Single Sandwich Reviews: Portland Lobster & Blue Rooster

Haddockquest has reviewed the fish sandwich at Portland Lobster Company,

I can easily see how beers, music and a football-sized platter of fried clams could make for a great afternoon on Portland Lobster Company’s relaxing and picaresque patio, and there’s no way I’d turn down an invite from a friend if I had time at the moment. Once again, however, this blog is 100% GRADE-A ALL ABOUT HADDOCK SANDWICHES and nothing more. Unfortunately, this one didn’t make the cut. 

and Chubby Werewolf has reviewed this week’s guest chef hot dog at Blue Rooster.

Though I’m trying to limit my hot dog consumption to one per week, were I to re-order this hot dog in the future, I might offer to pony-up an extra dollar or two for a double-dose of that Raclette. Either way, the French Connection is a worthy and inventive addition to Blue Rooster’s Summer Chef Series and one worth trying for yourself.

This Week’s Events: Start-up & Create, Miyake Pig Roast, Vignola Wine Dinner

Tuesday — there will be a panel discussion on Marine Innovation at Maine Start-up and Create Week (MSCW), and the local foods networking breakfast is taking place at Local Sprouts.

Wednesday — there will be a panel discussion on Scaling a Specialty Food Company at MSCW, and the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

ThursdayVignola/Cinque Terre is hosting a wine dinner, there will be a panel discussion Innovating with Sustainable Food at MSCW, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing beer from Bunker Brewing, and there will be a wine and cheese tasting at the Public Market House and a beer tasting at the Bier Cellar.

Saturday — the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Sunday — Miyake is holding a pig roast at Wolfe’s Neck Farm.

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.

Under Construction: Tandem West

Sprudge has posted an interview with Tandem about the new coffee shop shop they have under construction in the West End.

What’s your approach to serving the coffee?
We’re going to emphasize high-quality batch brew but we’re still debating our exact setup for that at the moment. Pour-over may or may not happen at the new place. Coffee shots are a possible alternative—though we won’t know for sure until we get the new equipment in to start tasting.

Food Trucks/Carts to be in City Parks

After an RFP process the city awarded 6 food trucks and food carts the access to operate in specific Portland parks:

  • Urban Sugar will be joining Small Axe in Congress Square Park
  • Wicked Good Truck will be in Back Cove
  • Perry’s Sidewalk Café will be at the East End Beach
  • Ana’s Mobile Gourmet will be Deering Oaks
  • Taco Trio will be in Lincoln Park and on the Western Prom

Restaurant Impossible: Uncle Andy’s

The Bangor Daily News has published a report on the Restaurant Impossible makeover of Uncle Andy’s Diner.

The end product was a shocker: Their previously open kitchen is partially sealed off, with a brown window panel separating food prep from customers. But it looks like Dennis Fogg will still be able to make his specialty animal pancakes in front of an audience.

The old booths were replaced with sleek tables and chairs. Muted chartreuse paint and a simple tile frame reading “ANDY’S” replaced the diner’s outdated wall decor.