Portland Food by Kate McCarty

KMcCartyBookA new book about the Portland food scene, Portland Food: The Culinary Capital of Maine is due out next month.

Portland, Maine’s culinary cache belies its size. The vibrant food scene boasts more than three hundred restaurants, as well as specialty food businesses, farmers’ markets, pop-up dinners and food trucks. Since back-to-the-landers began to arrive in the 1970s, Maine’s abundant natural resources have been feeding local dreams of sustainability and resilience. Portland is uniquely primed for chefs and restaurateurs to draw on local agricultural and marine resources. Gulf of Maine fisheries and the working waterfront bring the freshest seafood to Portland’s palate, while Maine’s rural landscape is fertile ground for local farming.

Portland Food is by Kate McCarty, author of The Blueberry Files blog, and food writer for the Portland Phoenix.

The book ($19.99, 160 pages) is available for pre-order via the publisher on The History Press website.

Hand Pies: Little Bigs, Daigle & MPL

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed the hand pies from Little Bigs, Daigle Baked Goods and Maine Pie Line,

Daigle Baked Goods (207.331.0167;daiglebakedgoods@gmail.com) sticks to two hand pies — each a fat round of lovely pale golden crust, big enough that you need two hands to hold it. Each is classical in approach. The pork version resembles a traditional shepherd’s pie. The finely ground meat is mildly seasoned, so you can taste the sweet green flavor of the tender peas. The chicken pie featured bigger chunks of tender meat, along with carrot and potato, in a rich, comforting sauce made from its own juices and touched with sage.

 

Beer Camp Comes to Portland

BeerCampSierra Nevada’s Beer Camp, a 7-city traveling beer festival will be coming to Portland this summer. It’s expected to draw as many as 5,000 thirsty travelers to the city.

As part of the event Allagash will be brewing a one-off collaboration beer called Myron’s Walk which will be sold as part of a special 12-pack.

Beer Camp will be held on August 1 at Thompson’s Point. Tickets are now on sale.

For more information see articles by If My Coaster Could Talk, the Press Herald, and the press release from the Maine Brewer’s Guild.

Reviews: Emiltsa, MJ’s Wine Bar, Paciarino, Otto

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Emilitsa,

Co-owned by brothers Demos and John Regas, Emilitsa is a modern Greek restaurant in Portland’s arts district. While known for its exceptional food, Emilitsa is a good place for a more intimate bar experience – perhaps for a date or a quiet evening with a friend. The wine list consists solely of Greek wines and while the beer list is selective, it boasts some true quality brews. The service is outstanding – some of the best in Portland – and your server will be knowledgeable about the wines and cocktails.

Perusing Portland has reviewed MJ’s Wine Bar,

MJ’s has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. There is a wide wooden bar, long narrow table ideal for a large group, smaller tables and leather furniture. The wine selection must be the best in town. And, they are always changing the selection to reflect the season.

and Otto Pizza,

We have been to both Congress Street locations. Pizza from both location have been equally satisfying. Otto’s mashed potato pizza with bacon and scallion is as good as it sounds.

and Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Paciarino.

Paciarino makes food that is top notch and serves it in portions fit for a hungry guy like me. They also sell some items to go if you want to bring it home and heat it up. If you like Italian, this is definite must-try restaurant in Portland.