Judy Gibson Closing

| Posted in Closings

Judy Gibson chef/owner Chris Wilcox has announced he’ll be permanently closing the South Portland restaurant. November 19th will be their last day in business.

I cannot begin to express the sadness I feel as I write this. The last four years of my life have been wholly dedicated to Judy Gibson. We opened on March 4th of 2020 and were forced to close ten days later because of the global pandemic. We lost 80% of our operating capital in those first four months. Once we were able to open again for outdoor dining we saw a strong surge in revenue and had a great summer to help keep us pushing through. We did not receive any large federal financial assistance and have been riding the highs and lows of seasonality in Maine ever since. We’ve fried chicken and made corndogs to allow for Judy Gibson to continue as we always wanted to be. This past summer was good, but not good enough to sustain us through the slower months of winter. The decision to close now is so that we can guarantee that our staff can get paid while they figure out what is next and that all of our vendors are paid in full. All gift cards with remaining balances after we close will also be reimbursed in full.

The Maine Sunday Telegram selected Judy Gibson as the Best New Restaurant of 2021 and restaurant critic Andrew Ross gave it a four star rating (excellent) in a review in 2022.

Maine Food & Dining News

| Posted in Maine

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know on what’s going on:

  • Miller’s Market (website, instagram) is opening on Friday November 3rd, noon to 8 pm. They’re in Gorham center at 29 School Street. Owner Sam Smith plans to have on tap “select cuts of beef, pork and poultry in the cases, some of our grab-n-go dinners, and our sandwich and salad menu for take out or dine in” on Friday. Smith plans to add breakfast hours the following week.
  • A new owner has taken over the Eat More Cheese market in Belfast and renamed it as Salvatore & Roscia (website, instagram). Owner Maura Salvatore has built on the market’s existing strengths in wine and cheese retail to include homewares and charcuterie boards with grab and go sandwiches and salads in the cards for early 2024. The market is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.
  • The team from Blue Spoon is opening their Rockport restaurant on November 9th. Check their website for the menu; reservations are available on OpenTable. They’ll be open nightly, 5 – 9 pm.
  •  Mainebiz reports the Pizza by Michael in Saco is under new ownership.
  • The Kennebec Journal reports that the “bagel craze” is spreading through central Maine. The article features Sand Hill Bagel Company and Sunrise Bagels with a mention of Bagel Mainea.
  • The Lincoln County News has published an article about Jonathan Turcotte and Kelsey Grossmann and their new Wiscasset cafe Yonder.
  • Mr. Tuna is working with Maiz to operate a pocket outpost of their business out of Maiz’s Brunswick location. Maiz in Brunswick is located at 11 Pleasant Street near Vessel and Vine.
  • As reported on Monday, South Portland’s Cafe Louis is opening a second location in Camden. Cafe Louis is joining Maiz, Solo Italiano, and the owners of the former Ruby’s West End in seeing opportunity to expand in the Midcoast.

Mesa Grande Taqueria

| Posted in Under Construction

A “California-Mexican inspired fast casual” restaurant called Mesa Grande Taqueria (website, instagram) is under construction at 140 Fore Street near the Roux Institute. This will be the second location of a business that opened in Auburn, New York in 2010. The Portland location is being launched by Yarmouth resident Collin Henderson.

The Mesa Grande menu will include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and salads as well as a children’s menu. They will have a full liquor license.

Renovations are just getting underway but when completed the restaurant will seat (see floor plan below) approximately 40 people with seasonal outdoor seating as well. Henderson hopes to open Mesa Grande in the spring. He chose the location on Fore Street because of its proximity to the businesses located in the area and to the Munjoy Hill neighborhood.

The Grill Room Reopened

| Posted in Openings

Chef/owner Harding Smith reopened The Grill Room on Saturday night. This comes after a 4-month repair and renovation of the Exchange Street restaurant following a fire in June.

The Grill Room will be open Tuesday and Wednesday 4 – 9 pm and Thursday though Saturday 4 – 10 pm.

Renovations are ongoing in the former Swiss Time space which is slated to become part of The Grill Room when completed.

Cafe Louis Expands to Camden

| Posted in Under Construction, Maine

South Portland-based Cafe Louis (website, facebook, instagram) has purchased the former Wolf Peach building in Camden where owner Evan Richardson plan to open a second location.

The new restaurant will be nicknamed Costa Media and will be offering a very similar menu to what Richardson and team serve in South Portland. He hopes to have Costa Media (instagram) open by the end of December.

Richardson shared he’s always enjoyed his time visiting the Midcoast and so has been watching for opportunities to open a restaurant there for sometime. He sees parallels between the communities in South Portland and Camden, and hopes diners there will also find the Cafe Louis menu and hospitality a good fit for what they have an appetite for.

