Under Construction: Old Port Spirits

The Urban Eye has posted an update on Old Port Spirits.

So much so that two weeks ago he purchased Downeast Beverage Co. from Doug Webber. Five blocks away, the store at 79 Commercial is transforming to Old Port Spirits and Cigars by the end of the month. After eight years running a wine shop downtown, he is ready for more.

“My goal is to have the best selection of bourbon, whiskey and craft beer,” said deVillier, who dropped $150,000 to improve the store, which had seen better days.

Bakery Reviews: Standard, Rosemont, Katie, Union Bagel

A new BDN blog called Out of the Oven has been posting a series of bakery reviews. Their most recent review is of Union Bagel Co,

As we lingered for a few minutes at their counter space and enjoyed our bagels, we noticed that nearly every customer that came in was addressed by name. That familiarity from the staff speaks volumes to me. That tells me that their customers come often enough to have built a relationship with the people working there. That’s good food and good feelings under one roof!

Earlier reviews were of Standard Baking, Rosemont and Katie Made.

Piccolo’s Star Wars Dinner

Eating Portland Alive has published a report from the May 4th Star Wars dinner at Piccolo,

This was one of the most fun, creative, and delicious dining experiences I’ve ever had. It was truly as memorable as the beloved trilogy it was paying tribute to and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for next year’s celebration. The Force is strong with this pair of culinary Jedi, so get your butts in hyperdrive and pay them a visit!

This Week’s Events: Bearded Bar Night, UFF Dinner, Phoenix Awards, Symphony of Soil

TuesdayThe Bearded Lady’s Jewel Box will be the featured guest at this month’s Tandem/Rosemont Bar Night.

Wednesday — Vinland will be preparing an 8-course UFF Dinner, Allagash is holding an event to benefit the Preble Street Resource Center, the 15th Annual Best of Portland Awards Show is taking place, and the Monument Square Farmers Market is taking place.

Thursday — the Great Lost Bear is showcasing beer from Baxter Brewing, and there will be an Austin Street tasting at the Bier Cellar.

Saturday — the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Sunday — there will be a screening of Symphony of the Soil followed by a panel discussion including author Eliot Coleman at the Museum of Art.

For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.

Review of Rosie’s

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Rosie’s.

Over the years, Rosie’s has won several best burger in Portland awards, and their burgers still rank high. This casual eatery and bar remains a congenial hangout for regulars seeking pub food and good cocktails and beer in a Cheers-style atmosphere. Stick with the array of hamburger platters, the fried chicken and the generous sandwich baskets, such as the BLT with pastrami. Pizzas, calzones and chili are also popular. There are 15 draft beers, draft cider and nightly specials. Parking is available on the street or at nearby garages.

Today’s paper also includes a farmers market/super market comparison and the first of a two part farmers markets history series.