The Portland Phoenix has published an update on the Drifter’s Wife, the new natural wine bar under construction on Washington Ave by the owners of Maine & Loire, Peter and Orenda Hale.
Chef [Ben] Jackson said he plans to take full advantage of Portland’s established amenities, like the farmers’ markets, and to source locally as often as possible. Although a formal menu has not yet been released, Jackson has a few ideas as to food offerings. Jackson cited Moroccan and Japanese culinary influences (he and his wife are traveling to Japan for their honeymoon in the coming weeks) but said that the main theme is probably going to be twists on French classics. This is a nod to Maine-et-Loire in west-central France, Maine and Loire’s namesake and a region in which many of the Hales’ favorite wines are produced.
Ben Jackson is the former executive sous chef at Reynard in the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn. It was at the Wythe that both the Jacksons and Hales worked and originally met.
Visit the Drifter’s Wife’s instagram page and website for more information.