Several of the the kitchen and front of house staff from Wolf Peach will be joining the Costa Media staff including the bar manager Austin Boyle. The South Portland Cafe Louis sous chef Orchard White is from Camden will also be lending a hand. As part of the growth of the team, Khristian Martinez will be taking over as chef de cuisine at the South Portland location.

Richardson launched a food truck (in 2017) and then restaurant (in 2018) on Exchange Street called Eaux. Eaux is currently on sabbatical while Richardson locates a new location for it. The South Portland Cafe Louis opened on July 1, 2021.

CBD on Congress Street Closing

| Posted in Closings

Coffee By Design owner Mary Allen Lindemann has announced she’ll be permanently closing the coffee shop on Congress Street. The Congress Street location was the original CBD that opened in 1994.

It is with deep sadness that I share that we will be permanently closing the Coffee By Design Congress Street coffeehouse. This is a difficult announcement to make. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the support this community has always given this special place in Portland.

You can read the full announcement on instagram. It also indicates that the decision is unrelated to the recent steps by the CBD staff to form a union and concludes with,

I am immensely grateful for the support of our customers, our dedicated employees, and our partners throughout the years. To our true believers – you know who you are – you have been patrons and also dear friends. We are honored to have you in our lives. While Coffee By Design Congress Street is closing its doors, the memories we have created together will live on. We hope to see you at Diamond Street, India Street and online.

Upcoming Events & Thanksgiving List

| Posted in Events

Monday – Ore Nell’s North in Biddeford is holding a 5-course beer dinner.

Tuesday – The new Ten Mothers (instagram) food truck is launching. They’ll be stationed on Washington Ave out in front of the new (and newly launched) Oxbow Brewing tasting room.

Halloween – check with your favorite restaurants and bars for details on what Halloween events they may have planned.

Saturday – The 18th Annual Veg Fest is taking place.

Sunday – Chaval is holding a late harvest dinner at Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport.

November 9 – Judy Gibson is serving a 4-course wine dinner featuring wines from Lauren Bonnois. Mrs. Gee Free Living and Gather are collaborating on a gluten-free dinner which will benefit the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund.

November 10-12 – The  6th Annual Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival is taking place in Ellsworth.

November 11 – Dandelion Spring Farm in Bowdoin is teaching a Pies & Sides cooking class for people who want to tune up their cooking skills in time for Thanksgiving.

November 15 – A whiskey and chocolate tasting featuring Liquid Riot and Dean’s Sweets is taking place at Ballast.

November 16 – A 4-course Ukrainian dinner is taking place in Lewiston.

November 18 – Roma Cafe is holding a launch party (12:30 at 767 Congress Street) for Roma Sauce, their new line of fresh pasta, sauces, Italian delicacies and pasta kits.

Thanksgiving Resource List – Restaurants, market and other food purveyors are sharing details on the Thanksgiving options. We will be adding them to this list as the information is made public.
Visit THIS LINK for the 2024 edition of the Thanksgiving List.

