April Bollard

The April issue of The Bollard is now out. The new issue includes another installment in the Land of the Forgotten Cocktails series and a Breakfast Serial review of Kath’s Cafe and Catering on Brighton Ave.

I was a fan of the Blue House Café, and our family quietly mourned its passing…But Kath and Tim have done an admirable job maintaining the comfortable atmosphere and high standards that will keep us coming back.

Salt Exchange & Danforth Inn

A new restaurant, The Salt Exchange,  is being planned for 245 Commercial Street. The restaurant plans on serving ” a small plate menu…in a casual/upscale setting with an open kitchen concept”. A sample menu can be seen on page 125 of the agenda for the April 6 meeting of the City Council.

The Danforth Inn is also planning to open a “small restaurants available to our guests and other patrons”. A sample menu can be seen on page 103 of the agenda. Appetizers, salads, cheese and desserts predominate.

America’s Most Livable City

Portland was ranked #1 on Forbes.com’s list of the Most Livable cities in America. The article looked at income growth, cost of living, culture, crime and unemployment gleaned from Moody’s Economy.com, Sperling’s Best Places and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to tabulate the rankings.

The beer at Gritty McDuff’s might be enough to lure people to Portland…Tasty microbrews aren’t the only reason to like Portland. Thanks to high marks in five key quality of life metrics, Portland tops this year’s list of America’s Most Livable Cities.

Homegrown Herb & Tea

Homegrown Herb & Tea, the East End herbal tea shop run by Sarah Richards, has been written up in Design*Sponge (via Portland Psst!).

Each and every cup of tea that is mixed and brewed at Homegrown is done right when you order it. Sarah doesn’t have her tea already blended and sitting around; it’s all freshly made and beautifully cared for right on the spot and that fact sets the tone for your tea-drinking experience. One goes in, thinks about what you’re in the mood for (perhaps you need a boost in energy or you’re dealing with a small ailment), discusses it with Sarah and then waits while the tea is prepared.

Bonobo Review

The Blueberry Files has reviewed Bonobo.

Last time I felt like I was… bothering the staff? … But maybe it was just an off night, because on our second visit, everyone was warm and polite. I hope when you visit, you find the same, because the food is definitely worth a trip down to the West End.