Month: February 2021

This Week’s Events: Guest Chefs, Helm, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day

| Posted in Events

Tuesday – Mr Tuna is the featured restaurant in the Terlingua guest chef series.

Thursday – Helm is opening for takeout.

Friday – Bao Bao is offering a regional dumpling menu in celebration of Chinese New Year, and Little Brother Chinese Food (instagram) will start taking orders for their new frozen dumpling business for pick-up starting on the 19th at Fork Food Lab.

Saturday – Judy Gibson is the featured restaurant in the Ramona’s guest chef series.

Sunday – It’s Valentine’s Day—see our list of V-Day specials. The Pink Waffle will be holding a pop-up at Figgy’s.

Helm Opening on Thursday

| Posted in Openings

Helm (website, instagram, facebook) is opening on Thursday. The new restaurant is located on Thames Street on the ground floor of the WEX Building across from the Ocean Gateway Terminal. They will be open this week Thursday through Sunday, 4:30 – 8:30, and plans to add Wednesday hours starting next week.

Helm is initially open for takeout with a weekly 3-course prix fixe menu (see photo below) as well as an extended wine and beer list. This week’s dinner menu includes a Chicory Salad with horseradish dressing and fried onions, Glazed Short Ribs with swiss chard, braised beans and yeast rolls, and a slice of Parsnip Cake with cream cheese frosting and walnuts. Helm also has a Valentine’s Day version of their menu with the option to add oysters and caviar to your order. You can place you order online and can schedule an order for pick-up later in the week.

Billy Hager is Helm’s chef de cuisine. He moved to Maine from California where he was the chef and a partner at Homestead in Oakland. Sous chef Dana Woodward also moved to Portland from the Bay Area where she was the chef de cuisine at Dobb’s Ferry.

Lizzie Legere is the owner of Helm and James Rose is the general manager. Legere has been part of the team at both Drifters Wife and  More & Co. Rose previously worked at Neptune Oyster in Boston.

 

Twelve at Portland Foreside

| Posted in Under Construction

The Prentice Hospitality Group—owners of Evo Kitchen + Bar, Evo X, and the Chebeague Island Inn—has begun work on a new restaurant concept expected to launch in January 2022.

Twelve (instagram) will be located at 58 Fore, in the historic Pattern Storehouse building. The building itself was disassembled and is slated to be rebuilt brick by brick at 58 Fore later this summer. The storehouse is building #12 and hence the name of the restaurant.

The kitchen will be led by chefs Matt Ginn and Colin Wyatt. Ginn is the executive chef of the Prentice Hospitality Group, and Wyatt is the former executive sous chef at Eleven Madison Park. They initially worked together back in 2007 at Five Fifty-Five when Ginn was just starting his career and Wyatt was the chef de cuisine.

The menu concept is leaning towards an ingredient driven farm to table approach that pays homage to the food of Maine. Stay tuned for more details on precisely what form that will take as the project continues to move forward.

Evo Kitchen + Bar will now be remaining on Fore Street rather than moving to new digs at 58 Fore as originally planned.

Restaurant Real Estate: February 2021

| Posted in Real Estate

Welcome to the February 2021 edition of the Portland Food Map restaurant real estate listings sponsored by The Boulos Company. This monthly column gathers in one convenient place the spaces available in Portland that could be potential sites for restaurants and food producers/retailers to locate their next business.

Even in these tough times for the hospitality industry some people are pursuing their dreams and opening new food businesses. Finding the right spot is one of the crucial early challenges in launching a new business and hopefully this new resource will make that step just a little bit easier.

West End

28 Brackett St – the 900 sq ft former Cider House space is for lease for $1,450/month.

101 York St – a 15,000 sq ft sub-dividable space in the new building on the corner of York and High Street is available for $15-20/sq ft (NNN). The space already has a hood vent and grease traps installed.

Arts District

11 Brown St – the space where BRGR Bar is located on Brown Street is for lease. The 4,321 turnkey restaurant space is available for $19/sq ft (NNN). All furniture, fixtures & equipment included, as are 2 parking spots and 2,000 sq ft of storage space.

555 Congress St – the former Five Fifty-Five is available to lease. The 1,089 – 3,647 sq ft space is listed at $22/sq ft (NNN).

593 Congress St – The former Vinland is available to lease. The 1,720 sq ft space is listed at $19.41/sq ft (MG).

605 Congress St – Two spaces in the State Theater Building is available. They are 543 sq ft and 2,685 sq ft and are listed at $25-35/sq ft (MG).

77 Free Street – the furniture, fixtures and equipment for Binga’s Stadium on Free Street are for sale for $85,000. The 17,000 sq ft of space is for lease at $4/sq ft (NNN).

129 Spring St – Maine Juice Company has relocated and their former space on Spring Street is free. This was the original home of Miyake and for a time was home to the Miyake izakaya.

Bayside

15 Chestnut St – the 14,000 sq ft building that was the former home of Grace is for sale for $3,730,000.

84 Cove St – The former Milk & Honey in Bayside is available for $13/sq ft (NNN).

360 Cumberland Ave – a 1,900 sq ft back building hidden behind 360 Cumberland Ave is available for $20-25/sq ft (NNN).

23 Marginal Way – a 1,300 sq ft space in Century Plaza is available for $28/sq ft (NNN).

34 Portland St – the 4,256 sq ft building that was formerly was occupied by Candy’s is for sale for $695,000.

225 Oxford St – 600-2000 sq ft of build to suit space in a new building for $25/sq ft (NNN).

Old Port

1 Commercial St – the original location of Benkay at the corner of Commercial and India Streets is available. The 2,494 sq ft is for lease at $35/sq ft (NNN).

5 Commercial St – the former Rosemont Market at the corner of Commercial and India Streets is available. The 1,700 sq ft is for lease at $35/sq ft (NNN).

9 Commercial St – the former Commercial Street location of Arabica is available. 3,018/sq ft for $35/sq ft (NNN).

266 Commercial St – 6,689 sq ft of new construction retail space will be available for $20-22/sq ft (NNN).

383 Commercial St – 4 street retail spaces will be available (1,631 – 1,971 sq ft) at $28/sq ft (NNN) in a new building under construction at the corner of Maple and Commercial Streets.

98 Cross St – two retail spaces (991 and 1891 sq ft) are available for $20/sq ft (MG).

18 Exchange St – 1,800 sq ft of retail space for lease at $6,950/month (MG).

90 Exchange St – Eaux is moving to a new location and that’s freeing up their former location on Exchange St. 1,500 sq ft at $40/sq ft (MG).

225 Federal St – the former Old Port Po’ Boys & Pickles is available. 1,000 sq ft at $30/sq ft (MG).

345 Fore St – Vena’s is moving and that’s freeing up their current location. 2,310 sq ft for a $3,750/month.

363 Fore St – this 1,250 sq ft restaurant space at the corner of Fore and Market Streets is for lease at $6,500/month (MG).

422 Fore St – the former Pearl space is available, 2,400 sq ft at $38/sq ft (MG).

425 Fore St – The former Five Guys is available. $2,900/sq ft and $40/sq ft (MG).

446 Fore St – 1,600 – 3,400 sq ft in the former Pearl space with entrances on Wharf and Fore Streets is available for $30-40/sq ft (MG).

505 Fore St – 2,996 sq ft of existing restaurant space is available for $24/sq ft (NNN).

40 Free St – A new building is under construction on Free Street by JB Brown. The first floor will have 4/5 storefronts ranging in size from 1,358 to 3,067 sq ft. The construction is expected to be completed in early 2021. The rate is $30/sq ft (NNN).

55 Market St – this 3,700 sq ft space on Market Street was formerly occupied by the Big Easy. It’s available for $24/sq ft (NNN).

131 Middle St – this 3,512 sq ft retail spaace is for lease at $14.50/sq ft (NNN).

28 Monument Square – the former Maine Squeeze juice bar in the Public Market House is for lease. Contact leasing@juicery.com for more information. Also, the second floor space formerly occupied by Sichuan Kitchen is available, call (207) 939-0980 for information.

66 Pearl St – the 5,796 space formerly occupied by Bull Moose is available for $15.75/sq ft (MG).

2 Portland Square – the former Walter’s is back on the market. 3,219 sq ft for $28/sq ft (MG).

3 Portland Square – This new building will include 2,500 – 20,000 square feet of retail space for$28.50/sq ft.

3 Spring St – the 2,554 – 3,500 sq ft former Lio space is available at $23/sq ft (NNN).

5 Spring St – the first floor space located below the former home of Lio at the corner of Cross and Spring Streets. 3,069 sq ft at $20-23/sq ft (NNN).

23 Temple St – this 947 sq ft is located in the same building as the Nickelodeon. It’s for lease at $25/sq ft (MG).

India/Washington Ave

100 Fore St – 2 retail spaces are available in a new building planned for Fore Street. 1,141 and 1,914 sq ft respectively, $27 – 30/sq ft (NNN).

The Black Box – 300 sq ft, $1,450 per month (3 month minimum) which includes all utilities, high speed WiFi, and shared access to a common unit that includes two bathrooms (1 ADA) as well as shared use of the adjacent patio space that can accommodate outdoor seating.

