Tomaso’s Pizza and Burger Bar (website, facebook, instagram) on Wharf Street is closing. Monday will be their last day in business.
The restaurant was launched in March of last year by Sam Minervino and Sam Olsen. Minervino is the owner or partner of several other businesses: the North Deering Tavern, Tomaso’s Canteen on Hampshire Street, and Pizza Villa.
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Magnus on Water has earned a second pin from The Pinnacle Guide. The Biddeford bar and restaurant is one of just 61 establishments worldwide in the Outstanding double pin category along with peers in London, Paris, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Athens, Los Angeles, New York and other cities.
Pinnacle is a rigorous international program that evaluates and rates cocktails bars. They send anonymous reviewers to bars to recertify and rate bars each year. The program evaluates them on hospitality, drinks program, interior design, staff management, back office operations and engagement with community. For more information see the About the Pinnacle Guide page on their website.
The Pinnacle Guide…recognition system that is based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews. Fair and visible processes lie at the core of The Pinnacle Guide, which promises every deserving establishment, regardless of size or location, a clear path to recognition. As well as recognising excellence in drinks, ambience and hospitality, The Pinnacle Guide will be rewarding operators that make a positive social impact.
The owners of Bar Publica have announced the closure of their West Bayside bar and restaurant. September 5th will be their last day in business.
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share that Bar Publica will be closing its doors for good this Saturday, September 5.
This has been an extremely difficult decision. Chef Ron’s health has become a serious concern, and for his health and safety, we have made the decision to close so he can take the time he needs to take care of himself.
Bar Publica initially opened in June 2024. They closed over last winter and reopened this spring.
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The June edition of the Date Night raffle (featuring Finestkind in Saco) was the 90th one since the series launched in late 2018. Since the beginning the program has been sponsored by Evergreen Credit Union, and right from the start it’s been a really popular feature for readers and a fun one for us to produce.
Over the years the raffle posts have collectively been viewed more than 3 million times, and there have been tens of thousands of entries by readers hoping to win. Each month’s lucky winner now receives a $150 Visa gift card for use at the restaurant and a choice of two tickets to the Portland Museum of Art or two tickets to a home game (depending on the season) of the Sea Dogs or the Maine Mariners. In total Evergreen has distributed more than $13k in cash prizes.
The raffle has provided a great way to shine light on Maine’s restaurant scene. We’ve featured a wide range of businesses from seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants–both high flyers and hidden gems ready for a moment in the limelight. Thanks to Evergreen’s support, the restaurants don’t pay to participate or underwrite the gift cards the raffle winners receive. In fact, the restaurants themselves don’t know they’re being featured until they get the pleasant surprise of seeing pictures from their business in their feed the morning of the launch.
Maine restaurants continue to create great spaces and dining experiences for us all to enjoy. With such a robust food and dining community, there will be plenty to showcase in the months and years to come.
Visit the Portland Food Map Instagram account to see the raffle that live this morning and enter for a chance to win!
| Evergreen Credit Union is Maine’s 4th largest credit union ($658 million in assets). They serve over 33,000 members throughout southern Maine with innovative products, services, and community partnerships. Evergreen has locations in Portland, South Portland, Windham, Naples, and Scarborough. Individuals, families, and businesses can connect with Evergreen at egcu.org. |
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New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know:
Four more entries have been added to the Maine Food Map: Color Field Coffee in East Boothbay (above left), Fish & Whistle in Biddeford, Bet’s Fish Fry in Boothbay (above right), The Rooting Pig in Bristol. The statewide dining guide now includes 124 restaurants, bars, bakeries, cafes and and other food and dining establishments from across all of Maine’s 16 counties.The Press Herald food editor, Peggy Grodinsky has announced her retirement.
It has been a privilege to edit, and work with, my talented colleagues. I also feel lucky to have come to know some of Maine’s cooks, chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, producers, farmers, cookbook writers and eaters, and I am deeply grateful for their willingness to share their time, experience, stories and “dilishes” food. Even now, I pinch myself sometimes, amazed I am paid to write about food.
Grodinsky started working for the newspaper in 2014.
Today is the first day of September and the unofficial start of the apple season. Fall is the perfect time to plan a Maine road-trip. See the guides below to find great orchards and heirloom apple varieties, Maine’s cider tasting rooms, apple events, and other pomological resources to help you enjoy all that the season has to offer. While you’re on the road you can also visit some of the great restaurants located all across the state.
The Maine Heirloom Apple Guide is a co-production with the intrepid apple expert Sean Turley at The Righteous Russet (instagram). It provides all the information you need for a self-directed exploration of Maine orchards and the many heirloom apples they offer. Use it throughout the fall to go exploring so you can take advantage of the entire season.
The Guide to Maine Cider is a directory to 25 Maine cider producers. They’re located all over the state from Kingfield to Cornish and Portland to Hancock. Stop by cidery tasting rooms like Absolem in Winthrop, Bon Vent in Hancock, or at one of the retail shops highlighted in the guide to experience the taste of autumn in a glass.
Other Resources and Events: