Whether due to pandemic-era chaos, inflation or fine-dining burnout, newer local restaurants are leaning on iconic comfort food dishes previously relegated to the drive-thru lane.
restaurant industry
Posted inFood
Food-forward cocktails are in fashion for upscale bar programs
Echoing a national trend, savvy area bartenders are working savory foods into cocktails in ever-more surprising ways. ‘If the drinks don’t talk to the food and the food doesn’t talk to the drinks, there’s no cohesion,” says a restaurant GP.
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Posted inBusiness, Food
The Wrap: Lenora brings Mexican street food to Old Port
Also, Brea Lu Cafe is still looking for a new home in Westbrook, a farmers market is coming to Woodfords Corner, and the Talking Food in Maine series continues with Coffee By Design’s co-founder.
Posted inBusiness, Food
The Wrap: Ruby’s moving to Congress Street, launching new French concept
Also, sustainable sushi darlings Rosella to open in Kennebunk; Maine-made foods, including the Maine Coast Monkfish Stew, make the finals at the Good Food Awards, and more.
Posted inFood, Maine, News
What do Mainers say when it comes to the ethics of eating lobster? Pass the butter
Whether the fishery is harming the endangered right whale is a matter of vehement debate, but local chefs, restaurateurs, fishmongers and ordinary people are still cracking into Maine’s iconic crustacean.
Posted inBusiness, Food
Local restaurants forge new paths in a post-pandemic market
Forced by labor and supply shortages to adapt their business models, some restaurant owners and chefs are making concept changes to stay viable and eventually thrive.
Posted inBusiness, Food
The Wrap: Bistro Leluco replaces Enio’s in South Portland
Also, Bake Maine Pottery Cafe to open this week on Washington Avenue, Maine Mead Works will close this month, Holy Donut launches a fourth location and more.
Posted inBusiness, Food
The Wrap: Little Woodfords will close at end of month, Belleville opens new location
Also, a gluten-free bagel company launches in North Yarmouth, George + Leon’s Famous Roast Beef to open in Westbrook, and more.
Posted inFood
Aragosta goes to Paris, and a culinary collaboration continues
After hosting Paris-based chef Braden Perkins last summer, Aragosta chef-owner Devin Finigan took her staff to France in November for a three-week research tour, including a pop-up dinner at Perkins’ restaurant.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Maine’s senators need to act fast to save Maine’s farmers
We’re keenly aware that there’s no farm-to-table dining – at our restaurants or anywhere else – without farms.