Tumgik
#twilight princess link is the hottest one
rosemine24 · 1 month
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
💖 happy valentines day! 💖
7 notes · View notes
aikoiya · 6 months
Text
LoZ - Link's Attractiveness
Am I the only one who feels like, the more androgynous that Link gets, the less attractive I think he is?
Like, Twilight Link was, by far, the hottest Link. But then again, he was also the most physically masculine of the Links too.
Like, just look at this side-by-side comparison, ya'll!
Tumblr media
I dunno about ya'll, but I know which design I prefer! It's the goat herder on the right in case you were in any way confused.
I don't know why they keep designing the Links more & more femininely. Though, I do remember reading something about one of the designers or something. Apparently, he asked his wife or whatever how she would make Link more attractive & she said what amounted to "make him look more like a girl" & I'm just sitting there thinking to myself, "please, don't."
Like, maybe Japanese women just prefer them with girly hips & bones like a bird, but not me. Which, looking at it, this seems to be indicative of the Sōshokukei Danshi (草食系男子, grass-eater men) trend that's become so big in Japan. Which, itself, is just something I'm very much not into. I just don't want a man who uses more cosmetics than I do, okay? I simply don't see it as attractive.
Like, why not just admit that they wanna date girls? Because that's what it seems like.
I just want another Link with abs, ya'll. Being traditionally masculine isn't a bad thing & shouldn't be treated as such.
I don't care if he's short (I mean, I'd like a tall Link, but I can live without one), but please give me a more masculine Link. Like, he doesn't even need to be uber muscular either, just don't make him so damn girlish, okay??
Like, I get that part of the appeal for a lot of people is that they can put themselves in his place & making him as androgynous as possible allows as many people as is possible to be able to fit into his place. But for me, personally, that's just not the draw.
I'm just not that into the whole reader or player insert thing because I like myself in reality where I am. When I play or read shit, I'm not doing it to read about or play myself unless it's a farming sim or some-such, I'm doing it to read about or play someone else.
Like, yeah, there will always be a little bit of "how would I do this" in it, but ultimately what I'm invested in is not me. I'm just not that self-obsessed & I like it that way.
All I'm saying, ya'll, is that masculinity is hot.
That's likely part of why so many are simping over Ganondorf. Because, for all his evilness, he's the most physically masculine person in damn near every game he appears in. Same with Sidon, he's pretty damn masculine too, just in a different way. You could even say that Rauru is also pretty masculine in his own way, just not the way that Ganondorf or Sidon are. Rather, he's more so in the way that a wise king is & even though I'm not really into the anthro thing unless it's werewolves (I own up to my flaws), I can definitely see why a lot of fans simp for him.
Now, don't get me wrong, Link is masculine in his own way. Trust me, there's a lot masculine about being a hero who helps people & saves the princess. And even just that sort of masculinity is very hot. He's just not very masculine physically. Especially with those hips. He's got too girly hips & he doesn't have the right build to make up for it the way that Rauru does.
Even Twilight Link wasn't extremely masculine.
Edit: Apparently, this post sparked some sort of ire? She insisted that I was being a bigot towards Japanese men & the Japanese culture as a whole, which... really doesn't sound right.
I thought all I did here was state my preferences.
LoZ General Masterlist
19 notes · View notes
dooplissss · 11 months
Text
7 notes · View notes
loztotkfanart · 1 year
Note
Asks 4 you:
Which is your favorite LoZ game and why?
What's the item you always look forward to picking up most? (I love shooting things with the bow.)
Favorite dungeon/temple/etc. out of all the games.
Favorite boss out of all the games.
Tumblr media
ayyyye, i see what you do there
1. fave zelda game is Ocarina of Time. yes, i’m old and OOT was my formative game. get off my lawn! but, i think i like it the most because of the environments and the world building. each temple was super unique and had its own “vibe”. just stuck with me ya know?
also, the hottest Link, DON’T @ ME!!
