Today’s Maine Sunday Telegram includes a look at the ticket-based reservation model that some restaurants in Maine are starting to use,
“Everything else is changing, so why not?” Lyle Aker, co-owner of Portland’s soon-to-open Broken Arrow, said. “Our intent was to open as a regular full-service restaurant. But now to control costs, the model of Next seems like kind of a good idea.”
“Tickets give us the most control over timing so we can get service right and protect the customers as well when they’re not being forced to wait outside or at the bar,” added co-owner Holly Aker.
and details on three new options for roast beef sandwiches in Portland (George’s, Haltead’s, Roll Call),
Chef Michael Sindoni of Roll Call initially considered focusing on a North Shore sandwich, but he felt the sauces and cheese were “hiding the beef.” Add to that the fact that he didn’t have an emotional connection to the sandwich the way that North Shore fans do, and “it just didn’t do it for me.” George’s came on the scene at about the same time. That was “complete coincidence,” Sindoni said, “but we were probably thinking the same thing at the same time – that no one’s really doing a great roast beef sandwich here.”
I am excited to try all of these sandwiches. It is true, there have been no good roast beef sandwich options. I did try George’s the other day for the first time and I have to say, the three way was amazing! I, too, thought it would be too much and over power the roast beef but it didn’t at all. In fact, the flavors were immediately addictive. Maybe I’d add a smidge of salt to the beef next time to bring out a bit more beefiness, but either way, that was unexpectedly fantastic sandwich! I sure hope they will find a way to be around through the winter.