It look like they’re making good progress at the construction site for El Rayo. The building plans anticipate seating for about 25 people between the counter and tables. It also indicates plans for outdoor seating. El Rayo’s kitchen will be run by chef Cheryl Lewis who’s bio includes stints at the Black Point Inn, Stonewall Kitchen and Aurora Provisions.
Author: PFM
This Week's Events
The second night of a two-part Maine Food & Drink Ambassador’s class on beer, wine, mead and spirits is taking place on Tuesday night at the Bar of Chocolate Cafe; and the first night of the Ambassador’s course on cheese is taking place at Horton’s on Thursday. On Tuesday, ‘Gasharoo, an all-Allagash event is on tap at Novare Res. On Thursday The Great Lost Bear is showcasing beers from Long Trail Brewing. The 10th Annual Best Of Portland readership poll results will be announced on Wednesday at a party to be held at the Port City Music Hall. There are two cooking classes scheduled this week: at Piatto per Tutti on Monday and Black Tie Bistro on Wednesday. There are three wine tasting: at Old Port Wine Merchants on Wednesday, Leavitt and Sons on Thursday and Scarborough Wine Outlet on Saturday. Also on Saturday, the 5th Annual International Food Festival is taking place at SMCC. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
Bar of Chocolate Cafe Review
The Bar of Chocolate Cafe has received 3 stars from the Taste & Tell column in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.
The Cuban panini ($8) was encased in a well-browned oblong white roll, which wrapped up thin prosciutto and tender slices of house-roasted pork, melted cheddar and Swiss cheese and sour sliced pickle with a mustard sauce made of ground mustard, hot sauce and a lighter mustard. “It’s pretty spicy because it does have some red chilies,” Martin said.
Pearl is Now Open
Pearl, a new cocktail lounge on Fore Street, opened for business tonight. Pearl is in the space that was formerly occupied by Onyx.
Grassroots Organic
Cornucopasetic has posted a brief first look at Grassroots Organic.
Things we liked: the almond, cacao, banana and nut milk smoothy; a miso sea veggie “soup” with shitaakes; an excellent sea veggie salad with ginger-miso dressing; the dog that hangs out on the sofa…The place is still coming together. Give them some support.
Saigon Sandwich & Variety
Portland Psst! reports that Saignon Sandwich & Variety is taking over the spot on Cumberland Ave formerly occupied by the Portland Grocery Store. They’re under construction now and are aiming to open on April 15.
Urban Chickens
This week’s Forecaster includes an article on Portlander’s new found ability to raise chickens in the city. Paris Farmers Union on Auburn Ave is a source for buying baby chicks. Portland Adult Ed is offering Chicken 101 classes, however all three sessions are alredy fully booked. The Union is getting a shipment of 800 chicks and the classes are sold out, but the Forecaster reports that only “four residents have taken out applications for permits”.
Meal at Miyake
Portland Food Coma has written up what sounds like quite an amazing 10-course meal at Miyake.
7th [course] Skate and hotate salad with parsley garlic oil, and micros over rice. Presentation was beautiful. You’d think I would have had something that wasn’t amazing at this point. Wrong.
Drinks at Sapporo
The Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Sapporo.
The sake list is a little small for the rice wine connoisseur, but for the average schmo there’s a fair range of sakes including the usual Ozeki – hot or cold – Nigori and Plum Wine. Even having a modest selection and big competition in the Japanese restaurant selection of Portland, this little restaurant and sushi bar is a hot number on Commercial Street.
Lunch at the Blue Spoon
Accidental Vegetables confesses that “left to my own devices, I will rarely leave the west end”. But she did manage to escape it’s gravitational pull long enough to enjoy lunch at the Blue Spoon on Munjoy Hill.
So, if you’re looking for a nice, friendly, reasonably priced lunch spot, give the Blue Spoon a try. There was a nice selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Next time, I’m going to try the burger. I promise, Munjoy Hill, I will forsake thee no more!