  • Baked Maine/Pottery Cafe – is taking preorders in-person for pies and other baked goods. They’ll have pick-up in Portland and Wells.
  • Balboosta (Brunswick) – is taking preorders for Thanksgiving cookies and sides; order by November 16th for pick-up on the 22nd.
  • Chaval – is taking preorders for pumpkin and maple pecan pie, Thanksgiving ricotta pie, bourbon cake, and apple and vanilla bean cheesecake for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • Feast & Fettle – have a number of entree, side and dessert options for delivery; order deadline November 18th for delivery on November 22nd.
  • Fika (Saco) – is taking preorders for pies and other desserts. Order by the 16th for pick-up on the 22nd.
  • Five Fifty-Five North (Brunswick) – is serving a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner (menu) for $85 per person; online reservations.
  • Hanks (Scarborough) – is taking preorders for turkey, sides and desserts; order deadline on November 12th for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • Harraseeket Inn (Freeport) – will have three seatings for their Thanksgiving Day grand buffet (menu); $165 per person, $65 per for kids 6 to 12, call for reservations (207) 865-9377.
  • Lake & Co. (Yarmouth) – has a variety of turkeys, sides and desserts as well as a full dinner for two available for preorder. The order deadline is November 14th for pick-up or delivery on November 22nd or 23rd.
  • Maggie Mae’s (Yarmouth) – is taking preorders for sides (deadline November 15th) and pies (deadline November 14th) for Thanksgiving.
  • Magno Terrace (Yarmouth) – will start taking orders this weekend for sides available to pick-up in Yarmouth and South Portland.
  • MK Kitchen (Gorham) – will be serving a 3-course Thanksgiving Dinner (menu); reservations can be made on OpenTable.
  • Natalie’s (Camden) – will be serving a 5-course Thanksgiving dinner for $147 per person with optional wine pairings for $93.
  • Nina June (Rockport) – is taking preorders for their Everything but the Bird takeout menu of appetizers, sides, salads, desserts and drinks for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • The Norumbega (Camden) – is serving a 4-course Thanksgiving dinner with seatings at 2 and 5 pm for $95 per person. Call (207) 236-4646.
  • Orchard Ridge Farm (Gorham) – is taking preorders for turkeys, ducks and ham.
  • Other Side Diner – is taking pre-orders in-person or by phone (207-772-0002) for mezze platters, breads and sides. They’re located at 500 Washington Ave.
  • Pat’s Meat Market – has a selection of meats available including turkeys, prime rib, duck, pork crown roast.
  • Rosemont Market – is taking preorders for turkeys, baked goods, prepared dishes and more; place your order by the 17th for pick-up on the 21st or 22nd.
  • Salt Yard – at the Canopy Hotel will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet, $59 per adult and $36 per child. Reservations can be made on Resy.com.
  • Saltwater Grille (South Portland) – will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet with seatings at 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30; $75/ per adult, $35 per kids 6-12, free of children 5 and under.
  • Scratch Baking (South Portland) – is taking preorders for rolls, pies, cakes and quiche for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • Sea Glass (Cape Elizabeth) – the restaurant at the Inn by the Sea is serving a Thanksgiving dinner ($85/adult, $32/children 4-12yo), and also has a Thanksgiving dinner to go sized to serve 6-8 people for $275 plus tax & 18% gratuity (order deadline November 16th).
  • Tandem Coffee + Bakery – is taking preorders for pies, scones, biscuits, cookies and other baked goods; order by November 17th for pick-up on on the 21st or 22nd.
  • Twelve – is taking preorders for pies to pick-up on the 21st and 22nd.
  • Two Fat Cats – has pies, cakes and other baked goods available to preorder for Thanksgiving; orders musts be in 48 hours before pick-up. Available from both their Portland and South Portland locations.
  • Ugly Duckling – is taking preorders for pumpkin and maple pecan pie, Thanksgiving ricotta pie, bourbon cake, and apple and vanilla bean cheesecake for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • Union – is taking preorders for a Thanksgiving dinner for two; order deadline on the 18th for pick-up on the 21st or 22nd.
  • Union Wharf Market – is taking preorders for entire dinners, turkeys, gravy and other dishes for your Thanksgiving meal. ORder by November 17th for pick-up on November 22nd.
  • Vy Banh Mi – is taking preorder for a variety of dishes and a full Vietnamese meal serving 5-7; Pick-up in on November 23rd. Call/text 207-206-9662, DM them on instagram or email vybanhmi.maine@gmail.com to place your order.
  • Wayside Tavern – is serving a 4-course family-style Thanksgiving Feast for $90/person with optional wine pairings for $55; ticketed reservations available online.
  • Wine Wise – has put together a selection of 6 wines recommended by six local wine distributors. Place your order for box of wines for home delivery.
  • COMMUNITY RESOURCES

November 30 – deadline for the public and industry professionals to submit recommendations to the James Beard Foundation to consideration for the 2024 Awards program.

December 7 – Secret Supper is holding a (sold out) holiday dinner in the Portland area.

June 26 – Secret Supper (instagram) is holding a dinner in the Portland area.

Other Side Deli Closed

| Posted in Closings

Owners Peter and Jessica Sueltenfuss have announced that they’ve closed the Other Side Deli on Veranda Street. They plan to expand the hours at the Other Side Diner (website, instagram) where they’ll offer more breakfast to go options as well as some of their customer’s favorite sandwiches from Other Side Deli.

Good morning Portland and our East Deering community. We have made the very difficult decision to close the deli (effective immediately)

Our intent was not be be this abrupt, but there are factors that are just out of our control.

It has been a great journey for us and making this decision was extremely difficult. Being a part of the East Deering community for the past 9 years has been an incredible experience and we could never thank you enough for all of the love you have shown us❤️
We have had many struggles this year and in order to continue to put our best foot forward we have decided to channel all of our energy into the Diner.

The Other Side Deli opened in 2015, and the Sueltenfusses opened the Other Side Diner in 2019. They had also had operated a second location of the deli on Vaughan Street in the West End that launched in 2017.

Rebel Crowdfunding

| Posted in Under Construction

Rebel Munchies and Libations (instagram) owner Peter Murphy has launched a $45k crowdfunding campaign to support the launch of his new restaurant on Congress Street. Eighteen people have already contributed $2,600 towards the campaign.

We’re growing up, opening a new restaurant, and it turns out that growth is really really hard. Like a teenager desperate to get their braces off we come to you, the community, desperate and riddled with acne. Bills and rent have eaten away at our cash while we dwindled away all summer hoping, waiting, and wishing for a building permit. Now that we finally have the permit, we realize that more bills and costs are heading our way like B.O. after gym class.

Murphy leased the former Dos Naciones space in March. He has been operating his mobile food business Rebel Cheesesteaks for the last four years.