Interview with Damian Sansonetti

| Posted in Under Construction, People

Eater Maine has published an interview with Damian Sansonetti about Blue Rooster, his plans for Piccolo and being part of Portland’s food community.

What are some items that we’ll see on the menu [at Piccolo]?
You’re definitely going to see cavatelli. Both my grandparents cooked cavatelli and I swear that was the first pasta I ever remember making. I remember making it with my nana, my mom’s mom. As soon as I could see the table, I’d help her. She’d feed the machine and I’d crank it through. When I was older, I’d put the dough through myself. She’d tell me to put it through nice and easy so it didn’t gum up. It makes me happy cooking it. One dish I used to do a lot is a lamb neck bolognese, which I’m looking to have.

Sansonetti also emailed to let me know that his wife Ilma Lopez will be taking on the role of pastry chef at Piccolo and will be joining the staff at Blue Rooster. Additionally, Blue Rooster will be in Newcastle this weekend for a pop-up at Oxbow Brewing.

Review of Boda

| Posted in Reviews

The 207 Foodie has published a review of Boda.

Now that I’ve tried Boda in the evening, I look forward to trying it for dinner and getting to order off the entire menu. I will be back, and I have a feeling I’m going to leave knowing I’ve found my favorite Thai place in Portland…

MJ’s Plans to Open on Wednesday (Updated)

| Posted in Openings

markoMJ’s (website, facebook), the new wine bar in One City Center, plans to open on Wednesday pending final inspections taking place today.

Mark Ohlson, the owner of MJ’s, a Certified Sommelier who has over the years worked a number of Portland restaurants including Perfetto’s, Bull Feeney’s, Walters, Hugo’s, Uffa and Frog and Turtle.

Ohlson plans to serve “30 wines by the glass and half glass from around the world focusing on traditional varieties from prominent regions”. The food menu will consist of a “selection of cheese, nuts, olives and chocolate and appropriate accompaniments”.

Update: MJ’s is on track to open on Wednesday. Mayor Brennan will be on hand for a ribbon cutting at 4pm and the bar will open to the public at 6pm. Take a look at this panoramic photo of the interior.

Vena’s Fizz House

| Posted in Profiles

The Forecaster has published an article about Vena’s Fizz House.

Vena’s, which opened July 10 at 345 Fore St., serves more than 35 varieties of all-natural, freshly made soda concoctions. They include pina colada, pomegranate limeade and even “Dim and Stormy,” which uses ginger beer and spiced tonic water to create a non-alcoholic version of a Dark and Stormy cocktail.

“This is a modern version of the old-fashioned soda parlor,” said Johanna Corman, who founded Vena’s with husband Steve and manages its operations. “We think we’ve found a niche.”

Under Construction: Pizza at 158

| Posted in Openings

158 Pickett Street Cafe in South Portland has for many years been a destination for bagels, breakfast and lunch. Starting this Friday they’re adding dinner hours serving a menu of specialty pizza and salads.

To start out the new pizza menu will be available on Friday and Saturday nights; additional days will come online once the fall semester at SMCC (right down the street from 158) is in session.

This Week’s Events: Migratory Fish, Graze, Twilight Dinner, Vinland, Rabelais Book Sale

| Posted in Events

Tuesday — Dr. Walt Golet will be giving a lecture at GMRI on the migratory nature of tuna and swordfish.

Wednesday — Black Tie will be holding a Graze farm dinner in New Gloucester, and the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

Thursday — Brad Messier & Erin Lynch from Rosemont will be the guest chef at this week’s Twilight Dinner at Turkey Hill Farm, there will be a wine and cheese tasting at the Public Market House, and it’s the last day of Vinland’s Kickstarter campaign which has so far raised $37,060 towards a $40k goal.

Saturday — Rabelais is holding their annual book sale (20-25% off), and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Portland Brew Festival — the third big beer event taking place in Portland this summer, the Portland Brew Festival, is scheduled for August 30-31.

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.