2. i always can’t wait to get the master sword, cuz then you can just fuck up enemies and go wild in combat. i’m not a very strategic combat person, so i’d rather hack and slash to get it over with 😅
3. favorite dungeon would probs be the Temple of Time in Twilight Princess 🤔 the aesthetic is nice, the item you get is pretty cool, the puzzles are challenging sometimes, and i like the design of the dungeon. its basically one big “room” that you have to go up and up and up, then, what’s interesting to me, is that you have to make your way back out too. the boss being essentially at the beginning of the temple. idk, just really neat
4. favorite boss 🤔 to fight, Koloktos. aesthetically, Twinrova, just cuz they’re really neat, the Gemesaur King in ALBW
thanks for the asks Stormy 🥰
3 notes · View notes
my-weird-news · 7 months
Text
10 Most Gorgeous 90’s Crushes
The Timeless Temptresses: Where Are They Now? Ah, Carmen Electra! The Baywatch days - where even the beach sand seemed to blush around those lifeguards. And guess what? She’s still hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna at over 40! Is there a fountain of youth or did Carmen strike a deal with the aging devil? Someone needs to investigate. Christina Applegate: From Dumb Blond to Hollywood Bombshell So, you remember Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy from the "Married with Children" sitcom, right? Yeah, that one – the show that was like a blast from the past that you can’t believe you watched without cringing. But hold on a second, Christina’s no dummy. She’s been out there dropping wisdom bombs like a knowledge ninja. And hey, she fought off breast cancer like a boss. If that’s not a superhero origin story, I don’t know what is. Claudia Schiffer: The 90s Dream Goddess Alright, folks, remember Claudia Schiffer? That name you whispered in hushed tones like a secret code for teenage hormonal urges? Yeah, she was the ultimate 90s babe. I mean, 83.7% of boners were directly linked to her supermodel aura. And guess what? She made more money than you could shake a catwalk at – over $50 million! Looks like walking down runways is a shortcut to making it rain. Michelle Pfeiffer: The Cat's Meow What do you call a Batman movie without a Catwoman in it? A travesty! Michelle Pfeiffer was the original feline femme fatale, slinking around in tight black leather, making even Gotham's dark knight do a double take. Can you imagine Batman fighting crime while dealing with constant distractions from that outfit? No wonder he's so moody. Pamela Anderson: More Than Just a Lifeguard Pamela Anderson – the ultimate proof that if you’ve got it, flaunt it. From the beaches of Baywatch to playing a scantily clad superhero in "Striperella", she knew how to make heads turn faster than an owl with whiplash. And don't even get me started on that celebrity sex-tape scandal – it's like she turned the spotlight into a strobe light. Heather Locklear: Melrose Maverick Melrose Place: the show you either loved to bits or wished it would spontaneously combust. Heather Locklear was the flame-haired drama queen in the middle of it all. She faced criticism for being "out of control" on drugs and alcohol, but honestly, who wouldn't need a little something to cope with the chaos of a Melrose life? Lucy Lawless: Warrior Princess and Beyond Lucy Lawless, aka Xena, the warrior princess – a role that screams "badass on horseback". But wait, there’s more! She teamed up with Bruce Campbell, the "groovy" star from "Evil Dead", proving that kicking demon butt is a job that never gets old. Seriously, drop everything and watch "Ash vs Evil Dead". You won't regret it. Cindy Crawford: The Supermodel Extraordinaire Cindy Crawford, the supermodel who redefined the phrase "jaw-dropping beauty". She was up there on VH1’s "Hottest Hotties of the 90s" list and even made the Men’s Health "100 Hottest Women of All-Time". And hey, she did it without resorting to revealing her lady bits – take notes, Miley Cyrus! Jennifer Aniston: More Than Just "The Rachel" Who could forget Jennifer Aniston as Rachel? Her hairstyle was iconic – it even had its own name, like it was a fancy cocktail or something. And those chilly sets? No bras? Yeah, we know what you mean, Jennifer. But don't worry, we were too busy enjoying your hilarious antics to notice… too much. Sarah Michelle Gellar: Slaying on Screen Buffy the Vampire Slayer – the show that kicked supernatural butts and then had to endure the Twilight fiasco. Sarah Michelle Gellar was the slayer that taught us to fight demons with witty one-liners. Sure, there have been other roles, but to us, she’ll always be the girl with a stick, laying down the stake and the law. And there you have it, folks! Our favorite 90s stars, still shining bright and leaving us with more memories than a scrapbook overloaded with glitter. It's like the past two decades never happened, and honestly, I'm not complaining! 🌟# The Timeless Temptresses: Where Are They Now? Ah, Carmen Electra! The Baywatch days - where even the beach sand seemed to blush around those lifeguards. And guess what? She’s still hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna at over 40! Is there a fountain of youth or did Carmen strike a deal with the aging devil? Someone needs to investigate. Christina Applegate: From Dumb Blond to Hollywood Bombshell So, you remember Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy from the "Married with Children" sitcom, right? Yeah, that one – the show that was like a blast from the past that you can’t believe you watched without cringing. But hold on a second, Christina’s no dummy. She’s been out there dropping wisdom bombs like a knowledge ninja. And hey, she fought off breast cancer like a boss. If that’s not a superhero origin story, I don’t know what is. Claudia Schiffer: The 90s Dream Goddess Alright, folks, remember Claudia Schiffer? That name you whispered in hushed tones like a secret code for teenage hormonal urges? Yeah, she was the ultimate 90s babe. I mean, 83.7% of boners were directly linked to her supermodel aura. And guess what? She made more money than you could shake a catwalk at – over $50 million! Looks like walking down runways is a shortcut to making it rain. Michelle Pfeiffer: The Cat's Meow What do you call a Batman movie without a Catwoman in it? A travesty! Michelle Pfeiffer was the original feline femme fatale, slinking around in tight black leather, making even Gotham's dark knight do a double take. Can you imagine Batman fighting crime while dealing with constant distractions from that outfit? No wonder he's so moody. Pamela Anderson: More Than Just a Lifeguard Pamela Anderson – the ultimate proof that if you’ve got it, flaunt it. From the beaches of Baywatch to playing a scantily clad superhero in "Striperella", she knew how to make heads turn faster than an owl with whiplash. And don't even get me started on that celebrity sex-tape scandal – it's like she turned the spotlight into a strobe light. Heather Locklear: Melrose Maverick Melrose Place: the show you either loved to bits or wished it would spontaneously combust. Heather Locklear was the flame-haired drama queen in the middle of it all. She faced criticism for being "out of control" on drugs and alcohol, but honestly, who wouldn't need a little something to cope with the chaos of a Melrose life? Lucy Lawless: Warrior Princess and Beyond Lucy Lawless, aka Xena, the warrior princess – a role that screams "badass on horseback". But wait, there’s more! She teamed up with Bruce Campbell, the "groovy" star from "Evil Dead", proving that kicking demon butt is a job that never gets old. Seriously, drop everything and watch "Ash vs Evil Dead". You won't regret it. Cindy Crawford: The Supermodel Extraordinaire Cindy Crawford, the supermodel who redefined the phrase "jaw-dropping beauty". She was up there on VH1’s "Hottest Hotties of the 90s" list and even made the Men’s Health "100 Hottest Women of All-Time". And hey, she did it without resorting to revealing her lady bits – take notes, Miley Cyrus! Jennifer Aniston: More Than Just "The Rachel" Who could forget Jennifer Aniston as Rachel? Her hairstyle was iconic – it even had its own name, like it was a fancy cocktail or something. And those chilly sets? No bras? Yeah, we know what you mean, Jennifer. But don't worry, we were too busy enjoying your hilarious antics to notice… too much. Sarah Michelle Gellar: Slaying on Screen Buffy the Vampire Slayer – the show that kicked supernatural butts and then had to endure the Twilight fiasco. Sarah Michelle Gellar was the slayer that taught us to fight demons with witty one-liners. Sure, there have been other roles, but to us, she’ll always be the girl with a stick, laying down the stake and the law. And there you have it, folks! Our favorite 90s stars, still shining bright and leaving us with more memories than a scrapbook overloaded with glitter. It's like the past two decades never happened, and honestly, I'm not complaining! 🌟 Read the full article
0 notes
outsetemporium · 2 years
Text
Linktober Day Nineteen: Link
Twilight Princess Link protecting a puppy! TP Link is objectively the best one!
