Cactus Club

The Bollard has a report on the tie vote by the City Council last night to renew the Cactus Club’s liquor license. The article also details a history of owner Tom Manning past establishments in Portland.

The police department recommended denial of the bar’s liquor license last fall due to the high number of fights and other disturbances inside and outside Cactus Club. Between December 2007 and last November, cops documented 64 calls to the bar or the area outside its front door.

This Week’s Events

There are two cooking classes scheduled this week: at Piatto per Tutti tonight and at Black Tie Bistro on Wednesday.  The Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place mid-day on Wedneesay, and Cinque Terre is holding a wine dinner on Wednesday night. Thursday night Slow Food Portland is holding a potluck dinner and The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the beer from the Run of the Mill Brew Pub.  There are  four wine tastings scheduled this week: at Rosemont on Brighton on Tuesday, at Public Market House on Thursday, at West End Grocery on Friday and at Leroux Kitchen on Saturday.  Friday through Saturday the Flavors of Freeport is taking place. A series of cooking demonstrations with Maine chefs are taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Maine Home & Garden Show. The annual CSA Fair is taking place at several locations throughout the state on Sunday.  For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

Asmara

Cornucopasetic has reviewed Asmara.

There aren’t that many places in Portland where one may find an entirely whole food vegetarian meal, but Asmara is certainly one of them. I knew about this place a few years ago, but never found the time to go. What a mistake.