Events Archives - Page 15 of 160

Upcoming Events: Valentine’s Day, Cider Dinner, Portland Wine Week

January 24, 2022January 29, 2022 | Posted in Events

February 10 – The Yard is hold a pre-Valentine’s Day Dueling Pianos event, and Evo is holding a dinner in support of the Dempsey Center with seatings at 5:30 or 7:45.

February 13 – Cocktail Mary is holding a Champagne Brunch.

Valentine’s Day – this list continues to grow as restaurants announce their plans.

Black Tie – a Valentine’s take-out menu for two; order by February 8th.
BlueFin – is serving a menu of “featured Valentine’s Day cocktails”.
Bravo Maine – is holding a French Bistro cooking class.
Brickyard Hollow – 4-couse menu
Chaval – will be serving a special Valentine’s Day menu, details are still TBD.
Elda – Valentine’s Day tasting menu; $125 per person.
Evo Kitchen + Bar – a 6-course dinner for $120 per person, also available for takeout.
Isa Bistro – 3-course dinner for $75 per person.
Tiny Feats Confections – Chocolate Raspberry Tortes available for pre-order.
Top of the East – a 3-course take-out dinner; order by February 11th.
Vena’s Fizz House – a Valentine’s Day mixology class.
Verbena’s – will be serving a Valentine’s weekend menu featuring the flavors of Southeast Asia.
Wine Wise – a Black Truffle Wine Dinner for two in collaboration with Chaval; $250, delivery included.
Yardie Ting – will be serving a surf and turf dinner for two at the Public Market House; $80 for a couple.
Chocolate shops and bakeries – check in with your favorite chocolate shops and bakeries to find what Valentine’s Day special candies and baked goods they may have available.

February 17 – The Porthole is holding a wine dinner.

March 29 – Maine’s newest cidery the Absolem Cider Company and Oxbow Brewing will collaborating on a beer/cider dinner at the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford.

June 13 – 19 – the 5th Annual Portland Wine Week will be taking place.

Upcoming Events: Frying Dutchman, Business Workshop, Pig Roast, Sushi Class, Valentine’s Day

January 17, 2022January 18, 2022 | Posted in Events

Monday – The Frying Dutchman is scheduled to open today at 10 am.

Tuesday – Fork Food Lab is kicking off their food business webinar series.

Sunday – Pig Roast on the Patio is taking place at Thoroughfare, and Great Wave Sushi chef Alex Herzog is teaching a sushi making class.

February 10 – The Yard is hold a pre-Valentine’s Day Dueling Pianos event, and Evo is holding a dinner in support of the Dempsey Center with seatings at 5:30 or 7:45.

Valentine’s Day – this list will be continuously updated as restaurants announce their plans.

Black Tie – a Valentine’s take-out menu for two; order by February 8th.
Bravo Maine – is holding a French Bistro cooking class.
Chaval – will be serving a special Valentine’s Day menu, details are still TBD.
Elda – Valentine’s Day tasting menu; $125 per person.
Tiny Feats Confections – Chocolate Raspberry Tortes available for pre-order.
Top of the East – a 3-course take-out dinner; order by February 11th.
Wine Wise – a Black Truffle Wine Dinner for two in collaboration with Chaval; $250, delivery included.

March 29 – Maine’s newest cidery the Absolem Cider Company and Oxbow Brewing will collaborating on a beer/cider dinner at the Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford.

Upcoming Events: Cooking Party, Wine Dinners, Dueling Pianos

January 10, 2022January 14, 2022 | Posted in Events

Wednesday – Maker’s Galley is holding a winter cooking party.

Thursday – Roma is holding a 5-course Piedmont wine dinner., and Judy Gibson is holding a 4-course Croatian and Slovenian wine dinner–both wine dinners are priced at $75 per person.

January 18 – Fork Food Lab is kicking off their food business webinar series.

February 10 – The Yard is hold a pre-Valentine’s Day Dueling Pianos event.

Valentine’s Day

Bravo Maine – is holding a French Bistro cooking class

Upcoming Events: Smalls, Wine Dinners, Good Food Awards

January 4, 2022January 5, 2022 | Posted in Events

Wednesday – it’s the official opening day of Smalls.

January 13 – Roma is holding a 5-course Piedmont wine dinner., and Judy Gibson is holding a 4-course Croatian and Slovenian wine dinner–both wine dinners are priced at $75 per person.

