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Those of us who live in Portland are often astounded by the large number of restaurants in our little city — 300 and some, and growing every day. You can only imagine how difficult it can be to choose where to dine out. In some ways it’s harder than it was for me when I lived in New York City. There, I would just open the New York Times and go to whichever restaurant they happened to be featuring. Today, there’s social media and that makes deciding way more difficult. Newspaper reviews are still important, but in the world of food, bloggers and commonplace food writers are the true tastemakers. There are a few such bloggers and food writers in Portland. They are well-respected in the community and should be read by everyone and anyone who loves good food. Here’s…

Memorial Day weekend is here and that means the city is ready to welcome you with open arms in anticipation of your visit. Buildings, roads, restaurants and bars have been repaved, refurbished and new places to visit have been added for your absolute pleasure. One place of note has been in construction all winter; Bayside Bowl in East Bayside has added on a fabulous roof top deck which has an open and airy feel and overlooks parts of the city and the fabulous Back Cove. I for one am looking forward to a night of bowling followed by a cocktail or two above the city. The second hotspot I want to mention is Figgy’s Takeout and Catering. The West End treasure has fried chicken, sandwiches and sides that some people have adapted as their daily diet. There are picnic benches outdoors, a water bowl…

What’s New to Eat in Portland’s Old Port Memorial weekend’s approaching fast and all of Portland’s eateries, bars, and excursion experts are gearing up for visitors who are coming to enjoy the bounty of great food and beverages we have to offer. That being said, there are two newer restaurants in Portland worth mentioning: The 5 Spot, at 935 Congress Street, calls itself a “cheesesteak joint,” serving classic Philly cheesesteaks, homemade soups, and gourmet sandwiches you can sink your teeth into. 66s Fusion, . The restaurant is located at 363 Fore Street and it is named after the famous Route 66. Give their sushi, ramen and Asian meat bun a try, you will not be disappointed. Both restaurants are open for lunch and dinner so you can take a day and enjoy a meal at each! More Maine James Beard Nominees to Visit As promised previously, I’d…

Portland Eateries and Watering Holes in the News In honor of Eventide Oyster Co.’s, big James Beard Award win, this week’s blog will feature some of the Portland restaurants/bars that have received an award or were nominated. The James Beard Awards are the Oscar’s of the food world and Portland is fortunate to have had several nominations in 2017. There will be more on Eventide later, but for now let’s start with cocktails: the Hunt & Alpine Club, was nominated in the Outstanding bar program category. This mouth watering hotspot on Market Street is about as good as it gets if you’re into mixology and I have to say, the food made to compliment your beverage will not disappoint. Drifter’s Wife, was a semi-finalist in the Best New Restaurant category. Chef Ben Jackson’s talent has brought diners in from all over New…

We’re excited to share with you our new series of blogs dedicated to the Greater Portland food scene, weekly updates and insights from Christopher Papagni. Christopher brings a lifetime of culinary experience and expertise to his writing and thoroughly embraces all that Portland has to offer. If you’re interested in reading about some great places to dine and insights into the awards, activities, chefs, mixologists and new openings, you’ll enjoy this blog each week. – Maine Foodie Tours Owner/Director – Pamela Laskey  Here’s our first post for your edutainment: Food Trucks and Wonderful Watering Holes You are either coming to Portland to enjoy the abundance of exceptional seafood or you are already here visiting our many foodie stops. Happy hour is one of our city’s best features and greatest bargains. My favorite is DiMillo’s on the Water, an Old Port staple. DiMillo’s is a beautiful ferry…

The Greek Food Festival is happening now and runs through Saturday in Portland. This fundraiser for Holy Trinity Orthodox Church features all your favorite Greek food favorites – from moussaka, souvlaki, and gyros to baklava and loukoumades. The event takes place on church grounds at Pleasant and Park Street, just a short walk from the Old Port. There is live music and traditional dancing to entertain you while you eat, and of course, good Greek food. Good luck choosing between the fantastic dishes offered and don’t forget to save room for dessert! For more information visit their website or call (207) 774-0281.

  Portland has many craft breweries, but until recently, no craft distilleries. Before 80 years of prohibition in Maine, there were many rum distilleries, taking advantage of the sugar and molasses trade from the West Indies. Just last year, New England Distilling began making gin and rum, with a rye whiskey on the way. Tapping further into the history of Portland, their Eight Bells Rum is named after Winslow Homer’s Eight Bells, which was painted during Homer’s time in Maine. This year, two more distilleries are to open in Portland, Maine Craft Distilling in East Bayside and In’Finiti Fermentation and Distillation from the owners of Novare Res Bier Cafe on Commercial Street. And those who have been on a Portland Culinary Walking tour know about Cold River Vodka, the potato spirit that flavors Dean’s Sweets Needham truffles. Maine Distilleries brews their vodka and gin up the road in Freeport. Now your next cocktail party can be…

Who doesn’t dream of selling the farm, buying a boat, and sailing around the world?  Many dream, but few follow through, and even fewer come back with a business plan.   Heidi Stanvich and her husband Mark, co-owners of Vervacious,  did just that.  They sold their house, quit their jobs, and began sailing full-time on their ketch Verve.  After a year of cruising the Atlantic Ocean in the US, the Caribbean, and Europe, Heidi and Mark launched Vervacious, making spice rubs, salt mixes, flavored vinegars, and other ‘fancy foods.’   One of the most striking things about Vervacious products is their stunning packaging.  (In fact, they’ve won the Gold award for their product design and packaging at last year’s Fancy Food show.)  These stacking, swooping bottles beg to be displayed- although I’ve heard we’re supposed to hide our spices away in our cool,…

Q: If you have ever indulged in the lovely little chocolate delights called truffles, aside from how wonderful they taste, you might wonder, why are these chocolates called truffles and where did the name come from? A: Truffles originated in France in 1895 and it was here that the ball of chocolate ganache dusted with cocoa received the name, truffle. As it turns out, truffles are named after the mushrooms of the similar name because of their resemblance to the dark and rumpled mushroom. Truffles come in all varieties with anything from nuts, fruit, cream and nougat centers. Voted the best legal drug in Portland, Dean’s Sweets makes hand dipped truffles from fine imported dark chocolate. The cayenne truffle is very popular and locals debate whether it should be three times as spicy or keep its subtle warmth. Check them out…

Apparently the brewers get asked this one quite a bit: Q: Since you brew beer, can you make Budweiser? A: Um, well, no. The folks at the little brewery in St Louis make Budweiser. They tend to make mostly lagers and we make mostly ales. We make Gritty McDuff’s here, they make Budweiser there. We like it that way. MFT thinks you will like their beers too. Try one soon at 396 Fore Street in the Old Port.  Head downstairs and sit outside.  You’ll be glad you did.   ‎grittys.com