Parker's Bar Review

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Parker’s.

My heavily bearded, lumberjack of a neighbor slams an enormous paw on the bar and roars “Get ouuuta heeere!” as though a bloodlust for all things Oriole had overtaken him. Nobody notices the outburst, in part because Parker’s is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary of such displays. We’ll call this Cheers parallel #1. In the fervor of the moment, I quick-grab the menu and scan for the sportsiest possible appetizer, in this case, the first thing containing the word “buffalo.”

Parker’s Bar Review

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Parker’s.

My heavily bearded, lumberjack of a neighbor slams an enormous paw on the bar and roars “Get ouuuta heeere!” as though a bloodlust for all things Oriole had overtaken him. Nobody notices the outburst, in part because Parker’s is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary of such displays. We’ll call this Cheers parallel #1. In the fervor of the moment, I quick-grab the menu and scan for the sportsiest possible appetizer, in this case, the first thing containing the word “buffalo.”

This Week's Events

The next Food Film Series meal is taking place tonight at One Longfellow Square, Mostly Martha is the movie and Krista Desjarlais from Bresca is preparing the meal. Stephen Lanzalotta’s weekly series of cooking classes, Piatto per Tutti, restart for the fall this evening. Also tonight, the weekly  Food and Drink Trivia Contest is taking place at Bull Feeney’s. The Salt Exchange is holding a craft beer and cheese social Tuesday night featuring beer from Redhook and their weekly wine event on Wednesday night. The next Wine Flight 5k Training Run is scheduled for Tuesday. There are wine tastings taking place at Leavitt & Sons, Public Market House and Black Cherry Provisions on Thursday. Also on Thursday, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the beer of DL Geary. Portland’s weekly Farmers’ Markets are being held in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. This year’s MunjFest is taking place on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Raw food chef Lisa Marie Lindenschmidt is teaching a class at Whole Foods. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

This Week’s Events

The next Food Film Series meal is taking place tonight at One Longfellow Square, Mostly Martha is the movie and Krista Desjarlais from Bresca is preparing the meal. Stephen Lanzalotta’s weekly series of cooking classes, Piatto per Tutti, restart for the fall this evening. Also tonight, the weekly  Food and Drink Trivia Contest is taking place at Bull Feeney’s. The Salt Exchange is holding a craft beer and cheese social Tuesday night featuring beer from Redhook and their weekly wine event on Wednesday night. The next Wine Flight 5k Training Run is scheduled for Tuesday. There are wine tastings taking place at Leavitt & Sons, Public Market House and Black Cherry Provisions on Thursday. Also on Thursday, The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the beer of DL Geary. Portland’s weekly Farmers’ Markets are being held in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. This year’s MunjFest is taking place on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Raw food chef Lisa Marie Lindenschmidt is teaching a class at Whole Foods. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

Mushrooms and Shima in the Sun

Wednesday’s edition of the Portland Daily Sun included an article by Margo Mallar on mushroom foraging in Maine,

There are many who don’t mind a little rainy weather: book-lovers and sellers, movie theaters and mushrooms. Although the record setting summer rains haven’t resulted in record setting harvests, goldenchanterelles, black trumpets, and hens of the woods are making their way from forest floor to dinner plates across Maine.

and an article about Shima, the new Japanese restaurant under construction on Fore Street. The Shima article unfortunately hasn’t made it online so here’s some of the key points:

  • Shima’s chef/owner Dave Shima hopes to open in the next 10-12 days
  • Chef Shima had worked for 5 years at Fuji and has been the private chef for a number of bands such as Rush, Chicago and Aerosmith
  • He plans on serving “an eclectic mix of Japanese, French and some Hawaiian food”
  • there will be 25 different types of sake on the menu

Eat, Drink, Bowl

The Forecaster reports that state Representative Charlie Mitchell and state Senator Justin Alfond are working on a project to bring a bowling alley/restaurant/bar to Bayside. (via Psst)

Bowl Portland wants to install 12 lanes for bowling in the building’s warehouse, and a bar, lounge, restaurant and stage in the front, two-story portion of the building.

Mitchell said the plan is to have live music a few nights a week, along with DJ nights. The restaurant will serve pub-style food. Mitchell said he and Alfond both spent time in New Orleans when they were younger, and were fascinated by Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl, a bowling alley/club in that city.

Interview with Siam Grille Owner

The Munjoy Hill Observer has published an article about Thomas Yordprom. He explains his reasons for closing Siam Grille and his plans for the future.

The even better news is that Thomas, originally from Thailand, gives himself between 4 months to one year before he’ll start up another restaurant in the area. Not far from his lounge chair is his completed business plan. The menu is complete; it will be about 80% different from that of the Siam Grille.

Interview with Five Fifty-Five's Steve Corry

This week’s edition of the Portland Phoenix includes an interview with Steve Corry, chef/owner of Five Fifty-Five.

As a chef in Portland, one of the challenges has been striking a balance between the local and tourist communities. “In trying to please those from afar, it’s hard to anticipate when and how to adjust the menu and still keep the savvy Portland community happy,” he said. A spike in culinary awareness in the city, thanks largely to national and local media attention as well as a thriving culinary-focused blogosphere, has increased expectations among patrons — local and visitor.

Interview with Five Fifty-Five’s Steve Corry

This week’s edition of the Portland Phoenix includes an interview with Steve Corry, chef/owner of Five Fifty-Five.

As a chef in Portland, one of the challenges has been striking a balance between the local and tourist communities. “In trying to please those from afar, it’s hard to anticipate when and how to adjust the menu and still keep the savvy Portland community happy,” he said. A spike in culinary awareness in the city, thanks largely to national and local media attention as well as a thriving culinary-focused blogosphere, has increased expectations among patrons — local and visitor.