January 14 – The Good Food Foundation will be announcing the winners of the 2022 awards program; 10 Maine food producers are finalists this year, and Black Tie is kicking-off a spring cooking class series.

The 2021 Year In Review: Pandemic, Food Trucks, Openings, Closings, Etc.

January 1, 2022January 1, 2024 | Posted in Under Construction, Reviews, Events, Openings, People, Year in Review

It’s been another busy and challenging year. Here’s an attempt to provide a high level overview of the 2021 year in food:

Covid-19 – the pandemic continued to have a big impact on all our lives. With surge in cases that bookended the year in Maine and a peak in the spring Covid-19 continued to have a ripple effect across the industry from outdoor dining in the depths of winter to supply chain issues to a challenging labor market. Vaccines improved conditions during the summer but the delta and omicron variants have driven up case numbers and hospitalizations resulting in customers becoming more cautious and less numerous as we head into winter. A small number of restaurants have implemented their own proof of vaccination policies and in late December a petition is began circulating among Portland restaurants that calls on the City Council to make that a city-wide approach for indoor dining. Despite all the headwinds, new food business projects continue to get launched—a sign that food entrepreneurs feel a sense of hope and optimism about what’s to come in 2022.
Food Truck Boom – Food truck launches continued to surge in 2021. The Press Herald, Mainebiz, Maine Public, Bangor Daily News all wrote and discussed this trend. At one point this past summer there were almost 50 trucks on the streets or under development in Portland. Over the past decade, many businesses that started as food trucks have transitioned into brick and mortar businesses. It will be interesting to see if that’s also the case with this new set of mobile food entrepreneurs.
Knightville – There always seems to be some section of town which is a focal point for new restaurant development. In 2021 that new bright spot has been the Knightville neighborhood in South Portland. SoPo Seafood, BenReuben’s Knishery, Cafe Louis opened and Taco Trio moved to new digs. They all joined the Knightville veterans like Smaha’s Legion square Market, The Bridgeway, The Snow Squall, Verbena’s, Cia Coffee and relatively recent opening by Solo Cucina, Judy Gibson, and Foulmouthed Brewing. The former Taco Trio space is now vacant and there are other store fronts that may come on the market so we’re likely to see more growth here into 2022.
John Woods – John Woods passed away at the age of 57. Woods was a co-founder of Full Plates Full Potential and was tireless fighter in the battle against childhood hunger in Maine. His work touched the lives of so many people and made Maine a better place. In his memory Full Plates established the John T. Woods Innovation Fund.
Upcoming in 2022 – For the full list of new food businesses under development see PFM Under Construction list. Here are some of the current highlights:
- Bread and Friends – a brick and mortar bakery/cafe being launched by a pair of couples who moved here from the Bay Area. In 2021 they started selling wholesale and at some local farmers’ markets. B&F will be located at 505 Fore Street and is slated to open in late summer.
- Dila’s Kitchen – a Turkish eatery located on the second floor of the Public Market House. Watch for them to launch in early 2022.
- Hi-Fidelity Beer – a low ABV brewery and community space in East Bayside.
- Lenora – a taco bar focusing on Mexican-inspired street food being launched by partners from from Lone Star Taco Bar and Deep Ellum in Boston. Watch for them to launch in early summer.
- Twelve – located in the reconstructed Pattern Storehouse from the Portland Company Complex, Twelve will feature the culinary talents of Matt Ginn and Colin Wyatt.
- TBD – Gin & Luck (the parent company of Death & Co.) is opening an as yet unnamed restaurant and bar in the Danforth Street location formerly occupied by Little Giant.
- Wicked Fresco – a food truck that was originally slated to open this past summer. Wicked Fresco co-owners Camila Sohm and Eric Mendoza plan to tap into their Colombian and Salvadoran food cultures and Maine seasonal ingredients to serve a menu of sweet and savory salads as well as sides and hand-crafted sodas.
- Zu Baker – a neighborhood boulangerie in the West End being launched by Barak Olins this spring.

There are also several other exciting new projects that are currently under wraps but will go public soon. Check back later this year for details.

