Ellie
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Posts posted by Ellie
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Hello all!
Harbor has polpo today. Get it while it lasts!
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The popular but unremarkable Cap'n Newicks in South Portland, is closing, along with their Merrimak, NH location.
I wonder if that Newick's space will even remain a restaurant. I hope so!
Speaking of SoPo, there are a couple of other new things going on. fresh! has opened in Mill Creek. www.wonderfullyfresh.com
Also, Culinary Collections next to Smaha's is getting rid of the kitchenwares and opening a little cafe in the back of the store. They will be serving house-baked good, CBD coffee, lunches and dinners to go. They will also continue wine sales. The owners are very nice, I wish them well.
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Come to think of it, the last time I was at the Public Market House in Monument Square, I saw that Hortons was carrying produce from local farms. I'm not quite sure how long ago (maybe Thanksgiving) but it struck me that the selection was unusual for that late in the season -- leeks, greens, peppers, etc. Worth checking out.
btw, I was trying (in vain) to chop up ice on my driveway yesterday and noticed that the oregano plant I had long abandoned was going gang-busters! We had useable parsley in the back until maybe a week ago. Weird!
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The other day, I made the weirdest-looking chowder. I used cod cheeks and tongues, maine shrimp and blue potatoes. Sure was tasty.
Can someone post a shrimp bisque recipe? Thanks!
jonnyd--
where did you get the cod cheeks and tongue? I really enjoyed the pictures and the captions! It makes me chuckle to imagine you trying to take those pictures. Great looking shrimp, though!
Shrimp bisque or your weird chowder would have been perfect today! Thursday night is an expected low of 4 degrees! Definitie chowder night.
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Hey all--
Looks like Uncle Billy's has finally opened (soft opening, that it). I took a quick peek yesterday. The space looks nice, the jukebox sounds good and the specials board sounded great. I saw one beer on tap (Shipyward Export, *sigh*) in the bar area, which is separated from the dining room with a low wall.
Can't wait to hear the reports!
btw, no Takeout Menus yet. Location: Congress St. next to the USM dorm.
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but really....we need a produce market.....
I was happy to hear that Rosemont Market was opening a second location, and then disappointed to hear it would be in Yarmouth.
I've always thought the market next to Sapporo would make a great Green Grocer II. I've been secretly hopeful ever since it went up for lease.
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Great pictures, johnnyd! Just beautiful!
The start of the season seemed early, which was a nice surprise. Sounds like there are tons of the critters this year, making for a good long season. I am bound and determined not to poke the heck out of my fingers this year! I don't think my peeling skills are as evolved as yours are, johhnyd!
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Shahnaz Persian Grille has sold the restaurant (but not the building) to Nico and Zoe, new owner/chefs of The Acropolis Greek Cuisine.
A friend saw a banner over the Shahnaz sign y'day so I called the old number and talked to Zoe. I'll have to check it out but I'll miss that delicious Koresh-e Fessenjan.
I just heard about this the other day! I'm looking forward to giving it a try and to hearing reviews. I found that the new Greek place on Exchange St ... failed to meet expectations. I have my fingers crossed that Acropolis will be good. I'm very pleased to see that they have a daily special.
My friend stopped in to grab a menu and the lovely owner from Shahnaz was there with the new owners. I did enjoy the Persian food and am sorry to see it gone. johnnyd, do you know anything about the new owners of Acropolis?
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I made some bean soup yesterday (beans, bacon, chicken stock, seasoning). I left it on the stove to cool a bit before sticking it in the fridge, but of course I forgot about it. It was covered. Is it still good to eat today?
Damned if we didn't do the same thing! In our case, yellow split peas, smoke turkey, chicken stock, etc. I saw it this morning, and was bummed. But I quickly decided to believe that all would be well.
As Daniel would say, Hell Yes, I'm going for it!!!!!
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I am also very sorry for what is happening in Oaxaca. I hope there will be a peaceful resolution and soon.
We were so excited to visit in Decemeber or January, but since our vacation time is so limited, I am not sure whether to continue with plans. I have been in places before where the upheaval looked much worse on TV and in the newspaper than when actually there. You just never know.
BTW, this is one more example of procrastinating getting the better for me. We've been "intending" to make this trip for the last 4 years. I must learn to listen to my belly, cravings and curiousity rather than the "practical" part of my brain.