Tumblr media Tumblr media
174 notes · View notes
Text
Marth: Friends, we’ve been brought together to finally answer an age old question that plagued many critical thinkers for years and sparked many debates. Who is the hottest Link?
Samus: Like, out of all of them?
Marth: No, we’re counting out Ocaraina of Time Link. He’s the most influential, not the hottest.
Roy: I’m going to say Twilight Princess Link. Not only does he have all of Link’s charm, but he turns into a wolf. And if you’re like me and have read countless romance novels involving werewolves in secret, please don’t judge me I needed something to do, you know werewolves are amazing partners and Belle should’ve ended up with the werewolf guy.
Some Smashers nod in agreement and mumble among themselves.
Palutena: I say Hyrule Warriors Link. Partially because the Ganondorf in Hyrule Warriors is an absolute dreamboat, as are all Ganondorf’s, with his long, flowing hair, is…gorgeous black armor…his bulging muscles…his-
Shulk, clears his throat: Ahem.
Palutena, blushing: Oh! Uh…Warriors Link wears a scarf.
Captain Falcon: ….(hands Palutena a glass of water)
Palutena: …Thank you, Falcon…
Samus: I say WIld Link (our current one) is the hottest one. For starters, I’ve seen him without a shirt, so I know he’s ripped. Two, he has a badass bike. Three, he does what he wants.
Mario: Aaaaaand he started a fire in the backyard again. I’m on it…
Samus: And lastly, he has a ton of clothes. Don’t tell me he doesn’t look amazing in the Gerudo outfit.
Smashers nod in agreement and mumble among themselves.
Marth: Okay, I think we can all come to the conclusion….
Marth: There’s no clear way to decide…
128 notes · View notes
The Loneliest Hero of Time
(Based on this fan-made video about Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
I am a knight in shining armor. 
I’ve got my sword and shield in hand, ready for any battle that comes my way. 
My boots and cloak allow me to travel to vast lands, no matter if they are dense jungles, the hottest of deserts, or even under the sea.
And yet...
I meet people along the way. 
Some are completely new faces. 
They smile and wave at this traveling hero who is new to their home. 
If any are in trouble, I step up and help keep them safe. 
In return, they exchange my help for items and information that will help me along my way. 
We become friends.
And yet...
My fighting abilities and intuition are second to none. 
From the hordes of traveling small beasts to the most horrendous of monsters, their evil is slain by my blade.
No army is stronger than I.
And yet…
Princess Zelda.
The light in all that is dark with the world.
The protector of all of Hyrule.
I am her knight.
Her friend. 
I protect her when she needs it most.
And yet…
All the places I’ve gone.
All the treasures I have uncovered.
All of the beasts that can hurt Hylians no more.
And yet...
All the people I’ve met.
All the people I have befriended.
All the people of whom I consider family.
And yet…
And yet…
Where am I?
What am I doing?
Where is home?
Do I have one?
These vast lands that I travel to.
They are lonely.
The trees.
The rocks.
The people.
I leave them all behind.
It’s so lonely.
I do not know what I am doing anymore.
Another slash.
Another step.
Another breath.
How long has it been?
A year?
Thirty?
One hundred?
I can’t take it anymore.
This shield is a burden.
This sword is a lie.
The legends of heroes.
They are all wrong.
When will anyone realize that?
Why won’t anyone realize that?
I miss what I have never had.
Did I even have a life before this curse had been placed upon me?
This constant evil that I must fight?
This never-ending adventure?
It’s been so long.
It’s been too long.
I don’t even have the heart to speak.
Maybe being silent is better.
It masks the reality that I will never awaken from this nightmare.
One where all I have is time.
Nothing else.
No heart.
No music.
No life.
They say seasons change.
That the wind brings on the birth of new wonders.
That twilight is the link that brings together light and darkness.
The sky's the limit.
But I see nothing new.
What would another day even bring me?
My hands shake.
I can’t breathe.
