‘The Times They Are A-Changing”– That is exactly what Portland is doing, changing with the times. The Portland restaurant scene is seeing lower dining-in numbers, with COVID19 restrictions, and tourist season dwindling. However, many restaurants have changed the way in which they serve their community. Local meal kit offerings, craft cocktails to-go, and farmer’s baskets are popping up at your favorite restaurants. When you’re thinking of staying home but craving your restaurant favorites, check this guide for local meal kit offerings.
This list is in alphabetical order. Prices under each restaurant are price rated using this key: $<20 or less, $$ 25-40, $$$ 45+
Ada’s
(prices for the grab and go range between $-$$)
Ada’s has expanded their in store offerings to provide more of their freshly made pastas and sauces. Ada’s offerings can be found directly in their shop on Congress. Grab locally made pastas as well as wine and other treats. These grab and go options are available during Ada’s operating hours.
Ada’s is currently offering take out at their shop as well as the grab and go options in store.
Craft Curbside
(prices for the kits range between $-$$$)
Craft Curbside is just out of Portland in Gray. They have been offering meal kits and cocktail mixers for some time now. They offer meals for two or four as well as sides. From a kale & apple salad to a chicken dinner for four. You can order directly on their website or via phone. Meal kits are available seven days a week from 11a-6p for pickup. Delivery is available locally for orders over 60$ to Gray, North Windham, and New Gloucester. (Beer Can Chicken available on Wednesdays)
Craft Curbside is currently offering take out lunch, meal kits, farmers baskets, and cocktail mixers.
Fusillo
(prices for the kits range between $-$$$)
Fusillo is offering a variety of pasta dishes that change weekly, ranging from single servings to family size servings.
Check out their Instagram account for the weekly menu. You’ll find the ordering dates times directly on their feed.
Fusillo is currently offering delivery meal kits only.
MAIZ Columbian Street Food
(prices are between $-$$)
MAIZ has started to offer their arepas and pan de bono for you to bake at home. What better way to travel to Columbia, than through cuisine. They are offering their delicious street food by the half dozen or dozen. Delivery for Maiz is through CarHopME so if they’re in your traveling zone, you’ll be able to order delivery.
MAIZ is currently offering their full menu and the bake-at-home orders by take out only and delivery through CarHop.
North43Bistro (Hello43)
(prices range between $-$$$)
North43Bistro has started offering build-a-meal kits under the name of Hello43. These kits can be mixed and matched for one or more. When ordering you will pick your protein and pick your sides. From brined maple pork chops with potato gratin to a local greens salad topped with molasses marinated sirloin. You will also find cocktails and wines by the bottle to order from directly on their site. There is no order minimum. Ordering is available Tuesday through Saturday for pickup only.
North43Bistro is currently offering limited indoor seating as well as daily takeout from North43Bistro and the limited take home kits from Hello43.
Solo Cucina Market
Solo Cucina Market has been offering farm fresh produce and prepared foods for some time now. Take and bake arancinis and ready made pesto to serve over your favorite pasta.
Solo Cucina Market is open seven days a week for in store pick up.
Sur Lie
(prices for the kits are $)
Sur Lie is offering four meal kits including lamb bolognese and pork shoulder couscous. They are also offering cocktail mixers and bottles of wine that you can add to your order. Under their ‘Market’ section of their website you’ll ocal bread from standard baking co., farmers baskets, and mix and match sides. Check them out via their website to place your order. Orders can be placed Thursday through Saturday for pickup only.
Sur Lie is currently offering take out and limited indoor seating Thursday-Saturday from 4p-9p.
See an in-depth review of the Sur Lie meal kits here.
Union Kitchen
Union Kitchen has been offering ready made food since before the pandemic. Their offerings have increased since then! You can find house made lemon Dijon dressing, take and bake pot pies and lasagna. Head in store to explore their options.
Union Kitchen is open seven days a week for take out only with limited outdoor seating.
Wine Wise
(prices for the experience are $$$)
You may know of Wine Wise Events from their summer time wine sails. During an off season you can catch Erica and a host of local chefs via the virtual wine dinners. The virtual wine dinners include dinner for two as well as two bottles of wine. A few of the restaurants that have been featured in the virtual wine dinners are Chaval and Solo Italiano.
Head directly to the Wine Wise Events website to sign up for a virtual wine dinner experience. Enjoy discussing wine and food with a local sommelier and local chefs. Consider it the dining experience you’ve been missing during these times, from your own kitchen!
The wine dinner kits can be delivered to the following areas:
Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. To find out more information, check directly on the wine wise events website or reach out to them via instagram!
Wine Wise Events is currently offering virtual wine dinners as well as a sommelier curated six-bottle wine kit.
Let’s all hope the restaurant industry makes it out of these dark days. Just remember that you don’t have to dine out to support your community. Meal kit offerings are a great way to get in the kitchen and enjoy some of your favorite local dishes.