New England Distilling has earned a rating of 90 (exceptional) for their Gunpowder Rye from the Beverage Testing Institute. The BTI describes Gunpowder Rye as,
Burnished amber color. Attractive aromas of honeyed dried sour cherries, toffee, suede, and sandalwood with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a well balanced cinnamon rye toast, creamy milk chocolate, peppery spice, and mineral accented finish. Very tasty and versatile.
The Bollard has published a breakfast review LFK,
So while I may come back to LFK some evening for a burger and a beer, I probably won’t return for brunch. In a city like Portland, there are just too many other places serving brunch I do love.
and a review of JP’s Bistro.
The dishes are executed without any particular finesse. Sourcing local, ethical or organic ingredients doesn’t seem to be important at JP’s. And a mediocre meal doesn’t cut it when the tab for two approaches $100. That said, plenty of folks don’t share my qualms. If you decide to check out JP’s, make sure you make reservations — the place gets packed.
The Golden Dish has put together a “short list of Portland shops and their specialty foods.”
All Week — Maine Restaurant Week continues.
Tuesday — it’s opening day at CBD’s new coffee shop in East Bayside, Gary Libby will be giving a talk about the history of the history of Chinese restaurants in Portland, the 19th Annual WMPG Fat Tuesday Cajun Cookin’ Challenge is taking place, Vinland is hosting a natural wine dinner with importer Zev Rovine, and Maine Restaurant Week is holding a pancake flipping race.
Wednesday — Allagash and Rosemont are collaborating on a beer dinner which will feature unusual beers from Allagash and behind the scenes tour.
Thursday — Food historian Sandy Oliver will be giving a talk at the Maine Historical Society.
Friday — the opening night reception for From Chop Suey to Washington Pie: Maine Menus is taking place.
Saturday — Vena’s Fizz House is teaching a bitters workshop, there will be a wine tasting at Browne Trading and the Winter Farmers Market is taking place at the Urban Farm Fermentory on Anderson Street.
Sunday — The MRW Cocktail and Dessert Competition 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.
What’s Brewing in Maine has posted an article about Austin Street Brewery.
The Frog & Turtle recently was named by AAA as one of the 70 best comfort food restaurants in the country.
The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Samuel’s.
The quintessential neighborhood bar and grill, Samuel’s is a popular watering hole and casual restaurant serving very decent no-frills pub fare with a super-friendly vibe. They’re famous for the chicken wings and rightly so. Pizzas are good, as are a list of daily lunch and dinner specials. Don’t miss, for instance, the chicken tostada with chili verde – a half-foot-high pile of chips, dips and chicken.
The 10 eateries looked up most often on Portland Food Map in February were:
The numbers in parentheses indicates their rank last month.
Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed Zen Chinese Bistro,
Staff were friendly and attentive to our group, joking with us and patiently explaining what each specialty drink was. It was a great night filled with everything that happy hour should be, delicious beverages, tasty food, and great friends.
and The Golden Dish has revisited and re-reviewed Salvage BBQ.
On the whole, I liked Salvage a lot. Some of my comments reflect personal preference perhaps, but the place is great, the ribs were terrific and most everything else was good enough. And for about $20 you can’t beat the price.