Forest Ave

688 Forest Ave – the former Valley Chinese building in Woodfords Corner is for sale for $475,000.

1190 Forest Ave – located right in the center of Morrill’s Corner. 3,000 – 5,082 sq ft at $12 – 20/sq ft (NNN).

Other

559 Brighton Ave – 1,920 sq ft of the original Rosemont Market building is for lease for $12/sq ft (NNN).

1041 Brighton Ave – 1,200 -7,000 sq ft of space available in the strip mall that’s the longtime location of Panda Garden. The space is available for $10-13/sq ft (NNN).

441 Congress St – The 2,400 sq ft former home of Guitar Grave across the street from 1 Monument Square is available for $20/sq ft.

1283 Congress St – part of this build was in the process of becoming a restaurant. A hood was installed a couple years. Those plans have apparently been shelved and the space is now for lease. For more information call Harbor City Realty (207) 775-1991.

139 Riverside St – a 5,020 sq ft restaurant space available for $15/sq ft (MG).

249 Saint John St – a 3,41 sq ft building that has been occupied by one restaurant or another for years is for sale for $325,000.

23 Lincoln St, Biddeford – a 12,600 sq ft space divided equally on two floors, each floor has a kitchen with hoods is available for $11/sq ft (NNN). Contact Tony Delois for more information at anthony@uncommongroups.com.

117 Route 1, Freeport – the former Conundrum building in Freeport is for sale for $1.2M.

111 Main St, Westbrook – the former Ruby Tuesday’s in Westbrook Crossing shopping plaza off of Brighton is for lease. Contact nick.margitza@wsdevelopment.com.

Other Spaces – some vacated restaurant spaces haven’t yet been formerly listed for by the owner (e.g. Piccolo). Check the closing announcements for the latest information.

Glossary

MG – Modified Gross which indicates that the operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.) for the property are included in the lease rate. The tenant would pay its own utilities, which sometimes includes heat.

NNN – Triple Net which indicates that operating expenses are not included in the lease rate, and the tenant will pay them separately. They are often referred to as CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges and taxes, which are expressed as $/sf. The tenant is also responsible for utilities.

Gross – Gross indicates all expenses including utilities are included in the lease rate. The tenant would be responsible for phone and internet access, as well as interior janitorial.

2021 Valentines Day List

| Posted in Events

Valentines Day is just a few weeks away, and local bars, restaurants and confectioners are just now starting to announce specials they’re offering this year. Check back often, we’ll be adding new entries as they get posted online.

  • Ada’s – “Pink Sorpresine (naturally dyed with beets) or a pink and white Lasagna with pink pasta, mushroom duxelle, and a white Ragu sauce”
  • Allagash Brewing – releasing Heart of Hearts, a “ruby-colored, foudre-aged sour beer rested for four months on fresh-plucked raspberries”
  • Bao Bao – “6-course Valentine’s menu includes a fried tonkatsu oyster sandwich with yuzu koshu aioli.” $68 for two people.
  • Baristas + Bites – heart shaped baked goods.
  • Basket Island Oysters – a dozen oysters, a bottle of Resurgam Spruced Up hot sauce, and a shucking knife.
  • Ben Lu Bakery – has a collection of Valentine’s Day treats available.
  • Big Sky Bakery – Valentine’s Day themed baked goods.
  • Blue Spoon – will be serving their regular menu plus some Valentine’s Day specials.
  • BlueFin – a special Valentine’s Day menu.
  • Botto’s Bakery – truffles and cupcakes.
  • Broken Arrow – serving a 6-course Valentines tasting menu on Saturday February 13th.
  • Chaval – 4-course dinner for takeout and also taking reservations for outdoor dining on their heated patio and in minigrenhouses.
  • Craft Curbside – has a set of Valentine’s Day meal kits.
  • Dean’s Sweets – has a set of Valentine’s Day options.
  • Empanada Club – is offering a traditional Argentinian holiday dulce de leche chocolate-covered cookie.
  • Evo – 5-course takeout dinner ($90/person), or a 7-course dinner at Evo ($130/person).
  • Fore Street – a takeout menu during Valentine’s Day weekend.
  • Gros Confection Bar – Triple Chocolate Entremet & Confections for two.
  • Helm – a 3-course prix fixe menu with optional caviar and oysters additions.
  • Izakaya Minato – a special Valentine’s Day menu.
  • Knotted Apron – 4-course dinner with wine pairings for $75 per person.
  • La Belle Patisserie – chocolates and macarons.
  • Lake & Co. – will have a dinner of Coquilles St.-Jacques plus sides and desserts. They’ll also be selling Valentine cookie decorating kits.
  • Luke’s Lobster – a takeout seafood tower for two with 2 splits of Prosecco, and a box of chocolates from Bixby & Co, $130.
  • Mainely Macarons – “Valentine’s boxes include 6 Chocolate and 6 Vanilla Bean with a strawberry jam center.”
  • Mr. Tuna – a Valentine’s Day party box.
  • North 43 Bistro – 3-course dinner.
  • Novare Res – in collaboration with Dean’s Sweets Novare has a set of beer and chocolate pairing which are also available for home delivery via CarHop.
  • Portland Beer Hub – a Valentine’s Day special beer bundle of a mixed 4-pack and two whoopie pies
  • Portland Cake Co. – 7″ red velvet and chocolate cakes, $25 each.
  • Prairie Baking – cakes and confection boxes.
  • Ragged Coast Chocolates – has a collection of Valentine’s Day offerings.
  • Ribollita – has a Valentine’s Day special of “Scallops w/Moscato Cream w/Fresh Fettuccine & Ricotta Ravioli Bolognese” and their regular menu is also available. They’re open Thursday through Saturday for takeout.
  • Sopo Seafood – has Valentin’s Day gift boxes.
  • Standard Baking Co. – has hazelnut, sugar and Linzer heart-shaped cookies, opera torte, and French macarons.
  • Sugar Giant – has a Valentine’s Day box with optional champagne and print add-ons.
  • Tao Yuan – 9-course chef’s tasting menu, $58 per person.
  • Top of the East – 3-course takeout dinner for 2, $85.
  • Union – 4-course takeout dinner for 2, $120.
  • Union Kitchen – has a special Valentine’s Day menu.
  • Vena’s Fizz House – a “Valentine’s Day beverage kit that includes ingredients & recipes for both cocktails and mocktails”.
  • Wine Wise – Périgord black truffle virtual wine dinner for 2 with Chaval, $250.
  • Yardie Ting – a stuffed salmon dinner for two with sides, dessert and two bottles of Ting for $90.

