The Cooking Channel is scheduled to be in town this weekend to film with Rob Evans. From what I’ve heard, part of the piece they’re working will involve Evans stopping in at Nosh for a meal.
Cultivating Community Farm Stands
According to a report on Maine a la Carte, Cultivating Community is setting up produce stands at five locations in Portland starting in July.
Wine 24/7: Weygandt Dinner Tasting Notes
Wine 24/7 has published a set of photos and tasting notes from last week’s Weygandt dinner at Caiola’s.
For 2nd course, Domaine Pascal Bonhomme Vire-Clesse’ 2010. This is 100% Chardonnay from the Maconnais in the Burgundy region. Elegance, gorgeousness and class personified. This beautiful wine was aged in stainless steel but exhibited a richness that made one think it touched some oak. Mais non! Light gold in color with chartreuse overtones, it was smooth and clean with a touch of floral on the nose. Lush and clean with bright acidity, body and depth without being overly heavy, it had a luxurious mouth feel, along with a lovely sense of romance…
Review of Spread
The Golden Dish has published a review of Spread.
But there’s more to this place than a stiff drink. Spread is a contender for some serious dining. Portland is not in short supply of these stylish new-American dining establishments, which can tend to mirror each other. Spread makes its mark by draping the flavors of fusion fare over a home-grown culinary vernacular.
Food Truck Regulations Move Forward (Updated)
Food truck ordinances and regulations were the focus of nearly 2 hours of discussion at tonight’s meeting of the City Council subcommittee for Public Safety, Health and Human Services. Several people addressed the issue including: the owners of Bull Feeney’s, Sebago Brewing and White Cap Grille, food truck operators from Bite into Maine and Cabin Cove Oysters, representatives from Cultivating Community, the Sea Dog’s, the Portland Police Department and the city health inspector, and a Falmouth resident who’s interested in starting a food truck once they become legal.
If my understanding of the process is correct, the next stop for review is the Planning Board Meeting on June 26, and then on to the full City Council where it will be reviewed at two separate meetings before Councilors vote to put the proposed changes into effect.
For additional reporting read this article from Friday’s Press Herald.
The city moved one step closer to welcoming food trucks to certain areas Thursday night, but not without reservations from the Portland Police Department, restaurant owners and landlords.
Under Construction: Vinland
The Portland Phoenix has published an interview with chef David Levi about Vinland, an almost purely locavorion restaurant he has under development.
He envisions a small restaurant (under 30 seats) that is “accessible and enjoyable” and will support local businesses, farmers and fishermen. Even with Maine’s limited growing season, Levi wants Vinland to be open year-round — using pickling, fermenting, drying, smoking, curing and storing techniques. There is no location for the restaurant yet, but he says he is getting close to finding a space.
Reminder: Food Trucks on the Agenda at City Hall Tonight
A gentle reminder to those of you who care about the food truck issue. Tonight the City Council subcommittee for Public Safety, Health and Human Services is meeting at 6 pm in City Hall to discuss a draft set of rules for food trucks to legally operate in Portland. If this is an issue you are interested then this would be a good meeting to attend.
Review of Congress Bar & Grill
the Press Herald has published a review of Congress Bar & Grill.
I stopped in at this neighborhood establishment in the Arts District one day last week, desperate for something quick, tasty and not too expensive. Congress Bar & Grill fit the bill. It boasts hearty American fare — substantial, meaty food with robust sides.
This week’s What Ales You column is on fruit beers.
The two blueberry beers I had show the different styles. The Sea Dog Wild Blueberry Ale tasted like blueberries, with almost no hops and with the malt in the background. The Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale tasted more like a good pale ale, with just a hint of blueberries in the background.
Stonewall Wins a Sofi
Stonewall Kitchen was awarded a gold Sofi in the Outstanding Baked Good, Baking Ingredient or Cereal category for their Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix. The Sofi Awards are run by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade.
Solo Dining
Vin et Grub has posted some thoughts on solo dining.
personally, i love eating alone. there’s nothing more comforting than pulling up a bar stool and sitting in silence for an hour or two (generally two). at the same time, i see and understand why people are afraid of dining alone. in addition to the obvious reasons, there are more personal, subconscious and universal reasons behind the inherent intimidation that dining alone seems to have on the average person.