News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Voting for Portland Old Port’s Best of 2024 Awards is live! Show your support for your favorites by voting throughout the month of July. This year, you’ll only be able to cast ONE vote per category. Come Monday, July 15th, nominees will be narrowed down to only the top 10 in each category! Voting ends Wednesday, July 31st at 11:59pm. VOTE NOW.
- Thames Landing has officially opened in the former Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro space at 60 Thames Street. A new restaurant offering “modern New England far”, Thames Landing is open for dinner, lunch, and weekend brunch. Thames Landing is brought to Portland by Mark and Renae Roy, owners of Navis Cafe, which is located just down the road at 56 Thames Street. Here’s a first look.
- As reported back in May, Vina Ann’s was set to open inside the Waterfront Gazebo along Portland’s waterfront this summer. Officially opening last week, Vina Ann’s menu consist of a selection of sandwiches (including a Lobster BLT), salads, and their renowned homemade sweets (Whoopie pies cookies, pies cheesecake, and more). As fall approaches, the menu will expand to include soups. The new location will operate until October. Currently open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. Here’s a first look.
- A new food cart, Pangaea Street Food, has made its debut in Post Office Park. According to Maine FoodTrux, “The cart offers international street food with a new dish that rotates daily. Cart owner, Tim, doesn’t want to cook the same things everyday, and hopes this will keep things interesting for people to try something new each day!” Tim previously owned and operated a different food cart, as well as a restaurant in Portland, Maine. Some of you may recall “Tim’s Japanese Steakhouse”, located Exchange street in the late 90’s.
- When Pigs Fly’s Blueberry Raspberry Lemonade Bread is back for a limited time. A summertime favorite, this bread is available in their company stores, on their website for online ordering, and at your local Hannaford.
- Allagash Brewing Co. has debuted their non-alcoholic Hop Water. The Hop Water is made with a balance of orange peel, coriander, and hoppiness, all supported by a light tartness. Available at the tasting room.
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- Chaval is hosting another Vegan Wine Dinner on Wednesday, July 17th. They will be featuring 5 Cru Beaujolais wines from Daniel Bouland many from past vintages. Each vegan course paired with a wine and the importer will be on hand to chat and discuss the wines.
- Three of Strong Spirits’ 5th Annual Punch Contest is happening right now. Competitors are asked to make a fantastic, one-of-a-kind rum punch using their namesake rhyme and featuring their spirits. Submissions due by midnight Wednesday, July 31st. You can join for their 5th Anniversary Extravaganza on Saturday, August 17 to vote for your favorite of the top 3 recipes.
Ongoing Events
- Clam Bar runs happy hour every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm. Includes $6 Painkillers, $6 craft beer, $6 bites (Slaw Day, HH Slider, HH Taco). Check it out.
- East Bayside Block Party is set for Wednesday, July 14th. Bites, brews, music, art, and more. Learn more.
- Maine Craft Distilling will be hosting their annual SeaGrass Music Festival on Sunday, September 15th. Join for cold drinks, good food, live music and family fun.
- Outdoor dining weather is back, and patios are popping up left and right. Check out our Outdoor Dining blog to stay up to date on patios, decks, rooftops, and more.
- It’s ice cream season! Check out the POP rundown Sweet Escapes: Exploring Portland Top Ice Cream Destinations to uncover the best spots for ice cream, soft serve, and gelato in Portland, Maine!
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
