Under Construction: Sweetgrass, Chez Biso, Indian Bazaar, Blue Lobster

bluelobsterHere are a few under construction updates:

Black Dinah Moving to Portland

Black Dinah Chocolatiers (facebook, website, twitter) are planning to  move to the Portland area, according to a report from the Bangor Daily News.

After a Christmas season of rough weather and doubling sales, the owners of Black Dinah Chocolatiers on Isle au Haut are charting a course for Portland.

“Resources are difficult and limited here,” said Steve Shaffer, who has run the high-end chocolate business with his wife Kate Shaffer on the Penobscot Bay island for eight years. “We have to bring everything out here, take everything off the boat. Our utilities and insurance are three times as much as the mainland.”

For more detail on new restaurants and food producers under development in Portland see the PFM Under Construction list.

Under Construction: Interview with Chef Cara Stadler

Booze, Fish & Coffee has posted an interview with Tao’s chef/owner Cara Stadler. Among other topics, they discuss Stadler’s plans to launch a Chinese dumpling shop in Portland later this year (late night hours, full bar, likely launching in late spring/early summer). Stadler also provides a rundown of some of her favorite eating destinations in Portland.

Reviews of Tandoor, Silly’s with a Twist and More

Today’s Press Herald includes a review of Tandoor Bread Bakery (the name may have changed to Tenur Bread and Restaurant)

Tucked in a blink-and-you-miss-it locale on Forest Avenue in Portland is Tenur Bread and Restaurant, which has been open for a couple of years now. I had gone soon after it opened but somehow managed to forget just how incredible the bread is.

a bar review of Silly’s with a Twist,

Silly’s with a Twist, connected by a walkway to the original Silly’s, is lively and welcoming with a full bar and the same menu as Silly’s next door. The kitschy decor and festive drink and food options will make you chuckle, but you’ll feel right at home almost instantly, as the friendly service is unmatched. Silly’s with a Twist is good for smaller groups.

and articles about GrandyOats in Brownfield and Biscuits & Co. in Biddeford.

Under Construction: Timber

North Point owner Noah Talmatch has applied for a liquor license for the steakhouse he has under development on upper Exchange Street called Timber. In his cover letter Talmatch explains,

Timber will be a full services restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, brunch & dinner.

The menu is varied and will primarily focus on delicious aged steaks and chops. However there will be salads, sides, seafood as well.

You can see the draft menu which Talmatch submitted on page 49 of the meeting materials.

On Monday night the City Council will also consider an expansion of the license for Artemisia Cafe (page 29) and an application from Muse Paint Bar (page 12).

Interview with Small Axe

Eater Maine has published an interview with Bill Leavy and Karl Deuben. They spoke about Small Axe’s food truck and the plans they have to launch a brick and mortar restaurant.

You’ve talked about plans to open a brick and mortar establishment. How is that progressing?
BL: We’ve been getting a lot of interest from folks who would like to help us out. We’re always looking for properties. We haven’t found one yet, but we will. It’s an ongoing search.

KD: We’re looking to create a neighborhood feel in a restaurant. We’re looking in the Deering area, in town as well. But we want it to be a neighborhood spot with a nice bar and have it be focused on comfort, food served in a comfortable environment.

Under Construction: Coffee by Design

Coffee by Design is delaying the opening of their new East Bayside cafe until March according to a report from the Bangor Daily News.

Coffee pilgrims will have to wait a few more months to see what a futuristic java joint looks like. Portland roaster Coffee By Design has delayed the opening of its new Diamond Street cafe until March.

“We have fixtures still being built, product selections to finalize, folks traveling to coffee farms for harvest,” said owner Mary Allen Lindemann.