Interview with Bluet Winery

| Posted in Profiles, Wine

American Fizz has published an interview with Coco O’Neil and Ed Lutgens from Bluet Winery. Bluet is a Maine business that makes wine from wild Maine blueberries.

The Bluet winery is in a warehouse in Scarborough just out of town, and immediately gives you the sense that something interesting is happening here. Originally located in an 1820s barn in Jefferson, Maine, Bluet needed a bit more of a temperature-friendly location for their fermentations—too cold in those old Maine wooden barns. I was welcomed by Coco O’Neill, the sales lead for Bluet, and Ed Lutjens, assistant winemaker and sometimes-cooper for the winery. We talked about the inherent nature of blueberries, supporting the local Maine agriculture community, and the joys and hardships of making fruit wine.

Bread and Friends Bakery and Market

| Posted in Under Construction

A new bakery and market called Bread and Friends (website, instagram) is under development in Portland. Bread and Friends is the creation of two couples: Maggie and Tanner Rubin and Jessica Rattey and Jeremy Broucek, who all recently moved to Portland from the California where they worked in the bakeries and restaurants of the Bay Area including Tartine, State Bird Provisions and The Progress (more details below).

Bread and Friends will be an artisan bakery and specialty market that will serve a menu of breads, pastries, sandwiches, house-made products (spreads, jams, etc), prepared foods, and wine and beer.

The team plan to launch this spring initially selling through subscriptions, wholesale and at some local farmers’ markets. They are looking for a space to open a brick and mortar establishment by the end of 2021. The team shared with us that they “love how food can tell a story, and want to be a space where Portland can find approachable products that have integrity of ingredients and process, and where they can learn about the people behind their food.”

Tanner Rubin will be the head baker for Bread and Friends. He has spent a number of years in the Bay Area baking for Josey Baker Bread, Midwife and the Baker, and Tartine, and prior to moving West got his start at Publican Quality Bread in Chicago. Rattey, Broucek, and Maggie Rubin met when all three worked at the Michelin-starred State Bird Provisions and at its sister restaurant The Progress. Rubin was part of the admin and operations staff, Rattey worked front of house, and Broucek was the chef de cuisine at The Progress.

All four have worked together before on small projects and pop-ups and have wanted to expand on that experience on a larger scale. The impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry accelerated the process of honing a vision for Bread and Friends and turning it into a reality. Broucek and Rattey are from New England and were drawn to Portland for the outstanding food scene and quality of life.

Tally’s Cafe on Stevens Ave

| Posted in Under Construction

Julie Taliento Walsh, owner of Tally’s Kitchen (instagram) on Marginal Way, will be opening Tally’s Cafe at the Steven’s Square Community Center. The 950 square foot space (kitchen, bakery, retail counter) is adjacent to the SSCC atrium with seating for 50 people.

Walsh expects to being serving a similar menu to what she offers at Tally’s Kitchen with the addition of some new options like smoothies, dinners to go, and specialty coffee drinks. She hopes to be open in time for early summer.