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.
Category: Under Construction
Under Construction: Arcadia National Bar
According to Eater Maine, a new bar called Arcadia National Bar (facebook, twitter) is the early stages of development 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: Easy Day
A new restaurant, bar and 10-lane bowling alley called Easy Day is under construction (photos) in South Portland at 725 Broadway, located just over the bridge from Portland.
Easy Day has started recruiting staff for the new establishment.
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.
More Co-op News
WCSH and The Forecaster have covered yesterday’s announcement from the Portland Food Co-op that they plan to open a grocery store this Fall.
Under Construction: The Jewel Box
A new cocktail bar called The Jewel Box is under construction at 644 Congress Street, the former home of the Meg Perry Center. Nathaniel Meiklejohn, aka The Bearded Lady, is heading up the project. Meikeljohn is a freelance batender, and worked with Bread and Butter Catering helped coordinate the Pocket Brunch series.
Meiklejohn tells me that his ideal customer is someone who “let go their expectations and be adventurous”. He’s planning a seasonally driven drinks menu that will change on a near daily basis. Meiklejohn just signed the lease for the space last Thursday and so it will probably be a while before the bar is up and running. In the meantime you can occasionally find him behind the bar at SPACE Gallery.
Food Co-op Announces New Location (Updated)
The Portland Food Co-op (website, facebook, twitter) held a press conference today and announced the location of a “storefront location for a full-service grocery store”. The new store will be located at 290 Congress Street. They hope to open this Fall in September.
According to a press release from the co-op,
The Portland Food Co-op will be a grocery store, owned by members and open to the public, that will offer a wide selection of high quality and fairly priced local, organic, and natural foods and household products. PFC is dedicated to supporting local farmers and producers, serving the community and building the local economy.
Update: See these articles from the Press Herald and Bangor Daily News for more info.