I so badly want to lay down my sword.
Put down my shield.
Turn away from my destiny.
And yet…
This is what I must do.
Even if I am lonely.
Even if there is no one out there who will protect me.
I am the Hero of Time.
I am Princess Zelda’s knight.
I continue on to do what I must.
For them.
For her.
Because after.
After the battle is won.
After Zelda is saved.
She won’t need me anymore.
Maybe, just maybe, I will be rewarded.
Not with jewels.
Not with honor.
But with rest.
With an end.
No more weaponry.
No more monsters.
No more wild adventures.
Just sleep.
A blissful completion.
An end.
“...Open your eyes...Open your eyes. Wake up, Link.”
2 notes · View notes
Text
Me, knowing full-well that the Twilight Princess Manga is going to have a fuckton of volumes but consider that game to be one of the best of the series and it has the hottest version of Link to date, so I plan on buying every volume that drops:
Tumblr media
235 notes · View notes
callunavulgari · 7 years
Text
heather recs things pt. 2
This isn’t everything else. I could actually update that fic recs blog that I have daily and it still probably wouldn’t be enough. However, this is a list of my All Time Favorites. Most of them are from the actual tag, but some of them are too new (or not found on Ao3) or too old.
Boys by @caseyvalhalla. (Kingdom Hearts; Axel/Roxas, Sora/Riku) If you know me, you know that I’ve been yelling about this fic for the better part of a decade. Even now, years after I slowly drifted from the KH fandom, I can say without an ounce of doubt that this is my favorite fic. This is the one. And after nine years, I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.
Freedom’s Just Another Name For Nothing Left To Lose by @ synecdochic (SGA; Mcshep) By now, I’ve trawled through a lot of SGA fic. I’ve combed through old rec lists, gone through page after page on Ao3, and can say with confidence that this is the best one I’ve read. This is probably going to be the one that I take with me and it doesn’t even. God. I can’t even get into how much I adored this. How perfect and sad and raw it is, and how the day that I read this, Rodney McKay was completely changed to me.
Under the Table and Dreaming by snooter (Toy Story; Sid/Andy) is one of those fics that you can’t really explain with words. Because, I mean, c’mon. Toy Story? Really. But seriously. Go. Read it. Marvel in wonder over slash fanfiction for a Disney movie, because it’s in my top five.
Towards Zero by mirabella (Inception; Eames/Arthur) The first. The best. The only one that I still regularly think about. Arthur meets Eames projection before he meets him. It’s angsty and sexy and all kinds of awesome.
The Student Prince by FayJay (Merlin; Merlin/Arthur) Another fic that outlasted my interest in a fandom, this one has been reread almost as many times as Boys. Reincarnation, Arthur as a prince, and modern day magic. I was always going to fall for this one.
Arcana by rosa_acicularis (Sherlock BBC; John/Sherlock) Okay, so much like Doctor Who, over the years I’ve fallen out with Sherlock. However- this remains to be one of the best things that I’ve read. John Watson is Joanna. She is also a witch. The world building is excellent and Joanna herself is perfect. Hell, even Sherlock is perfect, okay.
Magpie by @waldorph (Star Trek AoS; Spock/Jim) is a Star Trek AoS fic where Jim and Spock pretty much grew up with each other. It is so incredibly gorgeous, almost 60k of, you guessed it, found family and friendship and a slow, slow burn that will leave your toes curling by the end. Also by waldorph is  strive seek find yield, which is basically a royalty AU. In space. It’s magnificent.
Inertia by @the-apocrypha. (Teen Wolf; Derek/Stiles(/Cora)) I know for a fact that I’ve talked about this one before, because it’s slowly and carefully inserted itself in with all the other fics that made my top ten fics years and years ago. You guessed it, this fic mostly focuses on friendship and emotional healing after various traumatic experiences for the three main characters. The fact that it’s roadtrip fic only made it more enticing. This is my feel good fic. Well, one of them. The one that I read when I need something to drop me straight into that syrupy sweet state of mind when you’re just quiet and slow and content. Lawrence of My Labia, the cracky mixtape made for the fic has also seen me through some shit, not gonna lie.
Not Easily Conquered by @drop-deaddream​ and @whatarefears​ (Marvel; Captain America; Bucky/Steve, Steve/Peggy) clocks in at over 100k as a whole and is one of my very favorite fics. It’s basically a canon divergent AU where Steve crawled out of the ice and married Peggy Carter instead of being frozen in ice for decades. Almost twenty years later, the world finds out about the lost letters of Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, which throws Peggy and Steve’s marriage into freefall. I can’t seem to find the words to do this fic justice, but just know that it’s one of those where you’ll have snippets from it pop into your head years after you read it, and you’ll still smile.