Notable Events of 2021

January – The City Council extended outdoor dining permits through to May 10th, the Maine Sunday Telegram reported on the high demand at local food pantries, Eat Drink Lucky completed a survey on outdoor/indoor dining perspectives during the pandemic, a new company called Huga began beta testing a heated seat pad for use at outdoor dining spots, the East Ender launched a guest chef series, Terlingua launched a BBQ collaboration series, and seven Maine food producers won Good Food award winners. Sugar High Donuts, the Iron Side Whiskey Bar, Coco Cones and Rover opened.
February – Eater published an article about the Preble Street food program, an essay by Carmen Harris (co-founder of Magnus on Water) appeared in the inaugural issue of For the Culture, the city decided to extend some street closures into 2021, and Thrillist published an eating guide to Portland. Helm, Thoroughfare, S+P Plant-Based Foods, the C. Love Baking Academy opened. Bill’s Pizza closed their location in the Old Port to make way for a new Holy Donut, Binga’s Stadium closed their Free Street location, and Cheevitdee closed.
March – John Woods passed away at the age of 57, Maine Restaurant Week took place, Food & Wine included Forage, Rover and Scratch Baking on their list of the Best Bagels in America, owners from Cheevitdee and Mi Sen began working on a new restaurant called Mitr, The Maine Farm to Table Cookbook was published, Mainer News delved into the early days of Rob Evans and Nancy Pugh’s work at Hugo’s. Belleflower Brewing, Siblings Bakery, Vy Banh Mi, and the Foodtruckalico phone app launched. MJ’s Wine Bar closed and owner Mark Ohlson began converting the space into what would become Citrus.
April – Two city councilors considered how to regulate food delivery companies, Rose Foods kicked-off a guest chef series, chef Khristian Martinez held a Salvadoran pop-up at Central Provisions, the Press Herald published a 5-part series on the impact the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry, Ben Jackson joined the team at Magnus on the Water. Onggi and Ruby’s West End opened. Roll Call closed their sandwich shop on Clark Street.
May – Work began on a second volume of the Maine Community Cookbook, Joe Ricchio interviewed Krista Kern Desjarlais for the Food Coma Maine podcast, a group of restaurants collaborated to raise money for organizations fighting AAPI hate. Soul Food Paradise, BenReuben’s Knishery, Paddy Wagon, La Fritanga, Cheese Louise, Caribbean Taste, Pigeons, Speckled Ax on Walton Street, Rwanda Bean on Thompson’s Point, Curbside Comforts, DiMillo’s on a Roll, Coveside Coffee, The Pink Waffle, Snowology, Buzz Coffee, Higgins Beach Market, and Jackrabbit Cafe opened.
June – the 3rd Annual Portland Wine Week took place, demolition of the Brian Boru building was averted. Il Leone, Crispy Gai, Taste of 243, Luna and Salt Yard opened, and Strata moved into their new shop. Pigeons closed.
July – Construction began on Hi-Fidelity Brewing in East Bayside, the Washington Post published an article about Bresca and the Honey Bee, the owner of Barrett Made and and a cofounder of Austin Street began work to launch a nonalcoholic brewery called KitNA. Cafe Louis, Brickyard Hollow, Citrus, Eighty 8 Donut Cafe, Apres, Stacks Pancake, the Witty Monkey and Wayside Tavern opened; Cakes Extraordinaire moved to Yarmouth and Bam Bam moved into their former space on Brighton Ave. Figgy’s closed.
August – Little Giant, Hunt & Alpine and Crown Jewel became the first establishments to implement proof of vaccination policies for indoor dining, there was a change in management at Back Bay Grill, Gather in Yarmouth went up for sale, the Boston Globe published an article on 101-year old lobsterwoman named Virginia Oliver, Bravo Maine moved to Brighton Ave, Belleville leased space for a new production bakery on Forest Ave, Phil Rosenthal and his camera crew were in town filming for a Maine episode of Someone Feed Phil. Lucky Pigeon, Nibblesford, Quanto Basta, Moonday Coffee, Zephyr Ice, the Rosemont wine bar on Thompson’s Point opened. One Fifty Ate closed after two decades in business. Coco Cones and the West End location of Other Side closed.
September – Gin & Luck began work to launch a new restaurant in the former Little Giant space on Danforth Street, Cantillon Zwwanze Day took place at Novare Res, Bard began work on a second location in the Portland Foreside development. Flores, Sarah’s Farmstand Kitchen, Tokyo Sushi Ramen, SoPo Seafood, and the La Mega coffee cart opened.
October – Fork Food Lab share initial plans for a larger new location in South Portland, the New York Times included Cong Tu Bot in their list of the 50 most exciting restaurant in America., Vena’s announced plans to reopen on Congress Street. Norimoto Bakery opened on Stevens Ave, the new Taco Trio, Friends & Family, Falafel Time, the Cinnamon Girl food truck and the Soul Food Paradise location in the Maine Mall, The Portland Board, and Rathskeller on Wharf all opened. Emilitsa closed and Regards began construction of their new restaurant in their space at 547 Congress Street.
November – 10 Maine food producers were named finalist in the Good Food Awards, Harvest on the Harbor took place, longtime food reported Meredith Goad retired from the Press Herald, Lenora took over the long vacant Walter’s space, and Tandem began renovations of their original cafe on Anderson Street. Butcher Burger, Maker’s Galley, Ghee, Cellardoor, Old Port Nutrition, and the Brunch 207 food truck opened. Big Sky closed their location in the Public Market House.
December – Barak Olins began work to open Zu Bakery on Clark Street, Scratch Baking kicked off a major renovation of their Willard Square location, Big Tree Hospitality partner Mike Wiley announced plans to leave the business, restaurant owners began circulating a petition asking the City Council to implement a proof of vaccination requirement, Mimi Weissenborn was hired as the executive chef at Sur Lie. Buzz Coffee, Free Street, and Dirty Dove opened, and Arcadia opened at their new location on Congress Street. Ada’s, Bubble Mania, Yeto’s and D&G closed in Biddeford.

