Award winning bartender Trevin Hutchins is joining the team at Rhum as a partner and director of their beverage program. Hutchin’s new cocktail menu, as well as a new food menu, is going to be unveiled at a press event next week.
Hutchins cocktails have been featured in Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, Down East, and the New York Times. His drink the Jakarta was selected as one of the top 5 cocktails of 2015 by Star Chefs.
Zagat has published an eating guide to Portland.
At this point, it’s no secret that Portland, Maine, is one of the hottest food cities in the country, never mind New England. It’s also well represented (once again) on the latest list of James Beard Award semi-finalists. But for this latest list of travel-worthy spots, we focused on a mix of revered stalwarts, lauded newcomers and lesser-known gems. There are many more we could have included — apologies to still-awesome staples like Duckfat and Miyake — but these are the old and new favorites that are perking our palate right now.
Highlighted in the article are: Central Provisions, Drifters Wife, Elsemere BBQ, Evo Kitchen + Bar, Fore Street, Grace, Portland Hunt and Alpine Club, The Holy Donut, The Honey Paw, Vinland.
The Forecaster confirmed yesterday that Rosen’s Deli has closed.
Rosen’s Deli, the only Jewish-style deli in greater Portland, has closed…“Lots of factors contributed to our decision to close Rosen’s Deli,” Arren Rosen said in a Facebook message Tuesday morning. “We are thankful to all the great people we’ve met over the years and will miss our supportive community very much.”
Cara Stadler has announced the hire of two key personnel to the staff at Lio (instagram, facebook), the new wine-focused restaurant she has under development on Spring Street.
Two new businesses open today:
Today’s Press Herald reports on two Farmers’ Market stalwarts that continue to serve customers in Monument Square throughout the winter months.
The Wednesday edition of the Portland Farmers Market, which draws more than two dozen farmers downtown every week, officially ended in November, but Piper shows up throughout the winter to sell his meats, honey and prepared foods. It’s not a big money-maker. Piper, 73, says it’s mostly enjoyment that brings him out. He needs to get away from his Buckfield farm and socialize.
Urban Eye has posted an article about The Purple House and its owner Krista Kern Desjarlais.
On Sunday, Desjarlais, the chef/owner behind Portland’s top-tier and long gone Bresca restaurant, stood at the hearth removing thick slices of pizza as customers seated at the community table inches away nodded at each other in silent ecstasy.
The annual Cajun Cookin’ Challenge is taking place today at WMPG, noon – 3 pm.
Competitors include: Great Lost Bear, USM Dining, Po’ Boys & Pickles, Gritty’s, Abilene, Whole Foods, Bayside American Café, Silly’s.
Tuesday – A & C Grocery (website, facebook) is opening for business at 131 Washington Ave at 9 am, Hannah Semler will be giving a lecture on “Triangulating Food Recovery, Food Security and Economic Development”, the MRW Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off is taking place at Sea Dog Brewing.
Wednesday – it’s the first day of Maine Restaurant Week.
Thursday – Evo is holding a preview of the dinner they’ll be serving at the James Beard House on March 6th, and Lone Pine is having a can release for Tessellation, their double IPA.
Friday – the MRW Cocktail Competition is taking place, and there will be a wine tasting at the West End Rosemont.
Saturday – the Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place.
Sunday – the MRW Perfect Pairings event is taking place.
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.
