Theater/Food Collaborations

| Posted in Events

There’s a report in this week’s Portland Phoenix about the Of Farms and Fables collaborative effort between farmers and theater to “foster a civic conversation about local agriculture, farming, and the future of small family farms in Maine.”

Over 12 weeks starting in May, Open Waters will bring three artists to three Maine farms — Wm. H. Jordan Farm of Cape Elizabeth, Broadturn Farm of Scarborough, and Benson Farm of Gorham — for residencies that will engage artists in farm work and farm workers in acting and storytelling. The cultural exchange will culminate in the summer of 2011 with an outdoor performance by both theater artists and farm workers, which will draw its audience into a conversation about our land, agriculture and food, those so basic and so sublime elements of how we live.

For those of you looking for a food/theater fix now check out this month’s “psychogeographic dinner theater” taking place at The Whitney Art Works.

Reviews for Rosie's and Pearl

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has published reviews of Rosie’s

Rosie’s is billed as the oldest pub in Portland. But don’t think it doesn’t have the freshest food.

We go often for the atmosphere and a favorite meal. It’s like a college bar for adults; just a friendly community with good service and exceptional food.

and Pearl

The sultans of swank who operate the place have the old-school chic down; the Pearl oozes finesse and skill with its smooth operating, especially for being the new kid on the block. But the ever-thirsty Portland club crowd can get its dance on in a hurry when the staff moves the luscious leather couches out of the way. So whether you want to unleash your inner Shakira after hours or enjoy a quiet cocktail in upscale environs, the Pearl brings you the kind of chic you crave.

Reviews for Rosie’s and Pearl

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has published reviews of Rosie’s

Rosie’s is billed as the oldest pub in Portland. But don’t think it doesn’t have the freshest food.

We go often for the atmosphere and a favorite meal. It’s like a college bar for adults; just a friendly community with good service and exceptional food.

and Pearl

The sultans of swank who operate the place have the old-school chic down; the Pearl oozes finesse and skill with its smooth operating, especially for being the new kid on the block. But the ever-thirsty Portland club crowd can get its dance on in a hurry when the staff moves the luscious leather couches out of the way. So whether you want to unleash your inner Shakira after hours or enjoy a quiet cocktail in upscale environs, the Pearl brings you the kind of chic you crave.

Workers Sue The Front Room

| Posted in General News

An article in today’s Press Herald reports that a group of six current and former employees are suing The Front Room.

A group of restaurant workers is suing The Front Room, claiming that it violated state and federal wage and hour rules.

The restaurant’s owner, Harding Lee Smith, disputes the claims, calling the lawsuit “frivolous.”

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland, is likely to be followed closely by the state’s restaurant owners because many of the alleged practices are widespread in the industry.

There’s also been news coverage from The Forecaster, MPBN, WMTW, Munjoy Hill News and the Portland Daily Sun.

Under Construction: Sonny's

| Posted in Under Construction

PortlandTown has published some interior photos of Sonny’s and details on its planned opening this Friday night.

Well the buzz for Local 188’s Jay Villani’s new place…  Sonny’s, 83 Exchnge Street, at Post Office Park is about to get a little louder with the opening night happening this Friday at 5PM.  You’ll be able to sample some of the South American tinted menu like Brazilian Style Mussels, Fried Plantains and Yam Fries, Rice & Beans, Empanadas and Cuban Chicken.  They’ll have a cash bar and a party atmosphere! I’ll be there taking more pictures so the next post will have both food & foodies, so dress to kill.

Under Construction: Sonny’s

| Posted in Under Construction

PortlandTown has published some interior photos of Sonny’s and details on its planned opening this Friday night.

Well the buzz for Local 188’s Jay Villani’s new place…  Sonny’s, 83 Exchnge Street, at Post Office Park is about to get a little louder with the opening night happening this Friday at 5PM.  You’ll be able to sample some of the South American tinted menu like Brazilian Style Mussels, Fried Plantains and Yam Fries, Rice & Beans, Empanadas and Cuban Chicken.  They’ll have a cash bar and a party atmosphere! I’ll be there taking more pictures so the next post will have both food & foodies, so dress to kill.

When It Rains, It Pours Soup

| Posted in Reviews

Fast on the heels of this monrning’s Press Herald profile of Kamasouptra, the Portland Phoenix has published a set of soup highlights on the menus at Brian Boru, Rosemont, Big Sky, West End Deli and Local 188.

As such, Portland is a great city for soup. We’ve discovered plenty of delicious liquid lunches (not that kind), and while this is by no means a comprehensive review of those options, it is a survey of some personal highlights. We’d love to hear your favorites.

The Only Constant Is Change So Eat Soup

| Posted in Under Construction, General News, Profiles, Fisheries

The Food & Dining section in today’s Press Herald provides insight on:

  • Bresca’s plans for offering lunch services and expanded menu to include “European and classic American pastries and tarts”
  • the New Orleans-style sandwich shop Po’Boys & Pickles that opened on Forest Ave in late December
  • El Rayo‘s delivery service
  • the plans for Havana South which is under construction on Wharf Street
  • Walter’s under construction bar Gingko Blue
  • the transformation of Bangkok Thai into Boda which “will feature homestyle Thai cooking and Thai street-vendor specialties”
  • and information on a new seafood CSF

There’s also a nice profile of the Kamasouptra soup delivery services in Avery Yale Kamila’s Natural Foodie column this week.

With the snow piling up and the wind howling around the house, who couldn’t use a steaming bowl of soup? Even better if it’s delivered piping hot to your door.

Enter Kamasouptra, the Portland-based vegetarian soup purveyor which makes house calls.

The Sun's Year in Food Review

| Posted in General News

The Portland Daily Sun has published an omnibus review of the 2009 year in food.

This year saw many openings, including: Papaya King, Paciarino, Bard, Mornings in Paris, Maine Bean Cafe, The Farmer’s Table, El Rayo, Grace, Binga’s Stadium Smokehouse and Sports Bar, the Salt Exchange, Peace Food Market, Otto’s, Kon Asian Bistro, the Corner Room, Shima, JPs, Veranda Noodle Bar, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll, the second floor of the Public Market House, Saigon Restaurant, GRO Organics and Po Boys and Pickles.

The Sun’s Year in Food Review

| Posted in General News

The Portland Daily Sun has published an omnibus review of the 2009 year in food.

This year saw many openings, including: Papaya King, Paciarino, Bard, Mornings in Paris, Maine Bean Cafe, The Farmer’s Table, El Rayo, Grace, Binga’s Stadium Smokehouse and Sports Bar, the Salt Exchange, Peace Food Market, Otto’s, Kon Asian Bistro, the Corner Room, Shima, JPs, Veranda Noodle Bar, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll, the second floor of the Public Market House, Saigon Restaurant, GRO Organics and Po Boys and Pickles.