Heroes by @ryttu3k (Legend of Zelda; Zelda/Link/Groose) Before this fic, I never considered Skyward Sword as fanfic material. That was for Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, hell, even Twilight Princess. Those were the fics that I read and wrote. And then I read this in its entirety in the span of one very long night and never looked back.
to the sky without wings by @leupagus​. (Star Wars; Poe/Luke) Okay, okay. If you’d told me going into this fic that I would emerge from it shipping Luke Skywalker and Poe Dameron I probably would have... well, okay, I would have shrugged at you and said that anything’s possible, but I would have been pretty damn doubtful about it. I stumbled into this one blind, not knowing a damn thing about it, just that it was 80k of Poe Dameron backstory and as I was trying to write him at the time, desperately needed him to start clicking in my head. It’s a truly beautiful fic, fleshed out and horribly sad and exhilarating. It also contains one of the hottest damn scenes I’ve read in years, so look forward to that.
we built this city by @fahye​ (Raven Cycle; Gansey/Blue/Henry) is a Raven Cycle fic. Now, I haven’t read much fic for the series because somehow Stiefvater achieved literary nirvana and I was so satisfied by the books that I never actually went looking for fic. I was just content to let it stand. And now, I can’t remember when I actually started reading Fahye’s stuff, but I’m pretty sure it was back when I was into things like livejournal and Ouran High School Host Club. So it’s been awhile, and I can pretty much guarantee that I’ll always like the things she’s written, so I read it, because I had a bit of a hankering for Gansey/Blue/Henry and I figured she could satisfy that. And my god, was I right. This fic is beautiful.
164 notes · View notes
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
1 note · View note
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
0 notes
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
0 notes
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
0 notes
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
0 notes
tonyduncanbb73 · 6 years
Text
Maine Now Has a Restaurant Inspired by Yetis From Zelda
Tumblr media
And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts
Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Greater Boston; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout New England. This piece is updated on a rolling basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere.
Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email [email protected] with any news tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond Boston.
Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.
March 13, 2018
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Yeto’s (299 Main St.) is now open, serving a blend of Southern and Italian cuisine. The menu features items like the big brisket biscuit sandwich, mac and cheese with an anadama crumb topping, and a version of penne alla vodka made with local gin instead of vodka. The restaurant’s inspiration comes from a love story of a pair of yetis, Yeto and Yeta, whose love was “intense enough to melt the snow on the mountain.” Turns out they’re not just any mythical snow beasts — they’re actually characters from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — and Yeto, a locavore before his time, created a soup out of local fish, pumpkins, and goat cheese that healed his ailing wife (and apparently reinvigorated their love). Like Yeto, Yeto’s uses local ingredients to create comforting food, a philosophy Zelda fans and non-fans alike can appreciate.
In other Biddeford news, Jon Phillips and Briana Campbell are newcomers to town from Brooklyn and are working on plans to open Time and Tide Craft Coffee Roasters, which will be both a cafe and roastery. They’re looking for space and hope to open this summer, serving breakfast tacos and pastries along with coffee.
FREEDOM, MAINE — The Lost Kitchen is one of New England’s most in-demand restaurants, with famously difficult-to-get reservations. It’s also a member of Eater’s 38 Essential New England restaurants. Chef-owner Erin French has announced the new process for securing reservations, which involves mailing in a 3x5 index card with full name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. Guests will be randomly selected for the chance to book dinner reservations between May and New Year’s Eve. “Against all odds, this restaurant has become far more popular than our wildest dreams,” French wrote in the announcement.
GORHAM, MAINE — Sebago Brewing Co. recently debuted its new facility at 616 Main St. It serves as a brewing space and headquarters for the brewery, which drastically increases its brewing capacity. There is a tasting room, and growler fills are available.
KITTERY, MAINE — La Casita is now open at 181 State Rd. in Kittery, serving rice and bean bowls with various protein toppings, Cuban sandwiches, roasted pork, and more. The restaurant is the work of chef Mark Segal and Gaby Velez, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont who grew up in Puerto Rico.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — New Haven’s famous Sally’s Apizza reopened under new ownership at the end of February. Lineage Hospitality acquired the restaurant from Bobby and Ricky Consiglio, the sons of founder Sal Consiglio, and the company has plans to expand nationally.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The owners of the now-closed Louie’s restaurant in Portsmouth have purchased The Carriage House in Rye and will renovate and reimagine the restaurant. Louie’s, along with its neighboring State Street Saloon, was severely damaged in a fire in April 2017, and owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and chef Brett Cavanna have run pop-ups around the region during the closure. With this new project, the team will be able to bring back many of Louie’s employees while keeping on those at the Carriage House and transitioning the nearly 90-year-old institution into its next iteration.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) has a new location locked down for an expansion. Known for its from-scratch baked goods, cakes, pies, and elaborately decorated cookies, Two Fat Cats is leasing a second space at 740 Broadway in South Portland.
Also in Portland, Abilene (539 Deering Ave.) will close down at the end of March after three years in business. Owners Anna Connolly and Travis Colgan said they wanted to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their children reaching school age. They shared the news in a post on Facebook, expressing appreciation for their patrons over the last few years.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Boston’s own Bon Me rolls a food truck down to Providence this month. There will be festivities at Waterman Street near Brown University on March 14 and at Kennedy Plaza on March 27, where it will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, to donate profits from the “pay what you want” day. After the second grand opening, the truck will park at Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 20, 2018
Tumblr media
Drifters Wife/Instagram
Egg with trout roe, potato, and mayo at Drifters Wife
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Stone Fort Distillery (26 Pearl St.) has opened in Biddeford — although a grand opening is planned for March. The distillery is producing vodka and whiskey and showing them off in cocktails such as lemon drop martinis and Moscow mules.
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, MAINE — Hunker Downis now open at Sugarloaf, serving American classics and landing itself on Eater Maine’s latest heatmap of hot new restaurants in the state. Menu items include steak frites, spaghetti and meatballs, and other hearty appetizers and entrees perfect for scarfing down after a ski run or 20.
