Down East: Is Maine Screwing Up its Wine Industry?

| Posted in Wine

Down East has published an in-depth look at the convoluted and complex set of laws governing wine sales, production and shipping as well as wine tastings in the state.

Yet even such codified situations seem to have exceptions. Winterport Winery, for instance, had a liquor license for three years by virtue of maintaining a restaurant next door (separate door, separate corporation) where it conducted wine pairings with meals and cooking classes. Owner Michael Anderson was surprised, therefore, when he was told that he would not be able to renew his license in 2009.

“Mike, we’ve got a problem,” a state liquor inspector told him. “I want you to become a brewery.”

“You what?”

Immigrant Food System Knowledge

| Posted in Events

The Portland Daily Sun has a report on a United Way program taking place on Friday to educate immigrants about “avoiding unhealthy foods, how-to’s on using kitchen appliances and even an explanation on following a recipe”

The 90-minute forums will be held at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at United Way headquarters at 400 Congress St. The morning session will focus on adult nutrition while the afternoon session will center around adolescent and teenage nutrition. Both events are free and open to the public.

Theater/Food Collaborations

| Posted in Events

There’s a report in this week’s Portland Phoenix about the Of Farms and Fables collaborative effort between farmers and theater to “foster a civic conversation about local agriculture, farming, and the future of small family farms in Maine.”

Over 12 weeks starting in May, Open Waters will bring three artists to three Maine farms — Wm. H. Jordan Farm of Cape Elizabeth, Broadturn Farm of Scarborough, and Benson Farm of Gorham — for residencies that will engage artists in farm work and farm workers in acting and storytelling. The cultural exchange will culminate in the summer of 2011 with an outdoor performance by both theater artists and farm workers, which will draw its audience into a conversation about our land, agriculture and food, those so basic and so sublime elements of how we live.

For those of you looking for a food/theater fix now check out this month’s “psychogeographic dinner theater” taking place at The Whitney Art Works.

Reviews for Rosie's and Pearl

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has published reviews of Rosie’s

Rosie’s is billed as the oldest pub in Portland. But don’t think it doesn’t have the freshest food.

We go often for the atmosphere and a favorite meal. It’s like a college bar for adults; just a friendly community with good service and exceptional food.

and Pearl

The sultans of swank who operate the place have the old-school chic down; the Pearl oozes finesse and skill with its smooth operating, especially for being the new kid on the block. But the ever-thirsty Portland club crowd can get its dance on in a hurry when the staff moves the luscious leather couches out of the way. So whether you want to unleash your inner Shakira after hours or enjoy a quiet cocktail in upscale environs, the Pearl brings you the kind of chic you crave.

Reviews for Rosie’s and Pearl

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has published reviews of Rosie’s

Rosie’s is billed as the oldest pub in Portland. But don’t think it doesn’t have the freshest food.

We go often for the atmosphere and a favorite meal. It’s like a college bar for adults; just a friendly community with good service and exceptional food.

and Pearl

The sultans of swank who operate the place have the old-school chic down; the Pearl oozes finesse and skill with its smooth operating, especially for being the new kid on the block. But the ever-thirsty Portland club crowd can get its dance on in a hurry when the staff moves the luscious leather couches out of the way. So whether you want to unleash your inner Shakira after hours or enjoy a quiet cocktail in upscale environs, the Pearl brings you the kind of chic you crave.

Workers Sue The Front Room

| Posted in General News

An article in today’s Press Herald reports that a group of six current and former employees are suing The Front Room.

A group of restaurant workers is suing The Front Room, claiming that it violated state and federal wage and hour rules.

The restaurant’s owner, Harding Lee Smith, disputes the claims, calling the lawsuit “frivolous.”

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland, is likely to be followed closely by the state’s restaurant owners because many of the alleged practices are widespread in the industry.

There’s also been news coverage from The Forecaster, MPBN, WMTW, Munjoy Hill News and the Portland Daily Sun.