First Review of Bubble Maineia Dessert & Noodle Bar

| Posted in Reviews

Soooo . . You Really Like Cats has published a review of Bubble Maineia Dessert & Noodle Bar.

Overall, we were quite pleased with the entire experience. We went in after a long Wednesday’s worth of errands after work and collapsed in a heap at Bubble Maineia’s Noodle Bar seeking some nourishment. We were quite full and energized by the end of the meal and had a wonderful conversation with Mrs. Chen about Taiwanese cuisine and the presence of Chinese people in Maine. She was quite excited to hear that I really enjoyed her beef stew noodle soup because she made it herself, and insisted that I try her sister’s curry chicken the next time I come by…

Lobster Research

| Posted in Fisheries

Today’s paper includes an article about ongoing lobster research “to insure the future of the state’s most lucrative fishery.”

Even after millions of dollars and decades of study, much about the lobster is unknown, said Carl Wilson, lead lobster scientist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources. He is part of a three-member agency team that studies the fishery with the goal of someday being able to better predict its future.

Changes at The French Press Eatery

| Posted in General News

The American Journal has a report on some changes afoot at The French Press Eatery. (via the Westbrook Diarist)

But now The French Press, run by Andre Tranchemontagne, the younger brother of the Frog & Turtle’s chef, James Tranchemontagne, has developed its own full-grown identity.

The French Press will continue to serve breakfast and lunch, but next week, starting Tuesday, July 13, it also will be open in the evenings serving dinner.

And coffee will no longer be the strongest tipple at The French Press  – the eatery recently won approval from the city for a liquor license and has installed a full bar.

Tunisian Tasting@Vignola and Construction at Pai Men and Rosemont

| Posted in Under Construction, Events

PortlandTown has posted images of the Tunisian tasting at Vignola and the construction sites for the new Rosemont on Brighton and Miyake’s new noodle bar (shown here) that’s going in at 188 State Street in Longfellow Square.
Photo Credit: Michael Barriault
For more information on Rosemont’s expansion on Brighton see the Portland Daily Sun article published earlier this week.

It’s the kind of news that might cause Rosemont Market fans to panic — the mini-chain’s original Brighton Avenue store is closing.
But relax. The original shop is closing, but only to focus on food preparation while the retal operation is moving across the street, doubling its size and adding products.

Review of Pepperclub

| Posted in Reviews

Mitten Machen has published a review of the Pepperclub.

While a couple of the things we tried were disappointing, everything about our first visit to Pepperclub last November was incredible. I remember a spiced pumpkin curry with quinoa that was so simple, honest, and fresh, it had me wondering, again, why I hadn’t thought of it before. I also remember a bottle of St. Peter’s triple blonde ale…at least the beginning of it.

Though it’s not a a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, Pepperclub deserves four chickpeas. Even gluten-free vegans have choices here, and that’s a rare treat.

Kombucha Snafu

| Posted in General News

The Portland Daily Sun has published a report on one Mainer’s inadvertent impact on the US kombucha industry.

“Maine can take credit for the kombucha nationally being taken off the shelf,” said Chris Hallweaver, who thinks he might be personally responsible for sidelining the industry because he applied for a license to sell the drink commercially under the brand name “The Booch” with the Maine Department of Agriculture last December.

Sausage Showdown #3

| Posted in Reviews

The new issue of The Bollard also includes their 3rd Sausage Showdown.

So, to recap the results of Smokin’ Sausage Showdown III, in the Sweet Italian category, it’s a tie between Pat’s and Fresh Approach. Among the Hot Italians, Fresh Approach and Colucci’s tie for top honors. And in the Wild Card category, Pat’s wins by a snout (or, rather, a beak) with its mobbed-up chicken link.

Here are links to the 2009 and 2007 (part 1, part 2) Sausage Showdowns.