Review of Woodford F&B

| Posted in Reviews

The Golden Dish has posted a first look review of Woodford Food & Beverage.

The menu offers a good diversity of dishes.  In the two visits I’ve been able to get to know the kitchen’s abilities.  And prior to this posted write-up I paid a third visit to sample the WFB’s  Thursday plat du jour, quahog chowder.  And it was a marvelous brew, very bacony, creamy, a meal unto itself. I snacked on the onion dip and Kennebec chips to start, a glorious beginning.  A glass of Silvaner Halbtrocken paired quite well indeed.

Under Construction: Eliot/Loring Project

| Posted in Under Construction

While we await final news on the new location for Petite Jacqueline, word has gotten out that former PJ chef Fred Eliot has joined the kitchen staff at Rhum working for chef de cuisine Frank Warren Anderson.

Eliot and Rhum co-owner Jason Loring are also exploring the idea of launching a French restaurant together in Portland. The project is still very much in the early stages so look for details to emerge later this year.

First Takes on Woodford F&B

| Posted in Reviews

The Blueberry Files and Urban Eye have posted their initial impressions of Woodford Food & Beverage,

Those who live in the surrounding neighborhood are sure to be thrilled with this comfortable restaurant that boasts good food, cocktails, and a family-friendly atmosphere. And those of us who are stuck in our peninsula bubbles will want to shake up the routine by heading out Forest Ave. to check out Woodford F&B.  [Blueberry Files]

Here’s a link to the full Woodford F&B menu.

Fore River & Bissell Brothers

| Posted in Beer

The Portland Phoenix has published an article on the remarkable growth and success of Bissell Brothers since their launch 2 years ago,

So what’s the endgame? Is the new location the first stepping stone towards an even larger-scale brewery? Cool your jets. Both brothers made it clear that their first priority is to meet demand here at home. From the beginning the goal has been to focus on Portland first, and then push out into Maine. They’ve done the latter admirably, but even with the expansion and the increased capacity, they’re still a comparatively small brewery. Peter explains, “We certainly want to grow, but of equal value to us is the social currency of always being able to control our product, to be able to touch where it goes and the people it goes to, and do our best to be a hometown beer that people here are excited to drink.”

and the Press Herald has a report on Fore River Brewing, which recently  opened their doors in South Portland.

Standing in the brewery with LeGassey and Hansen, the only word to describe the new tasting room is “gorgeous.” Mainly the work of Alex Anastasoff, the room is industrial-rustic-chic: all warm woods and concrete floors. Wood beams abound. A wood stove burns next to a brick chimney. Handcrafted light fixtures blink on the walls. Custom wood boards line the ceiling. I know I write about beer, but the tasting room alone is worth the visit.

Under Construction: Mast Landing

| Posted in Under Construction

Mast Landing Brewing in Westbrook has launched an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign to raise $20,000 for a Crowler Seamer system.

We originally thought about providing growlers in our tasting room for off-site consumption. The problem with growlers is that they have too many variables that could potentially negatively impact our beers. We eventually came across a machine called a Crowler Seamer that provided a reliable solution to our problem. A Crowler is a 32 ounce can that is packaged right infront of the customer for off-site consumption. It has all the benefits of a traditional growler, and even a few advantages, without any of the potential negatives.

Eater Maine Discontinued

| Posted in General News

Eater Maine announced earlier today that, effective immediately, they plan discontinue their coverage of Maine food news on the site. Editor Adam Callaghan is moving to Washington State take on responsibility for Eater Seattle.

As of today, Eater Maine will discontinue the food and restaurant world coverage that’s been our modus operandi since 2012. As editor, I’m sad to see the site go. It’s been a distinct pleasure for me to play a role in Maine’s growing food scene, which changed so drastically from when I was growing up here to when I returned as an adult five years ago. Come Monday, the site will deliver periodic updates to important maps, but no daily food news. Eater.com and Eater Boston will continue on as news resources for northeastern food culture.

This Week’s Events: Oxbowzakya, Absinthe Tasting, Drifter’s Wife, Wild Beer Round-up, GMRI Lecture

| Posted in Events

woodfordbar

Tuesday — the monthly local foods networking breakfast is taking place, Flatbread is holding a benefit for the Wayside Food Program, the annual Oxbow tap takeover at Pai Men (Oxbowzakya) is taking place, the Portland Spirits Society is holding a women’s Absinthe tasting at Vena’s and The Honey Paw will be serving a collaboration dinner with Anju/The Wallingford.

Wednesday — Woodford Food & Beverage is opening at 5pm.

Thursday — there will be a Two Roads beer tasting at the Bier Cellar , a wine tasting at C Salt, and a wine and cheese tasting at the Public Market House, it’s the opening night of the Ice Bar, a lecture on Fishing the Atlantic in the Age of Sail is taking place at GMRI, and The Great Lost Bear showcasing beer from Foolproof Brewing.

Friday — Maine & Loire will be taking over the bar at Oxbow for the night to preview their new natural wine bar the Drifter’s Wife(instagram, website).

Saturday — Allagash is holding a Wild Beer Round-up (release of Helena, sales of Farm to Face, Cuvee d’industrial, Resurgam, Coolship Red, and Golden Brett), and the Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Sunday — Rosemont is kicking off their monthly Cabin Fever family-style dinner series.

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.

Review of Ramen Suzukiya

| Posted in Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Ramen Suzukiya.

Suzukiya is a tiny, family-owned Japanese noodle shop with enormously satisfying ramen bowls filled with house-made noodles, slices of pork or tofu, and fresh vegetables. The menu may be limited (you can order one of four noodle bowls and two accompanying mini-rice bowls) but the flavors are impressive and those noodles profoundly comforting…