News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Roma Cafe has been named an OpenTable Diners’ Choice recipient for 2024.
- Quanto Basta is back from their break and with a few updates. The team has expanded their outdoor dining to now include a hang out spot out front (This is in addition to their private patio out back). Secondly, Quanto Basta has officially transitioned over from counter service to table service for a more seamless dining experience.
- ViA VECCHiA’s annual Negroni Monthcelebration is back and this year includes another round of the Negroni Passports on a Negroni Tour of The World. All September long, the Negroni Passport will be available with different Negroni variations inspired by various parts of the world. For every cocktail, there will be an opportunity to get your passport stamped. Complete the tour to become a true Negroni aficionado. Proceeds from the passport go to the Negroni Week charity: Slow Food – a global movement of local communities and activists across more than 160 countries seeking to change the world through food and beverage.
- This Negroni Month, Hardshore Distilling Co. has partnered with Full Plates Full Potential and No Kid Hungry, along with many incredible Maine hospitality partners, to celebrate the beloved Italian aperitivo, while ensuring that kids in need can focus on learning and just being kids! Details and a list of participating venues can be found online but include Portland’s Terlingua, Ocotillo, Solo Italiano, RiRa, Gritty McDuff’s, Room for Improvement, Lucky Cheetah, El Rayo, Bramhall, $3 Deweys and more! For each Negroni served, a donation will be made.
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- Oktoberfest celebrations are happening throughout the month of September – including Foundation Brewing, Definitive Brewing Co., Bissell Brothers. For a full line-up of Oktoberfest celebrations, be sure to check out Raise Your Steins: Portland, Maine’s Epic Oktoberfest Guide.
- Lenora is running happy hour every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 5pm.
- Cantina Calafia is running happy hour Tuesday – Friday from 4:30pm – 6pm. Happy hour menu includes deals on snacks, margaritas, sangria, draft beer and house wine.
Après will be joining Black Tie Catering and Events at their next Graze dinner on Friday, September 13th at Pineland Farms. Evening includes cocktail hour followed by a four course amuse bouche style dinner with beverage pairings. Each course is paired with a local beverage vendor. Tickets.
- Ocotillo will be hosting their first neighborhood night: Calamity Jayne’s Cookout on Thursday, September 26th. Limited menu of saloon-inspired cuisine and beverages.
Ongoing Events
- Sisters Gourmet Deli is hosting a fundraiser for Maine Needs on Saturday, September 7th. 20% of all Sisters Gourmet Deli gift card sales during that time will be donated to Maine Needs.
- Bayside Bowl is hosting a Maine Beer Company Rooftop Party on Monday, September 16th. The Rooftop party is free and open to the public.
- GlutenFreeLiving will be hosting a Gluten Free Night at Sur Lie on Thursday, September 19th.
- Chaval will be hosting a Thick & Stick Drag Brunch featuring performers, Letta Dicken, and Tasha Tektitte on Saturday, September 21st.
- Coals is hosting a Sunday Sauce Dinner on Sunday, September 22nd. Dinner will include an Italian salad with peppers and mozzarella, two types of pasta, slow cooked meatballs and sausage and wine. Call (207)747-5747 for reservations.
- ViA VECCHiA is set to close out September’s Negroni Month with flair, hosting its first-ever Bitter Ball contest on Monday, September 30th. This lively event marks the culmination of Imbibe’s Negroni Week and will feature a fierce, yet playful, Negroni competition among some of Maine’s top bartenders. Learn more.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at info@portlandoldport.com