MAINE — Speaking of Eater’s Maine Heatmap, why not check out the rest of the latest update as well? The map features the nine hottest restaurants in the state right now. From Elda in Biddeford (140 Main St.) to Taverna Khione in Brunswick (25 Mill St.), the cuisines currently span Greek, seafood, and comfort food options.
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Breakfast Club (no relation to Boston’s diner by the same name) opened a few months ago in Manchester (342 Cypress St.), and it serves egg tacos among other standard breakfast items. Nearby, Ritu’s Spice Utsav(484 South Main St.)is also up and running with a menu of vegetarian Indian dishes, including dosa, chaat, curries, and tandoor.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Uncle Billy’s Bar-B-Cue (166 Cumberland Ave.) is opening soon, courtesy of chef Jonny St. Laurent, per the Portland Food Map. The chef had previously run Uncle Billy’s Resto-bar at 653 Congress St. in Portland, but it closed in 2007. St. Laurent’s comeback will heavily feature smoked meats.
Meanwhile, Orenda and Peter Hale have reopened their newly expanded restaurant, Drifters Wife, alongside their wine shop, Maine & Loire (59 Washington Ave.) — it was just a move next door, but it came with some useful extra space for a full kitchen and full bar. The restaurant was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.
The Maine Lobster Shackis getting ready to open (425 Fore St.) and hiring staff members in preparation. The restaurant promises to serve various chowders, seafood rolls and sandwiches, and salads, among other items. Follow along on the restaurant’s social media for details of the opening.
February 13, 2018
Tumblr media
Chuck’s BARbershop [official photo]
Chuck’s BARbershop
CHESTER, CONNECTICUT — Grano Arso(6 Main St.) is now open within a former bank building in Chester, and it showcases a “modern yet familiar approach to traditional Italian cooking.” Chef Joel Gargano mills grain in-house for pasta and bread and has created a menu consisting of crostini, pasta dishes, and entrees ranging from monkfish stew to grilled pork loin with polenta and pesto. There are also cocktails, wines, and beer.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Chuck’s BARbershop(90 Low Ave.) is a new speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Codex in Nashua, serving up classic cocktails in a space hidden behind an actual barbershop.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The newly opened Lo Sano Restaurant & Bar (678 Maple Ave.) has a menu full of Latin American classics, including mofongo (made with fried plantains), skirt steak with chimichurri, fried chicken, and tres leches flan for dessert.
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Pemi Public House (115 Main St.) is a new option for those visiting the White Mountains. The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, and hearty entrees like mac and cheese and pot pie, plus salads and appetizers. The restaurant also has open mic nights.
February 6, 2018
Tumblr media
Katie Chudy/Eater
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new cocktail bar has opened in the former Red Door space at 107 State St. The Nice is the work of Kevin Walsh and Bryan Emerson, alums of Moxy and Franklin Oyster House, and they’re running the bar from 6 p.m. on, six days a week (closed Tuesday). Drinks include the Venetian Monk (Bully Boy gin, chartreuse, aperol, lemon, and Peychaud’s) and Pearl Harbor (vodka, jalapeño-infused green chartreuse, pineapple, and melon).
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Coffee fans may soon get the chance to drink their favorite beverage in the presence of a double-decker bus. The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles is a Rhode Island company that specializes in (as the name suggests) coffee and Liege-style waffles. Founder Shane Matlock purchased a double-decker British bus to restore and convert into a mobile coffee shop, where customers will be able to place orders through a service window but will also be able to enter the bus and partake in coffee and waffles on the second level. Matlock has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the bus conversion.
Xaco Taco is now open in Providence (370 Richmond St.), with ten versions of tacos (available as singles or platters) and a wide selection of tequila, plus beer, wine, and churro doughnuts for dessert.
A pop-up that serves sandwiches has debuted in Providence, from the same folks behind UMelt, a sandwich shop with locations at the University of Rhode Island and Brown. The aptly named Sandwich (stylized as ‘sandwich.’) pop-up operates out of the Brown UMelt location (267 Thayer St.) and offers build-your-own options, breakfast sandwiches, and 15 pre-set menu items.
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND — Laura’s Bar and Grill (945 Douglas Pke.) debuted in Rhode Island recently, with a menu of flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. There’s a selection of cocktails, plus sangria.
WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND — New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (which has a location near Boston, in Chestnut Hill) plans to expand to Rhode Island, opening in Warwick some time in April or May, the Providence Journal reports. The restaurant will feature a specialty brick, coal-fired oven that requires seasoning.
January 30, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Gelato Fiasco
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — The Gelato Fiasco— a Maine-based gelato producer that’s previously popped-up in Boston and has been “eyeing properties in Boston for a while” for a potential permanent location here — has first landed on a site a little bit more southern: Orlando, Florida. After producing gelato for distribution and gaining traction in Florida thanks to the state’s beloved grocery store, Publix, Gelato Fiasco has signed a lease for a space at 25 West Crystal Lakes St., planning to open in spring 2018.
LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Long Blue Cat Brewing (298 Rockingham Rd.) is up and running with pints, flatbreads, and snacks. Operating varied hours from Wednesday through Sunday, the brewery is the work of two friends, Jason Knight and Shane Sorenson, who are serving several different beers, including a honey ale, a traditional porter, and a kolsch, among others.
