1:00 a.m. Curfew has reviewed the bar at Yosaku.

“I love me some sake. There’s little I love more than spending a few hours (and paychecks) in Yosuku.”

Evangeline has launched a bar menu (via Type A Diversions).

The Portland Public Market building has been sold to PowerPay which intends to use it as their company headquarters.

The new issue of Down East is now out. Several Portland area businesses made it into the Food and Drink category for their Best of Maine 2009 feature article including Allagash, W.O Hesperus, The Cheese Iron, Shipyard, Rabelais and the Portland Food Map.

Down East also published a review of Evangeline.

“Evangeline has only been open since April 2008, but Desjarlais is clearly talented and his passion is one of his most important ingredients. One can only expect that this charming bistro will soon take its place on the list of Portland’s top restaurants.”

Chow Maine has published a report on the passing of Mims Brasserie. I’ve heard that a new restauranteur is already planning on taking over the prime Commercial Street space.

The December issue of The Bollard has hit newsstands. It includes another installment in the Land of Forgotten Cocktails series by mixologist John Myers and a review of the Miss Portland Diner. The review found the food somewhat lacking for the price “Miss Portland isn’t exactly sure what she wants to be. She’s too expensive to be a greasy spoon, but not good enough to reach the next level of dining in a city with plenty of other good options.”

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Andy’s Old Port Pub.

“To get the menu you flag down one of the bartenders — seasoned thirtysomethings who suit the place. It’s the standard pub approach for the most part: burgers, pizza, fried stuff, something Mexican — with a few more ambitious entrees. The servings are big, and the food’s not bad.”

Portland Magazine has reviewed the Miss Portland Diner.

“But back to bacon, how good’s the food here? This is as good diner fare as we have ever enjoyed – not ‘gourmet,’ but the real deal.”

The December issue of Port City Life is now out. Standard Baking appears in a short list of Maine bakeries, there’s a profile of wild foods expert Kate Gooding, and the new issue provides some advice on what to get the foodie on your Christmas list.

The new issue of Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine, which hit the newsstands last week, includes a nice profile of Green Elephant, as well as articles on the Maine oyster industry, Freeport’s Haraseeket Inn, a short list of some Maine chocolatiers.

Epicurious has published their list of 2009 food trends (via Portland Psst!). Number 8 on the list is “Portland (Maine) is the new Portland (Oregon). Abundance of great chefs, restaurants, and local foodies? Check, check, and check. Want examples? Visit Five Fifty-Five, Hugo’s, and Fore Street to start.”

The annual Great Chilli & Chowder Challenge has been cancelled by it’s organizers in favor of planning a Family Expo.

There have been a couple last minute additions to this week’s event calendar. On Friday, Rabelais is hosting a photography exhibit called Island Sheep by local food photographer Russell French; and on Saturday, the East End Shops Holiday Stroll is taking place.

The 10 restaurants looked up most often during the month of December were:

1. Miss Portland Diner
2. Emilitsa
3. Evangeline
4. Bresca
5. The Front Room
6. Back Bay Grill
7. Caiola’s
8. Bintliff’s
9. Miyake
10. Hot Suppa!

The Northeast Aquaculture Conference is taking place at the Eastland Park Hotel Wednesday through Friday. On Monday the next Piatto per Tutti cooking class is being held. Wednesday there is a chocolate tasting at Whole Foods. Whole Foods is also teaching a sushi making class on Thursday. Thursday night The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the beer of Shipyard Brewing. There are wine tastings scheduled this week at West End Deli on Friday and Leroux Kitchen on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

Today’s Maine Sunday Telegram includes articles on the continuing troubles in the lobster industry, the start of the shrimp season and the lackluster potato crop.

1:00 a.m. Curfew has reviewed Sangillo’s.

“Sangillo’s might be the only bar in existence serving Hot Pockets on the menu. I’m not kidding. You can buy a Hot Pocket for $1.50. They also have mozzarella sticks ($2) and some other items that can be microwaved. Monday night is $2 pizza night.”

In today’s Press Herald there are articles about an age discrimination lawsuit against Starbucks, the council’s review of Slainte’s liquor license, and free Thanksgiving meals.

Forgot to defrost the turkey or burnt it to a crisp or just don’t wan’t to cook? You have a few options for going out for a Thanksgiving dinner. In Portland, Eve’s at the Garden, Zackery’s and Verrillo’s are all serving turkey dinners. The Black Point Inn in Scarborough and the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth are also offering Thanksgiving dinners.