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FRESH FISH ALERT:
I went to Harbor Fish off Commercial Street y'day and what a wealth of delicacies!
johnnyd--
Oh my goodness! The polpo was fantastic!!! We managed to get the last of it. Ronnie says to me, "that's not enough to make it worth it." I say, " I don't care, I want it!" Let me say, we now both agree it was absolutely worth it, a total treat. We were very simple with the preparation, simmered it in water, red wine, onion, garlic, oregano, etc than finished it quickly over hot hardwood coals. Tender, tasty and delicious.
BTW, we also tried the tiny white fish (bottom of the barrel), tried to do "little fried fish". It wasn't quite successful, we should have gone with the bigger (and beautiful) anchovies. We also passed on the sardines because only the very smallest were left.
Otherwise...
Yours sounded great! You really can't go wrong with sardines - grilled, fried, broiled, its all good!We asked the guy if there would be more, he thought maybe in a few weeks. I couldn't tell if he was guessing or not. So please, if you spot this stuff again, I'd appreciate another heads up.
Take care!
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The Cheese Iron. 200 US RT 1. about 1/2 mile south of Lois Natural foods, on the left side. It's in the same lot as a huge antique store.
Vince and Jill, the owners, are absolutely fantastic, and can chat cheese for hours!
erikd--
Thanks so much for the tip! I stopped in on Saturday and had a wonderful time. The salumi looked amazing and I ended up buying small portions of 4 different meats as I couldn't decide what I wanted to try (Prcosciutto San Danielle, hot Coppa, Toscano style dry salami and a mortadella rustica). All were excellent. After several cheese samples, I decided on two - Ossau Iraty (french, sheeps milk) and Hooligan (raw cows milk from Connecticut). I can't wait to work my through the cheese selection.
I also picked out some olives, cornichons, mozarella di bufala from northern California and bread. I was also tempted by a baking chocolate I sampled, a bruschetta spread, tasmanian cherries (? I think thats what they were called)..... I never even got to wine.
The staff was incredible. So patient and helpful but still very effecient, handling multiple customers at once. I told them I heard about them from eGullet.org. They hadn't heard of it!
Thanks again!
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Speaking of breakfast...is the second coming of The Good Egg operational yet at the Pepper Club? and if so, has anyone been?
I still remember those delicious whole grain pancakes that would fill an entire plate, with a dollop of Maine blueberry compote. The Good Egg is also where, as a then mid-20-something person, I had my first cup of coffee. I figured it smelled so good I just had to try it.
It's been two cups a morning ever since.
The Good Egg is operational but I have not yet made it in. The only I've been hearing is that the wait is long. Really long... my coworker went there the Friday morning around 8am and it took 45 minutes. I'm sure they'll work that out!
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Looks like there are a couple of new options opening up around town.
Driving down Exchange St. I saw the sign in place for The Greek Corner, next to Tandoor. Anyone have any information on when they will open or who is running it?
Also, The Good Egg Cafe is opening up for breakfast in The Pepperclub. I guess it closed sum 14 years ago (?).
Looking forward to giving these places a try!
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I decided to visit the new Hong Kong Market next to Dogfish Cafe on Congress Street. It is quite a large market. Its kind of striking how "new", clean and organized everything looks. I believe they have chinese herbals (you know, the dried stuff in the large jars) too.
The interesting thing that I wanted to share was that they are bringing roasted duck and pork from Boston on Sundays. You can order a half or whole duck or pork by the pound. They are asking that you order in advance by Friday or Saturday. They do the pick up at Sundays 9:30am in Boston and it arrives here two hours later or so.
I'm really looking forward to having this option. Its one of the things I seek out when visiting Boston or New York.
Now, if I can figure out how to make a respectable bowl of noodles to go with it!
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Siren-
Is Honey's Place closed? We drove past it yesterday aroung noon and it looked cleared out. We couldn't tell for sure though.
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I was at One Fifty Ate this morning to grab a salt bagel with herbalizer. They said that Bar Lola is expected to open this Friday at 100 Congress. Looks like they will be offering dinner Wed thru Sat and will replace the dinner at One Fifty Ate.
That section of Congress is turning into quite the dining destination!
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Hmm, I must have missed something in this thread. Turkey Hill Farm eggs are only available at Willard Square bakery in the winter as far as I know. I get them at Jordan's in the summer. There are usually also other egg options in the summer, but I know of nothing else in the winter. They are pricier but well worth it! Once you go fresh, you can never go back!
Btw, according to Turkey Hills website, they also sell chickens, lamb, and some pork. I'm just not sure if its by share only. Has anyone tried their product (aside from the eggs, of course!)??
Willard Square Bakery sells in winter, ka-ching!Gee, I didn't read it that way, Sonja. Maybe I'm not down with the lingo but my reaction was more about the fact that they were just plain there at all and the neighborhood was much richer for it!
