Portland207

As we enter further into the depths of winter, solace can be found in the form of free oysters and cheap beer at J’s and Dogfish, respectively.   From 4-6pm all Feb. long, the salty wait staff at J’s Oyster Bar sling paper plates of oysters for happy hour patrons to enjoy.  They set aside a limited quantity of free mollusks, so get there on the early side.  Starting next week, Dogfish Bar & Grill (on Free St.) launches its $1 draft Mondays, $2 draft Tuesdays and $3 draft Wednesdays during happy hour.  As you can imagine, attendance is strong.

How did I miss this?

 


 

 


 


 

 

 

 


 

 

(Source)

Mousse Cafe is perhaps the most underrated and over looked dinning spot on the peninsula.  They opened their doors late last Summer and have been a personal favorite ever since.  Everything is home-made; from the clam chowder, to the baked goods, to the ice cream.  Lunch is their specialty, but they also have a killer breakfast, that is served all day.  Their hours are generous as well.  Only closed on Sundays.  


Top meals:

-Turkey panini:  The greatest sandwich in Portland.  I hold this truth to be self evident.  The fries that come with it are amazing as well.  Regular, garlic or sweet potato.  

-Turkey chili w/ jalapeño scone:  Also friggin’ amazing.  There is a dearth of turkey chili in this town.  Hunt no more, it is the perfect bowl.

-Breakfast burrito:  If you attempt to polish this monster off for breakfast, you may spend the remainder of the day on your couch.  That is not always a bad thing.

1 Monument Way
Portland, ME 04101 (map)
822-9955

The Ice Bar is back.  And so is Portland207 (after a brief 4 month hiatus).  The ever popular Ice Bar at the Portland Harbor Hotel opened last evening.  This year comes with a $10 cover, half of which goes to charity.  I suppose that the Portland Harbor is pocketing the other $5 to offset the skyrocketing price of frozen water.  A few ice bars and sculptures are scattered about the patio of the hotel.  Martinis dispensed through ice and Makers Mark cocktails are poured over ice in return for $8 drink tickets, while Sebago beers clock in at $4.  Opening night seemed to bring out Portland’s limited young professional crowd.  All eager to mingle among the ice, propane heaters and chimeneas, though most ended up inside after 15 minutes or so.  The patio and bar area at the hotel and undeniably swank, though the various rooms with the appetizer stations had the feeling of a bar mitzvah at the Holliday Inn.  Complete with chocolate fountain.

MSN gives a nod to Allagash in their line-up of top summer beers.  The Belgian style beer that Allagash cooks up seems to be growing in popularity.  The tastes are definitely a departure from the standard American crap, and the ABV is certainly compelling.  Allagash has a few events lined up for August and September to show off their beers.  On the 12th of August, they will be at Evangeline from 6 to 8pm, supporting The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.  $10 and space is limited.  Contact Allagash for info: info@allagash.com.  On the 23rd of this month, the Alligashians will be at Vignola from 2 to 4pm, for a Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital fundraiser.  This year’s Fluxus will be on display.  On September 25th, the Great Lost Bear is holding an Allagash event from 5 to 9pm.

This bike, suspended on Congress Street, is labeled with the following:

-Gas Assist Bicycle
-200 MPG
-45 MPH
-Continuously Variable Transmission
$850

Or

2 solid events lined up for Tuesday.  The monthly gathering of green-minded Portlanders at Greendrinks and a visit by the Dogfish Head brewers at Novare Res.  Greendrinks is being hosted by GrowSmart Maine and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.  Show up between 5:30 and 8:00pm for tours of the facility and to sample some local organic vino.  Things get going at Novare Res at 6:00 and run until 8:00pm as well.  Judging from the turnout at the Allagash event last week, there is sure to be a strong showing.