Benny’s is a seasonal clamshack located on West Commercial near the Veterans Memorial Bridge. As the sign says, they plan on re-opening “on or about [April] 29th weather permitting”.
Barava Review
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Barava, the new Somali restaurant that opened on Congress street early last month.
The entrées, while perfectly fine, could not live up to the opening. The kabaab, “broiled with complementing addition in the tandoor” as the menu said, was a bit drier as an entrée then it seemed in the basket. But is came with a creamy, spicy, lemony hummus, and a spectacular thick African flatbread called muufo baravani.
Food+Farm+Compost
According to today’s Press Herald, Greg Williams and Brett Richardson have won the 2009 USM Student Business Plan Competition for their Organic Alchemy Composting proposal. Their business plan proposes turning food waste collected from local restaurants into organic compost.
Also, the Food and Health section has a report on the Food+Farm program taking place in early May.
More on the Deathmatch
More information has made it online about Sunday’s Deathmatch. Zack Bowen has published 300+ photos of the event, the Rabelais Books blog reports that the “marathon of mastication was a good one”, and Accidental Vegetables has a brief report but promises that she’ll have “a full report in Deathmatch Last Meal” soon. JohnnyD has continued to add to his thread about the event on the eGullet forum.
Maine Food & Lifestyle
The latest edition of Maine Food & Lifestyle is now out. The new issue includes a survey of eateries is Westbrook.
To fully appreciate Portland’s longtime country cousin, drive west to this little town’s historic district where the parking is…free. I know, I know, it seems too good to be true, but it is.
Maine Food & Lifestyle
The latest edition of Maine Food & Lifestyle is now out. The new issue includes a survey of eateries is Westbrook.
To fully appreciate Portland’s longtime country cousin, drive west to this little town’s historic district where the parking is…free. I know, I know, it seems too good to be true, but it is.
Project Chef
Professor Ardis Cameron, a professor of American and New England Studies at USM, is teaching a class this summer entitled “Project Chef: Documenting Portland’s Food Industry“. As part of the class, students will interiview local chefs, wait staff or others involved in the local food economy. Required reading for the course includes Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. According to the syllabus, “The project’s goal is to produce a narrative for public presentation and distribution.” I look forward to hearing what they put together.
Fresh Deathmatch
The Deathmatch crew reunited this weekend for another gastro-celebration. This time around they were tasked with answering what food, drink, company, music and setting they’d want for their last meal. See JohnnyD’s post on the eGullet forums for photos, menus and more.
Rosemont Market Review
Tasting in Tongues has published a review of Rosemont Market and Bakery.
The Rosemont Market & Bakery has a neighborhood feel with a world-class selection run by an expert and friendly staff. Their focus is on local foods – produce, meats, dairy, eggs, and specialty products. All 3 locations feature artisanal breads and pastries made at their Brighton Avenue location. Their wine selection is way above par – extensive, unique and inexpensive.
This Week’s Events
Test you Portland culinary knowledge at Monday’s Food and Drink Trivia Night being held at Bull Feeney’s. According to The Maine Switch, the farmers’ market in Monument Square has started up ahead of schedule this year and will be open on Wednesday morning. This Wednesday afternoon there’s an open house at Portland’s community supported kitchen Local Sprouts. On Thursday, the Community Television Network will host a panel discusion on Maine Food Systems. Also on Thursday, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing beers from D.L. Geary Brewing. There are three classes scheduled this week: at Piatto per Tutti on Monday; as well as Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink classes on Tuesday and Thursday. There are two wine tasting: at Browne Trading on Thursday and Kitchen and Cork on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.