Interview with Owner of Rising Tide Brewing

| Posted in People, Profiles

Hop Press has published an interview with Nathan Sanborn, owner of Rising Tide Brewing Company.

…When I started brewing again after my son was born I started mulling the idea of opening a brewery. Not in any serious way, but I did a bit of research and was constantly getting pressure from people who tried my beer. Having someone try your beer and say that they like it is one thing; having someone try your beer and ask why you haven’t opened a brewery is a little different. Combining those factors eventually led me to more serious consideration of the possibility of opening a nano-brewery…

Farewell Tourists, Hello Fall

| Posted in General News

The Portland Phoenix bids farewell to the Summer tourists and welcomes Fall as a season for the rest of us.

Perhaps we’ll see you again on your way back from apple-picking and leaf-peeping, but for the next few weeks Maine is wide open to those of us who braved summer traffic jams and regular denials from our favorite restaurants for attempting to dine on a weekend night without a reservation. But it was well worth the aggravation, because these next few weeks promise all those things that tourists come to Maine for — and more.

North Star Ends on the 19th

| Posted in Closings

North Star Music Cafe owner Kim Anderson announced today that the cafe will be closing their doors for the last time this Sunday at 5 pm. It’s certainly sad news for the East End and the community of people from all over the city that made North Star a regular part of their lives.

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today.  I have come to the difficult decision to close the doors of North Star.  I have so much love for this community and this city.  I am sad to say goodbye, but I am grateful for the three years you have embraced me and the North Star as family…

For additional reporting see articles in the Munjoy Hill News, Portland Daily Sun and Press Herald.

Review of Blue Burrito & Article on Maine Beer Co.

| Posted in Reviews, Beer

Blue Burrito Cafe in Westbrook received 4 stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the meat in my quesadilla was tender and still lightly pink in the center. It came with caramelized poblano peppers, onions and sauteed mushrooms, with sour cream on the side. The smaller version of this dish costs $7, and is plenty for one person’s lunch. A larger version is also available for $8.50, if you’re really hungry or want leftovers.

Today’s paper also includes a What Ales You column on Maine Beer Company, makers of Spring Peeper Ale.

“Even as we speak, we are expanding to a 15-barrel brewhouse, which will speed things up dramatically,” David said.

Not only will their beers be more available when the new system comes online, probably in mid-October, the company will be able to introduce new styles and, perhaps, come closer to making some money.

Review of Blue Burrito & Article on Maine Beer Co.

| Posted in Reviews, Beer

Blue Burrito Cafe in Westbrook received 4 stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the meat in my quesadilla was tender and still lightly pink in the center. It came with caramelized poblano peppers, onions and sauteed mushrooms, with sour cream on the side. The smaller version of this dish costs $7, and is plenty for one person’s lunch. A larger version is also available for $8.50, if you’re really hungry or want leftovers.

Today’s paper also includes a What Ales You column on Maine Beer Company, makers of Spring Peeper Ale.

“Even as we speak, we are expanding to a 15-barrel brewhouse, which will speed things up dramatically,” David said.

Not only will their beers be more available when the new system comes online, probably in mid-October, the company will be able to introduce new styles and, perhaps, come closer to making some money.

Dean's Sweets Profile

| Posted in Profiles

Mainebiz has published an interview with Dean Bingham, owner of Dean’s Sweets.

Owner Dean Bingham attributes success to his persistent use of local products. His seasonal special, for instance, consists of fresh Maine blueberries covered in rich chocolate. His popular “Chocolate Stout” features Maine-made beer Allagash Black, a Belgian-style stout brewed by Allagash Brewing Co. in Portland. Bingham also uses vodka distilled from Maine potatoes made by Freeport-based Cold River Vodka to make the “Needham Coconut.”