Under Construction: Linda Bean's Perfect Maine Lobster Roll

Today’s Portland Daily Sun is reporting that Linda Bean will be opening a restaurant in the space currently occupied by JavaNet at 37 Exchange Street.

Now, with a fresh lease in hand, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll & Dock Lobster will open at 37 Exchange St., the current home of Java Net Cafe. Bean has purchased a long-term lease at the location and will convert the space from a coffeeshop to a takeout and sitdown restaurant that features Maine lobster, Schneider said Thursday.

“This will be our flagship location, and we may go into franchising,” Schneider said.

Mushrooms and Shima in the Sun

Wednesday’s edition of the Portland Daily Sun included an article by Margo Mallar on mushroom foraging in Maine,

There are many who don’t mind a little rainy weather: book-lovers and sellers, movie theaters and mushrooms. Although the record setting summer rains haven’t resulted in record setting harvests, goldenchanterelles, black trumpets, and hens of the woods are making their way from forest floor to dinner plates across Maine.

and an article about Shima, the new Japanese restaurant under construction on Fore Street. The Shima article unfortunately hasn’t made it online so here’s some of the key points:

  • Shima’s chef/owner Dave Shima hopes to open in the next 10-12 days
  • Chef Shima had worked for 5 years at Fuji and has been the private chef for a number of bands such as Rush, Chicago and Aerosmith
  • He plans on serving “an eclectic mix of Japanese, French and some Hawaiian food”
  • there will be 25 different types of sake on the menu

Eat, Drink, Bowl

The Forecaster reports that state Representative Charlie Mitchell and state Senator Justin Alfond are working on a project to bring a bowling alley/restaurant/bar to Bayside. (via Psst)

Bowl Portland wants to install 12 lanes for bowling in the building’s warehouse, and a bar, lounge, restaurant and stage in the front, two-story portion of the building.

Mitchell said the plan is to have live music a few nights a week, along with DJ nights. The restaurant will serve pub-style food. Mitchell said he and Alfond both spent time in New Orleans when they were younger, and were fascinated by Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl, a bowling alley/club in that city.

Interview with Siam Grille Owner

The Munjoy Hill Observer has published an article about Thomas Yordprom. He explains his reasons for closing Siam Grille and his plans for the future.

The even better news is that Thomas, originally from Thailand, gives himself between 4 months to one year before he’ll start up another restaurant in the area. Not far from his lounge chair is his completed business plan. The menu is complete; it will be about 80% different from that of the Siam Grille.

Changes at Siam Grille

There’s a sign in the window at Siam Grille that  indicates they’re taking a “much deservered vacation and time off”, and asks that people “check out and support the new coming restaurant.” It seems to suggest a significant change up in the restaurant once they’re back from vacation. Does anyone have any additional info or know more about what the “new coming restaurant” will be?