There’s a sign in the window of the store front at 349 Cumberland Avenue announcing “Three Monkeys World Cafe Coming Soon!”. If that address sounds familiar, it’s because Huong Vietnamese used to be located there. With the addition of Three Monkeys there are now 16 entries on the Under Construction list.
Category: Under Construction
Expansion: Caiola's
Caiola’s is putting an addition to their building at 58 Pine St. The plan is to add a 26-seat function room on to the back of the building.
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.
Under Construction: Sonny's & Your Grandma's
Also unearthed in the latest Portland City Council agenda were a draft menu for Sonny’s (page 128), and news of a new Greek restaurant that’s planned for the old Chef et al location on Forest Ave—see their draft menu on page 143.
Under Construction: Shima
There’s a “coming soon” sign in the window for a new restaurant called Shima at the former location Siam Grille on Fore Street. According to records filed with the city, the restaurant plans to serve “Japanese style cuisine”. A draft copy of the menu (page 163) was submitted along with their liquor license application.
Peace Food Market
Portland in a Snap has a report on a new halal market called Peace Food Market that under construction on Cumberland Ave.
The building permit indicates it will be a convenience store and meat market. It’s clear work is going on inside…Shelving and fixtures are in place, but I couldn’t see any product. My best guess is it will be at least a couple weeks before it opens.
Under Construction: Veranda Noodle Bar
Veranda Noodle Bar looks like it getting close to opening. The construction has finished up on the interior and as you can see from this photo, they’ve recently put up an exterior sign for the restaurant.