Passings

Hope Hushion, 44 – a former sous chef at Fore Street.
Abiodun Jerry Olubi, 38 – a former chef at 207 Bar and Restaurant.
Thomas Smaha, 77 – the longtime owner of the Smaha’s Legion Square Market in South Portland.
Anna Maria Tocci, 43 – former co-owner of the North Star Music Café.
Dylan Webber, 31 – co-founder of Definitive Brewing.
John Woods, 57 – co-founder of Full Plates Full Potential.

For additional perspectives on the past year in food see the Maine Sunday Telegram A to Z annual round-up, and their restaurant critic’s list of the Best of 2021.

This is the 12th year running that Portland Food Map has published a year in review article. Take a walk down memory lane by checking out these past editions that covered 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 , 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Upcoming Events: Buzz Coffee, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, KitNA

December 27, 2021December 30, 2021 | Posted in Events

Wednesday – the new Buzz Coffee shop is opening for business.

New Year’s Eve – Here’s a growing list of options for your New Year’s Eve celebrations–more will be added as restaurants announce their plans—send us a message if you see some place missing from the list.

Batson River – entertainment and “passed appetizers, food stations, late night snacks, and a sparkling toast at midnight”; $70 per person.
Blue Spoon – will be open; menu TBD.
Broken Arrow – 5-course dinner ($95 per person) at 6 pm, and 7-course dinner ($145 per person) at 9 pm, both with optional pairings.
Crispy Gai –fried chicken and caviar.
Dizzy Bird – has preorder takeout.
Evo Kitchen + Bar – 6-course dinner with optional wine pairings; $150 per person.
Free Street
Friends & Family – a Tour d’Alps tasting menu; $48 per person.
Gather – available on site or to go.
Gross Confection Bar – will be open on New Year’s Eve.
Isa Bistro – 3-course tasting menu; $75 per person.
Judy Gibson – a 6-course tasting menu plus snacks; $100 per person with optional beverage pairing for $45 per person.
Knotted Apron – 4-course dinner with champagne toast; $79 per person.
Luna – entertainment, appetizers and sparkling wine toast; $100 per person.
Magnus on Water – extensive NYE champagne list
Mr. Tuna – a range of sushi options for 2 – 10 people.
Old Port Sea Grill – 5-course dinner; $65 per person.
Petite Jacqueline – 4-course dinner and champagne toast.
Roll Call at Austin Street
Roma – is offering a special menu.
Smalls – will be open serving “wine, beer and bubbles” starting at 5pm. They’re a new market/cafe located at 28 Brackett Street.
Top of the East
Verbena’s – 4-course takeout dinner; $52 per person.

New Year’s Day – a few restaurants have announced special brunch and brinner options.

Broken Arrow – serving Brinner, their “favorite brunch meets dinner items”
Crispy Gai – is serving New Year’s Day brunch.
Ghee – will be serving brunch, noon to 8 pm.
Little Tap House – is serving New Year’s Day brunch.
Other Side Diner – will be serving brunch 8 – 2 with specials like roast duck hash and beef tenderloin and eggs.
The Pink Waffle – is teaming up with Fork Food Lab to offer take home waffle kits and a New Year’s Day brunch option.