Fresh eggs are fresh eggs: delicious and better for you - I'll pay whatever you charge!
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http://entertainment.mainetoday.com/dining...ary/005795.html
I came across this posting discussing the sale of meat products at Portland's farmers markets. I REALLY want locally raised meats to be more accessible and being able to buy it direct from the farm via the farmer's market is a good option.
I'd like to weigh in with the city council about this issue. In the meantime, I would appreciate a source for natural, un-enhanced, locally grown pork in the area. Actually, good sources for meat products in general would be helpful. I've started to look at some of the meat shares that are available at area farms, but I'm not well informed on that.
I am aware of Maine-ly poultry (Whole Grocer) and Wolf's Neck (Hannaford). Rosemont Market sells Curtis Farm (?), which I've never tried. That is not terribly convenient for me, but if anyone has some feedback on the quality, that would be helpful. Free-range eggs from Turkey Hill Community Farm (Willard Square Bakery sells in winter, ka-ching!). I've never had good luck with the free-range or organic eggs they sell at Hannaford.
Oooh, we would like to make our own bacon and could really use a good source for pork belly other than the asian markets.
I'm so very happy that the farm stands will soon be opening. We bought some stone dust from Jordan's Farm a few weeks ago and that made me happy. It was like "pre-farm stand" activity
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Where is Gogo?
It's on Preble Street near Willard Square.
http://entertainment.mainetoday.com/dining...soup2nuts.shtml
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I have a new current favorite, the breakfast burritos at Gogo in South Portland.
First, the burritos are really tasty and you can share them along with something like a fruit bowl or a fruit smoothie. Two, you can sit down! and the queue is short! Third, its in South Portland (NOT by the Mall). These are all good things. I'm looking forward to trying the breakfast pies (?) which are (I think) sort of crustless quiche served with a salad or homefries?
I'm also going to work on being able to bike there and back rather than drive. That's gonna take some work(out)!
It's been great weather this weekend. I can't wait for farmstand season! We're attempting to smoke mackerel today, fingers crossed for good results.
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I actually do not have anything to add as of yet. Tough critic and all, but wanted to express my surprise at the lack of responses. There are several members in the Portland area that I talk to that surely can add to your list and step on the figurative soapbox. I would love to hear more about the great things in Portland.
I hope you can add to the list soon. Didn't you and JohnnyD have some nice cocktails at Oolong? Maybe a favorite cup of coffee? Since moving to Portland I practice my most open-mindedness and patience (man does this town have bad service!) because there are more limited options than the bigger cities I've lived in. My expectations are different now and that works for me.
I'll keep going... My favorite:
* Farm Stand, Jordan's Farm in Cape
* Local Beer, Geary's
* Local picnic spot, Kettle Cove
BTW, my previous post read:
9. Salt bagels from One Fifty Ate (with the spicy cream cheese or the Yuppie)
It's the HIPPIE not the Yuppie! Sheesh, where did that come from
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I'm hungry and began to think of some of my favorite treats around town. The more I thought about it, the longer the list seemed to get. Here are a few, in no particular order:
1. Fried Pickles at Bingas Wingas
2. Anything at Asmara (please, please don't go out of business!)
3. 'Noreaster' slice (buffalo chicken) at Portland Pie
4. Frenchman 75 cocktail (?) at Oolong
5. Breakfast sandwich with maple syrup and tobasco at Oh No!
6. Cheeseburger at Shay's
7. Fried Pork from La Bodega Latina (with a squeeze of lime, of course!)
8. Eggs Benedict at The Front Room (really like this place!)
9. Salt bagels from One Fifty Ate (with the spicy cream cheese or the Yuppie)
10. Toro Tataki at Yosuku (and everything else)
I've got more, but I've gotta run. Please add to the list!!
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Does anyone have any idea when White Heart might swing open its doors or what kind of drinks the new Bandol Gastro-Pub might look to serve?
myers
I heard that White Heart is suppose to be opening this Friday. Hopefully there will not be any last minute glitches. I have not heard anything about the drinks at Bandol! We did try to stop by Ladle today but it did not appear to be opened as planned.
Portland ME Restaurants
in New England: Dining
Posted
Finally found some info on La Familia. "Cuban pork, sandwiches and other Spanish-style cuisine are planned." Sounds good to me! Opening June 30th.
http://portlandpsst.blogspot.com/2007/06/plywood-report.html
Speaking of pork, the roasted pork they bring up from Chinatown every Sunday at Hong Kong Market is so very tasty! Naughty, but good!