MANCHESTER, VERMONT — Mystic Cafe & Wine Barhas opened in Manchester (4928 Main St.), serving lunch and dinner — both cafe fare and entrees, including salmon tartine, Cuban sandwiches, pastries, grilled cheese and tomato soup, salads, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a full bar and wines by the glass.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Poke hit Portsmouth with the opening of Ohana Kitchen several weeks ago (800 Islington St., Plaza 800). The restaurant serves customizable bowls of the Hawaiian dish, in addition to sushi burritos.
January 23, 2018
Tumblr media
Dan Watkins for By Chloe
By Chloe in Providence
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Suzette Crepes & Waffles (62 Lowell St.) is a recent addition to Manchester, and it serves what diners might expect from the name. With stuffed crepes and waffles topped with various items (including Nutella), the restaurant is connected to Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Seacoast Online shares the history and longevity of restaurateur John Mikolajcyk, who was born in Portsmouth 80 years ago and is still involved in the industry, as manager of the Portsmouth Elks Lodge.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — By Chloe, a New York City-born restaurant chain that has spawned locations in Los Angeles and Boston (with a couple opening soon in London), officially opened a new location in Providence last week at 223 Thayer St. The entirely vegan menu includes everything from avocado pesto pasta to various burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
January 16, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Wow Barbecue skewers
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Wow Barbecue got its start as a food truck in Boston before opening restaurants in Malden and Brookline. Now, there’s a new restaurant in play in Providence, open at 183 Angell St., and it’s serving a menu of Chinese barbecue dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and several appetizers.
SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound closed down in August 2017 after a fire, but the restaurant is on the verge of reopening, slated to make its return by April 1.
WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A full-service restaurant and bar specializing in vegan food has opened in Connecticut from the same people behind Rooster Co. in Newington. Flora uses seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menu (there’s a juice bar in addition to wine and beer). In addition to falafel wraps, flatbreads, “mac-no-cheese,” and an avocado bowl, Flora serves the plant-based Impossible Burger. For any meat eaters who visit, Flora offers what it calls “viable fauna” or “sustainable and responsibly raised animal products,” like grass-fed beef, wild shrimp, and arctic char.
January 9, 2018
Tumblr media
Facebook
Bissell Brothers
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lunch Lady Food Truck debuted at the end of 2017 in Concord, serving a school-themed menu featuring items named for grades one through 10. There are burgers, barbecue pork nachos, Buffalo wings, and Reuben egg rolls, among many other items, including sides and drinks. Find it by the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Rd.), and keep an eye on social media for other locations.
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Burger joint Hop + Grind (7 Madbury Rd. — Madbury Commons) opened at the end of November. The restaurant butchers and grinds its own meats and makes its soda in-house. There are beef, chicken, and pork burgers and two versions of veggie burgers, plus chicken fried mac and cheese and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Hop + Grind also serves craft beer and ice cream malts.
MAINE — As a new year kicks off, Portland Food Map takes a look back at the year in 2017 — exploring new restaurants, notable events, trends, and obituaries — while looking ahead towards openings slated for 2018.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Rock apparently has great taste in beer and sent an assistant to procure some. The famed Bissell Brothers Brewing Company (4 Thompsons Pt.) shared the story on Twitter: “An assistant for The Rock just showed up, he took a private jet here to pick up Substance cans. Got shown some credentials… either we just got massively played or THAT IS AWESOME!!”
Also in Portland, Definitive Brewing Company is under construction and could open in the spring at 35 Industrial Wy., near Allagash Brewing Company, according to the Portland Food Map. Few other details are available at this point, but stay tuned for more from Maine.
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE — The poke trend is creeping its way north to South Portland: Big Fin Poke, which specializes in the Hawaiian raw fish dish, is now open at 29 Western Ave., with this location joining a second in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to rice and salad bowls topped with seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu, Big Fin Poke also serves poke burritos, or seaweed wraps stuffed with sushi rice and proteins.
December 19, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Smoked pork loin chop at Nibblesworth in Portsmouth
KITTERY, MAINE — The Caribbean-inspiredBlue Mermaid Island Grill, which was previously open in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over 20 years, returns to the dining scene this week, opening its new Kittery location at 10 Shapleigh Rd. on Thursday, December 21, right next to Tributary Brewing Company. Opening weekend is reservation-only; call (207) 703-2754.
Checkout our beautiful, brand new store front, isn’t she gorgeous?! … . . #bluemermaid #bluemermaidkittery #kitteryme #kittery #newlocation #storefront #restaurantdesign
A post shared by Blue Mermaid (@bluemermaid_kittery) on Dec 16, 2017 at 10:26am PST
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Biryani Pot, which has a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, will add a location in Nashua (295 Daniel Webster Hwy.), and the grand opening will happen soon. The restaurant specializes in Hyderabadi cuisine, including biryani with chicken, goat, egg, shrimp, or vegetables.
PORTLAND, MAINE — Tuscan Table arrives at 390 Gorham Rd. in South Portland on Wednesday, December 20. The restaurant has ties to Royal River Grillhouse in Yarmouth, Maine, and Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, Maine. The restaurant will serve Italian cuisine.
In other Portland news, Bon Appetit recently featured a look at six of the city’s newest restaurants to check out, including Hunt & Alpine Club’s little sibling Little Giant (211 Danforth St.), which is both a restaurant and a market; Noble Barbecue (1706 Forest Ave.), which serves a “formidable” brisket sandwich and more; and Belleville (1 North St.), home of “legitimate Roman-style pizza.”
