Today’s Press Herald Food & Dining section includes a feature article on the small but growing number of specialty tea stores in Maine.
Chef William D’Auvray Opening Restaurant in Portland
A chef named William D’Auvray (twitter) has moved from Florida to Portland where he plans on opening a restaurant on Commercial Street. D’Auvray and business partner Angelo Ciocca, president of Nova Seafood are in the final stages of leasing the former Spread restaurant for this new venture.
In North Carolina D’Auvray ran an Asian themed seafood restaurant called Fins, and Buku which served a menu of “global streetfood”. He was also involved in Thasos a Greek restaurant in Fort Laudardale. A very thorough biography of the chef’s education and career can be found on the Eat & Critique Show.
Once the partners have decided on a name for the restaurant they’ll be releasing further details on the concept.
Vena’s Fizz House
Instant Portland has posted a profile of Vena’s Fizz Hoise.
Tucked away over on the edge of the Old Port is one of the most interesting and inventive shops in Portland – Vena’s Fizz House. Part antique store, part foodie supply, and part new-fashioned soda fountain, it’s a place no other in the city — and perhaps in the entire country.
Single Sandwich Reviews: Portland Lobster & Blue Rooster
Haddockquest has reviewed the fish sandwich at Portland Lobster Company,
I can easily see how beers, music and a football-sized platter of fried clams could make for a great afternoon on Portland Lobster Company’s relaxing and picaresque patio, and there’s no way I’d turn down an invite from a friend if I had time at the moment. Once again, however, this blog is 100% GRADE-A ALL ABOUT HADDOCK SANDWICHES and nothing more. Unfortunately, this one didn’t make the cut.
and Chubby Werewolf has reviewed this week’s guest chef hot dog at Blue Rooster.
Though I’m trying to limit my hot dog consumption to one per week, were I to re-order this hot dog in the future, I might offer to pony-up an extra dollar or two for a double-dose of that Raclette. Either way, the French Connection is a worthy and inventive addition to Blue Rooster’s Summer Chef Series and one worth trying for yourself.
This Week’s Events: Start-up & Create, Miyake Pig Roast, Vignola Wine Dinner
Tuesday — there will be a panel discussion on Marine Innovation at Maine Start-up and Create Week (MSCW), and the local foods networking breakfast is taking place at Local Sprouts.
Wednesday — there will be a panel discussion on Scaling a Specialty Food Company at MSCW, and the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.
Thursday — Vignola/Cinque Terre is hosting a wine dinner, there will be a panel discussion Innovating with Sustainable Food at MSCW, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing beer from Bunker Brewing, and there will be a wine and cheese tasting at the Public Market House and a beer tasting at the Bier Cellar.
Saturday — the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.
Sunday — Miyake is holding a pig roast at Wolfe’s Neck Farm.
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.
Food & Wine: Cara Stadler
Earlier this year Food & Wine named Cara Stadler from Tao Yuan one of the 2014 Best New Chefs.
The July issue of the magazine has a 1-page profile of Stadler and her recipe for Miso-Roasted Eggplant with Tomato, Dill, Shiso and Black Vinegar.
Stadler has a new restaurant called BaoBao Dumpling House under construction on Spring Street in the old West End Deli.
Under Construction: Tandem West
Sprudge has posted an interview with Tandem about the new coffee shop shop they have under construction in the West End.
What’s your approach to serving the coffee?
We’re going to emphasize high-quality batch brew but we’re still debating our exact setup for that at the moment. Pour-over may or may not happen at the new place. Coffee shots are a possible alternative—though we won’t know for sure until we get the new equipment in to start tasting.
Scratch’s 10-year Anniversary
In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, Scratch Baking has posted some photos from the original construction of the space they now occupy.
Food Trucks/Carts to be in City Parks
After an RFP process the city awarded 6 food trucks and food carts the access to operate in specific Portland parks:
- Urban Sugar will be joining Small Axe in Congress Square Park
- Wicked Good Truck will be in Back Cove
- Perry’s Sidewalk Café will be at the East End Beach
- Ana’s Mobile Gourmet will be Deering Oaks
- Taco Trio will be in Lincoln Park and on the Western Prom
Review of King’s Head
The Golden Dish has reviewed The King’s Head Pub.
I thought about finishing my drink and to return in a few weeks’ time when this place was up to speed. This being a First Look, however, I stayed and ultimately enjoyed a reasonably good dinner.