According to a post on Portland Psst!, the Portland O’Naturals is planning to shutdown for good on July 25.
The Press Herald has also published some additional details.
A Pair of El Rayo Reviews
Accidental Vegetables and Edible Obsessions have both published reviews of El Rayo.
According to Accidental Vegetables,
There’s been a lot of buzz around about our new restaurant, El Rayo. Rave reviews, excitement! Thrills!
Well, I can’t say I concur, unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong– it was fine. I liked the space, it’s nice that they have margaritas, and I ate some little fried potato things that were fairly tasty. But honestly, I thought it was a bit overpriced, and you get a lot better of a meal at Loco Pollo on Washington Ave.
And two visits Edible Obsessions had this to say,
Two visits in five days and I’m just not convinced. The portions seemed more generous on this visit than the last, but it just wasn’t any better. I tried in vain to find what a lot of people seemed to be enjoying but it just didn’t happen. Maybe I’ll go back again in a few months to see if the quality and consistency has finally caught up to the prices because it’s not there for me yet.
GRO Cafe Review
Diet for a Small City has reviewed GRO Cafe.
I like GRO Cafe. It’s a place where vegetarians are the rule rather than the exception. I don’t have to ask anything special to be made for me; I don’t have to ask if the soup contains chicken stock. GRO made me feel like my visit had been anticipated. I will be eating at GRO again—very soon.
Kelp, It's What for Dinner
Ocean Approved and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables are the focus of a feature story in the new issue of The Maine Switch. Both companies harvest and sell seaweed-based products harvested in Maine. Ocean Approved was also featured in the Boston Globe back in late April.
“You can’t help but notice the health benefits,” says [Ocean Approved co-owner] Olson, whose kelp noodles are a good option for those with gluten issues. “(Kelp) adds vibrancy to the dish without stealing the dish.”
Kelp, It’s What for Dinner
Ocean Approved and Maine Coast Sea Vegetables are the focus of a feature story in the new issue of The Maine Switch. Both companies harvest and sell seaweed-based products harvested in Maine. Ocean Approved was also featured in the Boston Globe back in late April.
“You can’t help but notice the health benefits,” says [Ocean Approved co-owner] Olson, whose kelp noodles are a good option for those with gluten issues. “(Kelp) adds vibrancy to the dish without stealing the dish.”
Where Chefs Eat
The Maine Switch polled 11 local chefs about where they like to eat out. Tu Casa is Abby Harmon’s (Caiola’s) go to spot for cheap eats. Rob Evans (Hugo’s), Steve Corry (555) and Trap Landry (Blackpoint Inn, Scarborough) all cited Miyake as one of their favorites. Guy Hernandez (Bar Lola) and Rob Evans both like to hang out at Novare Res. See the article for the full list on each chef.
Phoenix Reviews El Rayo
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of El Rayo.
The tacos come on a properly lumpy warm tortilla — good but not quite as good as Loco Pollo’s. The fish seemed fresh, and was enhanced by its modest seasoning, diced avocado, and crisp cabbage. The taco might have been a bit tangier, either through more vinegar in the slaw or the addition of a white sauce. A pork taco came with lots of crisp iceberg, which worked nicely with the fattiness of the meat.
J’s Oyster Bar Review
Portland Bar Guide has reviewed J’s Oyster Bar.
The food at J’s is pretty good, too. I got a chef’s salad ($8.50) the other day and couldn’t possibly ask for more food on that plate. Due to the the clam flats that are currently closed, I couldn’t try their famous bucket of clams ($11.50)- but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t tried them before.
Trader Joe's Rumors
About Town is citing “fairly reliable sources” in a report that Trader Joe’s is coming to Portland. A commenter on the blog wrote that the checkout staff at a Trader Joe’s in Saugus said, ” they expected to open a Portland store in the next year to 18 months”.
This Week’s Events
The weekly Food and Drink Trivia Contest is at Bull Feeney’s tonight, and on Tuesday the next Wine Flight 5k Training run is taking place. The next Twilight Dinner is scheduled on Thursday at Cultivating Community’s farm in Cape Elizabeth. There are wine tastings scheduled on Wednesday at RSVP, on Thursday at the Old Port Wine Merchants, and on Saturday at Scarborough Wine Outlet. Wine events are taking place at both The Salt Exchange and Jones Landing Wednesday evening. On Thursday there’s a Redhook Ale Brewery showcase at The Great Lost Bear. Farmers’ Markets are being held in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.