January 2 – KitNA (instagram) will be releasing their first beer On Your Mark American Blonde at a variety of beer retail locations.

Vegetarian Shabbat Dinners

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021 | Posted in Events

Food Love Laughter chef Rebecca Schilling will be offering weekly vegetarian Shabbat dinners in January starting on January 7th. These to go dinners will be available for pick-up at the Jewish Community Center building on Congress Street.

See the FLL website for more information and to see the weekly menus.

Upcoming Events: Free Street, New Year’s Eve, KitNA

December 20, 2021December 22, 2021 | Posted in Events

Tuesday – opening day at Free Street (instagram), the new restaurant and bar at 77 Free Street located in the renovated space formerly occupied Binga’s Stadium. The menu includes a 25-tap draft beer list, house designed and classic cocktails, and a menu of casual appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees like chicken and waffles, fish and chips, and salt and pepper tofu.

Saturday – Christmas.

Batson River – entertainment and “passed appetizers, food stations, late night snacks, and a sparkling toast at midnight”; $70 per person.
Broken Arrow – 5-course dinner ($95 per person) at 6 pm, and 7-course dinner ($145 per person) at 9 pm, both with optional pairings.
Crispy Gai –fried chicken and caviar.
Evo Kitchen + Bar – 6-course dinner with optional wine pairings; $150 per person.
Friends & Family – a Tour d’Alps tasting menu; $48 per person.
Judy Gibson – a 6-course tasting menu plus snacks; $100 per person with optional beverage pairing for $45 per person.
Knotted Apron – 4-course dinner with champagne toast; $79 per person.
Luna – entertainment, appetizers and sparkling wine toast; $100 per person.
Mr. Tuna – a range of sushi options for 2 – 10 people.
Roma – is offering a special menu, details TBD.
Verbena’s – 4-course takeout dinner; $52 per person.

New Year’s Day

Broken Arrow – serving Brinner, their “favorite brunch meets dinner items”
Little Tap House – serving brunch

January 2 – KitNA (instagram) will be releasing their first beer On Your Mark American Blonde at a variety of beer retail locations.

Cooking with Oasis

December 17, 2021 | Posted in Events

Are you still looking for a gift for an enthusiastic home cook or restaurant goer on your list? Then look no further than the Cooking With Oasis series taught by:

Acclaimed chef Sam Hayward – will demonstrate a dish made with Maine grains and winter seafood (January 15th)
Chef and food writer Christine Burns Rudalevige – will have sausage and fried plantain, a sirloin steak with Maine blue cheese and a warm salad on the menu (February 12th)
Vessel and Vine owner Nikaline Iacono – will teach a cocktail class focusing on shaken cocktails (March 12th)

The classes are raising funds for the Oasis Free Clinics which focus on “providing exceptional, patient-centered care to uninsured members of our community.”

Upcoming Events: S’Mores Night, Japanese Mexican Fusion, Belleville, New Year’s Eve

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021 | Posted in Events

Tuesday – Quanto Basta is kicking-off a pop-up series at Belleville.

Wednesday – Great Wave Sushi and Amigo’s are teaming up on a Japanese Mexican Fusion dinner.

Thursday – Congress Square Park plans to kick-off their S’mores Night, which will take place weekly 4-6 pm.

Friday – Belleville will be holding a pop-up 9 am – noon; preorders will go live on December 13th at noon.

Saturday – Fred Eliot from Scales and Michael Stokes from Fore Street will be the guest chefs at the East Ender.

New Year’s Eve – Here’s a growing list of options for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. We’ll be adding more as restaurants and bars announce their plans.

Batson River – entertainment and “passed appetizers, food stations, late night snacks, and a sparkling toast at midnight”; $70 per person.
Broken Arrow – 5-course dinner ($95 per person) at 6 pm, and 7-course dinner ($145 per person) at 9 pm, both with optional pairings.
Evo Kitchen + Bar – 6-course dinner with optional wine pairings; $150 per person.
Friends & Family – a Tour d’Alps tasting menu; $48 per person.
Judy Gibson – a 6-course tasting menu plus snacks; $100 per person with optional beverage pairing for $45 per person.
Knotted Apron – 4-course dinner with champagne toast; $79 per person.
Luna – entertainment, appetizers and sparkling wine toast; $100 per person.
Mr. Tuna – a range of sushi options for 2 – 10 people.
Roma – is offering a special menu, details TBD.

Category: Events