made about and by Portland restaurants (go to page 47)
[There’s n]othing Maine loves more than food bragging rights, a best-of-boast, a pub fact.
The Golden Dish has published a review of Bar Lola.
My lamb was delicious, especially the mushroom gastrique. There were two chops that were pan roasted. I thought the lamb, however, was tough, something that I’ve noticed before with this farm’s lamb. Otherwise it was another very well devised offering.
Edible Brooklyn has published an article on the back story behind Flanagan’s Table.
As for preserving the barn itself, [Gail] Landry hired a team of carpenters to repurpose the century-old floorboards into a bar area and dining tables for the space, while adding an updated kitchen for serious meals. Empty except for occasional private events, it could house a sublimely beautiful pop-up restaurant. She just needed someone to run it—and she had the perfect person in mind.
Upcoming dinners at Flanagan’s Table feature Krista Kern Desjarlais, Masa Miyake and Pete Sultenfuss.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of Salvage BBQ,
The ribs were everyone’s favorite – nice and tender, with a spicy, smoky dry rub. I also sampled the sausage, which was very smoky, and the spicy chili which contained shredded pork, creating a great unexpected consistency. Everyone in my party was very happy with their experience at Salvage BBQ. The prices may seem high for one, but splitting trays worked out perfectly. I spent about $25 for 2 local beers and half a tray of meat and sides with leftovers.
the Portland Phoenix has published a review of Boone’s,
Boone’s is Smith’s fourth restaurant in town, and probably the best since his first, the Front Room. In seeking to balance the touristic appeal of a place like Gilbert’s or J’s with some of the seafood sophistication of Street and Co. or Eventide, he has developed a place that is distinctive. Portlanders will figure out an affordable way to pass some time on the deck — maybe split a big order of fried scallops with some beers? And they will think of Boone’s when their guests want to sample New England cuisine — especially when those visitors are the type to pick up the bill.
and The 207 Foodie has published a review of the Bar of Chocolate Cafe.
Dessert is the best meal of the day to me, and The Bar of Chocolate in the Old Port deserves some recognition. As a chocoholic, I’ve never found a place that quenches my endless thirst for chocolate and dessert quite like they do. From alcoholic beverages to the perfect dessert to end your night, The Bar of Chocolate means business.
Today’s Press Herald reports on the impact of the Pirate’s departure from the Civic Center on local bars and restaurants.
At Binga’s Stadium, a sports bar directly across Free Street from the civic center, the return of the hockey team after the civic center’s $34 million renovation was seen as “the light at the end of the tunnel,” said its general manager.
For months, the bar has dealt with the noise and dirt of the renovation, as well as the closed streets and lost parking spaces, said Rob Kolodzej. But the Pirates always brought in many fans for pre- and post-game chicken wings and beer, he said.
Today’s paper also has a follow-up on restaurant inspector Michele Sturgeon’s resignation.
From Away blogger Jillian Bedell served as guest co-host of this episode of Tastemade. Bedell and the show’s host Byron Talbott paid a visit to both Eventide and Bite into Maine to enjoy Portland’s two best lobster rolls.
Tastemade was one of three TV crews filming in Portland in early September.
The Press Herald reports that restaurant inspector Michelle Sturgeon has resigned.
Sturgeon found herself in the center of controversy in September 2012 when she closed the popular Porthole Restaurant, Comedy Connection and Harbour’s Edge banquet hall because of a rat infestation. The restaurant, which underwent a major renovation, has since reopened under new ownership.
Eat Maine has published a review of the Portland Hunt and Club.
White Noise is the best beverage you’ll have this month, maybe even this year. Made with St. Germain (quite possibly my favorite liquor of all time), Cocchi Americano, and grapefruit zest, it’s light and effervescent. It’s fruity without being sweet, and strong without being overpowering.
The Press Herald has published a review of Tu Casa,
In fact, it’s best not to worry about geographic origins altogether and focus on the real strength of Tu Casa — namely, that everything tastes fresh and homemade.
and a bar review of Grace.
Grace’s impressive ambiance could easily be seen as a distraction. After all, it’s not every day that you get to drink beer and eat a swanky burger in a church. However, the food, the drinks and the service live up to the restaurant’s charm. First timers will likely become devout patrons, returning again and again.
Maine magazine has published (not online yet) a review of Hugo’s.
While the precision of the fare is a novelty, and the beautiful plating a visual treat, these s’mores still taste like childhood camping trips and liicking my fingers in the smoky, dark woods. Forward-thinking yet rich with history—this is the new Hugo’s.
and Living, Eating and Aging has published a review of Yordprom Coffee.
I don’t know if I’d walk past some of the other really good coffee shops just to grab a cup at Yordprom but I certainly wouldn’t pass by Yordprom to go anywhere else either. Basically, it’s a really nice coffee shop with excellent coffee, free parking and a great garden.
Baker Stephen Lazalotta is “in the early stages of planning a new pizza spot in Portland” according to a report from Eater Maine.