Category: People

Katsuaki Suzuki, owner of Ramen Suzukiya, passed away earlier this month at the age of 67.

After his retirement in 2014, Kei fulfilled one of his dreams by moving to Maine and opening Ramen Suzukiya with his son, Cory. His handcrafted organic noodles were his passion and he loved the opportunity to create a space for customers to enjoy his craft. Kei will be remembered as the kindest man who never hesitated to reach out to those in need. He loved his family and fought a vicious cancer for over a year in order to have more time to spend with them. The world was certainly a better place with him here.

The American Journal reports that Hope Lawler is in the process of buying Casa Novello from owner/co-founder Larry Manoogian.

Manoogian said many of his customers’ favorite Italian dishes will continue to be served.  Lawler said she intends to make some changes, such as bringing in some of her own recipes and opening for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and offering brunch on Sundays during the summer.

The Press Herald Mainers to Be Thankful For article includes profiles of Christian and Christine Hayes, and Jonah Fertig-Burd.

Boston Voyager has published an interview with Sur Lie co-owner Krista Cole.

Krista, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in East Millinocket, Maine and became a nurse twelve years ago. I also met my best friend and business partner, Antonio Alviar, at that time. We were both waiting tables in Bar Harbor… just a couple of college kids.

Chefs Cara Stadler and Ilma Lopez sat down Tuesday night on the stage of One Longfellow for a very interesting MaineVoices interview.

You can watch a full video of the session on the Press Herald website.

Chef Matt Ginn won the latest round of Chopped Challenge Tuesday and now advances to the final round which is set to air November 6th at 9pm on the Food Network.

For additional details see these reports from the Bangor Daily News and Press Herald.

The Restaurant Unstoppable podcast has published a pair of Portland  episodes with:

• Pete Sueltenfuss, owner of Other Side Deli, on “the power of transformative relationships”.
• Arlin Smith, co-owner of Big Tree Hospitality, on “putting your employees first”.

Chef Avery Richter from Black Tie Catering, and author Dana Moos were named the judge’s choice and people’s choice Lobster Chefs of the Year yesterday at Harvest on the Harbor.

Chef Lars Taylor from The Honey Paw came in 2nd place at the national Lamb Jam competition that took place this past weekend in Colorado.

Food & Wine has published a set of Fall entertaining tips from Hunt & Alpine owners Andrew and Briana Volk.

Because if anyone knows how to make cold weather living look good, it’s the husband-and-wife team behind Portland, Maine hotspots Portland Hunt + Alpine Club and newer sister restaurant Little Giant.Through their inspiring book, the Volks share secrets to getting hygge-with-it (sorry) Northern-style, blending inspiration from their Maine lifestyle and Briana’s Scandinavian heritage.