Here’s a look inside the construction site for Figa at 249 Congress Street. A bar will be going in on the left side and a banquet along the right. The kitchen will occupy the back end of the space. Figa is the creation of Chef/Owner Lee Farington. According to the restaurant’s website, Farrington is a 1998 graduate of the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and worked at a number of restaurants in NYC before moving to Portland where she has cooked at Fore Street and Uffa.
Apprentice Farmers
There’s a front page article in today’s Press Herald about the MOFGA apprentice farmer program. The online version of the article includes an audio enhanced slide show illustrating the life of apprentice farmers. For more information on the apprentice program check out the MOFGA website.
Burger Boat/Edible Obsessions
A pair of new entries have been added to the site. The Burger Boat (shown above) is a food cart that can usually located on Commercial Street. Edible Obsessions is a new food blog. According to the author, she may gush about foie gras but is more likely write about “fried bologna sandwiches (slathered with butter, like how Mom made them)”.
Charter Brew
Citing quotes from Benjamin Franklin and historical precedents, the Portland Daily Sun has published an editorial promoting the role beer has to play in the city’s upcoming Charter Commission.
If we’re going to re-write what amounts to the city’s constitution — and with the charter election next Tuesday, we seem on the way — then we’re gonna need to engage Portland’s biggest untapped good-government asset: The brewers.
Wine Flight Training
Shannon Bryan joined in on the Wine Flight 5k training run earlier this week and has posted a report on her blog, Portbrio, about the experience. The Wine Flight training runs are a weekly run/walk/jog from Monument Square to a local food producer where participants are treated to a “tasty repast and a refreshing glass of wine or beer awaits”. The training series and the 5k this Fall are organized by the Maine Ambassadors of Food and Drink.
Outdoor Drinking & Dining List
The Outdoor Dining list continues to grow thanks to the many suggestions I’ve received from Food Map readers. Please keep them coming; you can email suggestions to anestes@portlandfoodmap.com.
Outdoor Drinking & Dining List
The Outdoor Dining list continues to grow thanks to the many suggestions I’ve received from Food Map readers. Please keep them coming; you can email suggestions to anestes@portlandfoodmap.com.
The Salt Exchange
Here’s a look in the window of The Salt Exchange on Commercial Street. The latest word from the owners is that they plan to open on Friday 6-10 pm with “passed canapes and cash bar” but no table service. They currently plan to have their full service opening on Monday.
Grace in Profile
There’s a feature article in today’s Press Herald about Grace—the restaurant located in the historic Chestnut Street Church that is slated to open later this month. Owner Anne Verrill is quoted describing the menu as “It’s going to be affordable food – a little higher-end experience, I think, but really affordable . . . We’re going to offer a lot of appetizers and small plates, and maybe a dessert menu, just to capture that Merrill Auditorium crowd.”
When the massive red doors open, patrons of Grace will be able to choose from a seasonal menu prepared by New York Chef Eric Simeon, a wine list that includes about 20 wines by the glass, and a selection of beers and specialty cocktails. In a nod to the building’s origins, one of the nonalcoholic offerings will be Holy Tea, a specialty infusion from Homegrown Herb and Tea that includes the herb holy basil.
Hugo's Review
Food for Thought has published a review of Hugo’s.
So my meal there the other night was a true revelation. From the get-go, each course was a winner. What’s offered is either a tasting menu of 6 courses or their regular menu, in which it’s recommended that you order at least 3 courses. All courses are basically the same size. I wound up ordering four, plus dessert. That turned out to be too much food for me.