Eater Maine is also currently featuring some of the hottest new spots in Portland and beyond in the latest updated Heatmap; check it out here.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A restaurant with a wonderfully silly name opened recently in New Hampshire, and it specializes in wood-fired cooking. Nibblesworth (409 The Hill) was started by wife-and-husband team Jenny and Tom Nelson, who launched the restaurant with a goal of taking “classic recipes and rejuvenat[ing] them for today’s palate.” The menu includes items like poutine, pierogi, seafood stew, and lobster tacos. As previously reported, it has taken the place of Blue Mermaid Island Grill, which closed in June and reopens in Kittery this week, as mentioned above.
December 12, 2017
Tumblr media
Bill Addison for Eater
Sally’s Apizza
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Nuts & Bolts Brewing Company inches closer to an opening this winter at 7 York St. in the Pepperrell Mill, per the Portland Food Map. The brewery is the work of Patrick Doherty and Deedra Zeeh, and they’re providing progress updates on social media.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A new collaboration aims to bring tortillas made with local corn to a pair of restaurants in New Hampshire. Vida Tortilla unites the owners of Vida Cantina (2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth) and Dos Amigos Burritos (26 N Main St., Concord, and other locations) with Tuckaway Farm (36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd., Lee), and they’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to help pay for the equipment needed to produce the tortillas.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT — One of New Haven’s oldest and best pizza restaurants, Sally’s Apizza(237 Wooster St.), has been sold to new owners, as Eater reports. The names of those now involved will not be made public until January, but they apparently plan to try to expand the restaurant nationwide.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore St.) will lean into the cold of winter with an ice bar and ice sculptures in its courtyard garden. From January 25 to 27, the Ice Bar will be open from 5 to 9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. There will be specialty cocktails and small bites available.
December 5, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
Whiskey & Wine Concord
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Elda opens its doors today, arriving at 140 Main St. with regional-inspired small plates from Bowman Brown, who relocated to the Northeast from Salt Lake City and is a James Beard-nominated chef. The restaurant is named for Brown’s grandmother and will initially serve food only, with wine, beer, and a full bar menu coming soon.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — From the same owners behind Gale Motor Co. in Manchester, Whiskey & Wine has been open for nearly a month in Concord (148 N. Main St.), and it serves exactly that, with 34 varieties of whiskey and American and European wines. The varied food menu includes items like miso and tonkotsu ramen, pulled pork tacos, sushi rolls, chicken potstickers, and seared scallops.
PORTLAND, MAINE — The Highroller Lobster, a popular food truck in Portland, now has a permanent home at 104 Exchange St. The restaurant opened over the weekend and will officially begin operations Wednesday through Thursday, starting on December 6, serving lobster in several different forms (including lobster grilled cheese), plus corn dogs, burgers, and a surf n’ turf option.
November 29, 2017
Tumblr media
Facebook
The Wilder, Portsmouth
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — Rover Wood Fired Bagels and Pizza is now open at 111 Elm St. Founders Kimberly Chaurette and Alec Rutter, both alums of Somerville’s Forge Baking Company, started Rover as a bagel pop-up, appearing in Salem at Bambolina and local farmers markets. They’re now in business as a brick-and-mortar up in Maine, serving up bagels and sandwiches, with wood-fired pizza on the way before the end of the year.
Tumblr media
Instagram
A brunch burger at Sonny’s, closing on December 31
PORTLAND, MAINE — Sonny’s, a nearly decade-old restaurant in Old Port (83 Exchange St.), will close at the end of the year. Taking its place: Black Cow, a burger-and-shake shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain. Jay Villani and Garry Bowcott, who own Sonny’s, Local 188, and Salvage BBQ, are behind the new project, and longtime Local 188 chef Nicholas Nappi (who took a hiatus from the group and worked at Eventide and Hugo’s in the interim) is partnering with them for Black Cow. December 31 is the final day for Sonny’s, and Black Cow could open as soon as mid-February.
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The team behind the Wallingford Dram — an excellent cocktail bar in Kittery, Maine — has opened a new spot in Portsmouth. The Wilder, a “no-rules New England gastropub,” is now open at 174 Fleet St., the site of the former United Kingdom-themed Coat of Arms bar. It’s open daily, with bar service starting at 3:30 p.m. with snacks, the full menu available starting at 5 p.m., and a late-night menu offered until 1 a.m. Dishes include everything from Scotch duck eggs to braised kid ragu, which most likely refers to goats, not children. For dessert? Apple cider beignets with maple sauce. And shakshuka makes an appearance on the late-night menu.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A food hall slated for Providence just met its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign. The forthcoming West Park Food Hall (233 West Park St.) will have a number of restaurants, a brewery, and a roastery, with communal seating and a roof deck. It raised more than $120,000, which will go towards various expenses, including design and legal costs.
Tumblr media
Instagram
The second level at Thee Red Fez is now White Rabbit
In other Providence news, Thee Red Fez (49 Peck St.) is changing things up, converting the upstairs dining room into a cocktail bar with its own name, White Rabbit. Get dinner at the Fez Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., and drink snazzy cocktails upstairs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.
And in other Providence news, North is now up and running at its new location, the first floor of the Dean Hotel (122 Fountain St.). Stay tuned for details on what the team plans to do with the original space at 3 Luongo Sq. — owner James Mark promises a simpler neighborhood spot that could open in a few short months.
Further Reading
Tumblr media
Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater
Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery, Maine
New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.
The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.
Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.
Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.
A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.
Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.
Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.
0 notes