Under Construction: Ten Ten Pié

Ten Ten Pié has announced that Atsuko Fujimoto will be heading up the kitchen in the new eatery.

Ten Ten Pié is proud to announce Markos´ partner: Atsuko Fujimoto of Miyake. Atsuko will be the mastermind in the kitchen, blending traditional French pastry, Japanese culinary discipline, and multi-cultural flavors to offer unique morning pastries, freshly prepared snacks, and take-out lunches and dinners.

Fujimoto comes to Ten Ten Pié from Miyake but has also worked at Fore Street and Standard Baking. Fujimoto and partner Markos Miller hope to open in August.

Hilltop Superette Opening Next Monday

hilltopsuprette

A sign on the front of of the Hilltop Superette indicates that the store will be opening on Monday June 30.

Today’s Press Herald has a report on what’s new at the neighborhood market.

When the Hilltop Superette opens next Monday, residents of Portland’s East End will be able to get Grey Poupon, green curry paste and fresh-cut steaks within walking distance.

But those who came to rely on the convenience store formerly known as Colucci’s for cheap beer, basics like butter or a roll of toilet paper in a pinch can rest assured the new market will carry all the staples, too.

Under Construction: Hilltop Superette

The Forecaster has published a report on the Hilltop Superette under construction in the old Colucci’s building.

Now christened Hilltop Superette, the nearly 80-year-old store at 135 Congress St. is expected to re-open as soon as June 26, according to its general manager, Nate Philbrick.

“It might be a little later, but it will definitely be before the Fourth (of July),” he said in an interview Monday afternoon. The reborn bodega will offer something for everyone, he promised, as it traditionally has.

Chef William D’Auvray Opening Restaurant in Portland

willDA chef named William D’Auvray (twitter) has moved from Florida to Portland where he plans on opening a restaurant on Commercial Street. D’Auvray and business partner Angelo Ciocca, president of Nova Seafood are in the final stages of leasing the former Spread restaurant for this new venture.

In North Carolina D’Auvray ran an Asian themed seafood restaurant called Fins, and Buku which served a menu of “global streetfood”. He was also involved in Thasos a Greek restaurant in Fort Laudardale. A very thorough biography of the chef’s education and career can be found on the Eat & Critique Show.

Once the partners have decided on a name for the restaurant they’ll be releasing further details on the concept.

Under Construction: Tandem West

Sprudge has posted an interview with Tandem about the new coffee shop shop they have under construction in the West End.

What’s your approach to serving the coffee?
We’re going to emphasize high-quality batch brew but we’re still debating our exact setup for that at the moment. Pour-over may or may not happen at the new place. Coffee shots are a possible alternative—though we won’t know for sure until we get the new equipment in to start tasting.

Under Construction: SoPo Bar & Grill

Outliers owner Peter Verrill has leased for former JP Thornton’s location in South Portland where he plans on opening SoPo Bar & Grill, according to Eater Maine.

Verrill says the new venture, like its predecessor, will have a cafe/deli component in addition to a restaurant/bar section, and likely even a juice bar to serve health conscious customers of nearby Greener Postures Yoga and Snap Fitness.

Dean’s Sweets Moving to Fore St

Dean’s Sweets has announced that they’re moving to 475 Fore Street into one of the retail spaces across the street from Miyake. According to the press release,

After almost six years in their current location (82 Middle St.), and four years prior to that making chocolate in their home kitchen, Dean’sSweets now needs more space to make and sell their hand-dipped truffles, caramels, and buttercreams. With consistent growth over the years, including retail, wholesale, wedding, special events, and website orders, Dean’sSweets is moving toward greater capacity to accommodate more people, more equipment, and more production. Committed to making chocolate in small batches for absolute freshness while also keeping production and sales all under one roof, Dean’sSweets is pleased to have found a great location in Portland, steps away from Old Port.

Pepperclub to Stay in Portland

The Forecaster reports the Pepperclub is planning to remain in Portland rather than move to Kennebunk.

With the help of real estate brokers and input from customers, Sawyer is now looking for a new home for the restaurant after its lease expires in September.

“We are not looking to move out of the greater Portland area,” [co-owner Melissa Sawyer] said.

Sawyer said the Good Egg Cafe, which reopened about seven years ago as the Pepperclub’s breakfast arm, will also continue to operate.