It’s challenging to open a salon in Portland and successfully differentiate yourself from all the competition around the city. Over the past decade Portland has experienced growth in many higher-end services, haircuts included. June Juliano opened The Mensroom Salon and Lounge in 2004 and carved out a unique niche in the city by specializing in experiential haircuts, for men, along with a host of special touches to make men feel relaxed and at home the moment they walk through the door. [Read more…]

Portland’s annual Harvest on the Harbor took place October 21-25, 2015, drawing some of Maine’s top chefs, brewers, bakers, sweets makers and more in a celebration of food, wine, spirits and beer. Organized by the Portland Convention + Visitors Bureau, both locals and out-of-state visitors flocked to the events, with many traveling from throughout New England, New York, and several folks we bumped into who came all the way from Texas to dine, sip and rub shoulders with Maine’s top chefs and alcohol purveyors. [Read more…]

Portland is continuing its trend of appearing on pretty much every top 10 list imaginable. This time it’s for female entrepreneurs. According to a new report by NerdWallet, Portland ranks #9 in the country for best U.S. metro areas for women to start their own business. [Read more…]

The Harvest on the Harbor annual series of events is officially underway. It’s a five-day-long series of elegant food and beverage celebrations featuring local chefs, breweries, and top-end wineries. A new event called Moonlight Gala Chefs of the Coast kicked off Harvest on the Harbor this year. [Read more…]

One of the most anticipated events on the fall calendar for Maine foodies and alcohol aficionados is Harvest on the Harbor, organized by Portland’s Convention + Visitor’s Bureau and billed as Maine’s Premier Food + Wine Festival, and in our opinion, rightfully so. Now in its eighth year, this year’s event will take place October 21-25, 2015 – almost exclusively in Portland’s Old Port. And don’t be fooled by the name, there is also plenty of beer, cider, mead and spirits in the mix too. [Read more…]

As much attention as Portland gets these days for our burgeoning foodie scene, sometimes it really comes down to the basics, the tried and true that you can count on year after year. After more than 30 years in business, Mark Gatti and his food cart Mark’s Hot Dogs are true Old Port institutions, a place downtown workers can count on to grab a quick, delicious dog to enjoy in the park or while on the go. [Read more…]