Get ready to spice up your taste buds, Portland!
This week’s food report is brimming with exciting news. We’re revisiting TIQA, now back with a revamped menu that’s better than ever. Plus, the exciting announcement of Two Fat Cats Bakery’s newest location and we’re diving into the latest culinary gem, Lucky Cheetah, where dim sum dreams come true. But that’s not all—mark your calendars for a Drag Brunch extravaganza, savor gluten-free nights at Sur Lie, and join us in celebrating our Best of 2024 Winners at the annual awards ceremony!
Here’s the rundown of the latest culinary news in Portland, Maine!
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Voting for the Portland Old Port’s Best of 2024 Awards has closed. We will be announcing the winners live on Tuesday, August 13th at our annual awards ceremony at the Portland Portland House of Music and Events. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Food from OTTO and Eighty 8 Donuts included with each ticket. TICKETS.
- TIQA has officially reopened as of Monday, August 5th. As part of their grand reopening, TIQA will feature a completely revamped menu showcasing flavors from around the Mediterranean, including a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. TIQA will be open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For more details, check out our recent recap.
- Lucky Cheetah, a new Dim Sum spot in the Old Port, is set to open today, Tuesday, August 6th. The restaurant combines the glamour of 1950s Monte Carlo with the bold flavors of historic Hong Kong, creating a lively and elegant dining destination. The menu consists of dishes such as Foie Gras Blackberry Dumplings with Brown Butter Miso Crumb, Sichuan Cucumbers, Char Siu Bao, and more. The bar program features reimagined classics – with unique spice combinations and Asian-produced liquors. They also have a deep wine and champagne list to compliment the menu. Lucky Cheetah is brought to you by Portland natives and owners of Bird & Co, Wills Dowd and Jared Dinsmore.
- Two Fat Cats has announced that they will be opening a second location in Portland at 144 State Street in the old Mercy Hospital building in the West End. Doors are expecting to be open around mid-October and hours will be Tues – Sat, 7:30am – 4pm and Sundays 9am – 2pm to start. The location is going to be slightly different than their Lancaster Street bakery. Two Fat Cats West End will be a Cafe and Market that, of course, includes all their pastries but will also offer sandwiches and soups and a small market of staples and sundries.
- The Cheese Shop of Portland has opened a NuMarket campaign to help cover the build out of the new Sissle & Daughters space in Woodfords Corner, including funding vital kitchen equipment and help build initial inventory. Your contribution will get you 120% back in credits to spend at The Cheese Shop OR Sissle & Daughters when open. Donate.
- Ricky & Molly Wood, former owners of Rick’s Lobby Cafe, have introduce VOTEMEAL, a dining rewards club with a mission. VOTEMEAL membership gets you exclusive deals and savings at over 50 restaurants in Southern Maine. A portion of each membership sold goes to a local organization working to end food insecurity.
- The Holy Donut has announced that they are gearing up for coast-to-coast shipping.
- The Crown Jewel on Great Diamond Island was featured in U.S. News for their composting efforts. How Communities are Making Composting Work:
“Determined to waste as little as possible, Owner Alex Wight decided the restaurant would do its own composting. It took seven years, but in 2023 – following the establishment of a successful residential composting site – Wight and Crown Jewel started a commercial compost site on the island, allowing the restaurant to return waste to the soil.”
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- National Oyster Day was Monday, August 5th. For a recap on where to celebrate – including the best buck-a-shucks, happy hours, and raw bear deals – check out our guide: Shuck, Slurp, Repeat: Portland’s Top Buck-a-Shuck and Raw Bars.
- Go Team USA! Looking for bars and/or restaurants streaming the Olympics? Check out our guide: Paris Olympics – Where to Watch in Portland, Maine
- The St. Peter’s Annual Italian Bazaar will be this Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th. Italian food and pastries, games, live music and more. Learn more.
- Pasta Andare will be hosting their last pasta pop-up this weekend Friday, August 9th + Saturday, August 10th!
- Three of Strong Spirits’ 5th Anniversary Extravaganza will be held Saturday, August 17th. Includes live music, a late night dance party with DJ, shuffleboard tournament and more.
- 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.
Ongoing Events
- ICYMI, Henry’s Public House is running weekend brunch starting at 10am. Includes Lobster Crumpet, Irish Coffee, Ricotta Tart, and more. Here’s a glimpse.
- Friends & Family has expanded their pizza night. Now offered Thursday – Monday for dine in and take out. Pizza five nights a week, changes include an expanded special pie menu; more toppings to choose from; pizzas will be a tad smaller, but prices will be too; pizza + wine combo deal on Monday nights only; and dedicated bottle list and new cocktails. Runs 4pm – 9pm.
- Paper Tiger is running happy hour every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm and late night happy hour every night from 11:30pm – 12:30am. Deals on oysters, bites, and drinks.
- Bar Publica is now offering happy hour Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm. 1/2 off dogs, $5 margs, $10 Espresso Martini and more.
- Woodfords Corner Farmers Market Market runs every Thursday (unless cancelled due to weather) from 3:30pm – 6:30pm now through October 24th. Now in its 2nd year, the market features a variety of local vendors selling meat, eggs, goat cheese, Maine-grown produce, vegan options, and more. Here’s a glimpse.
- Three of Strong Spirits is hosting a Working Title Tour & Tasting with Master Distiller Graham Hamblett on Friday, August 9th as part of their 5th Anniversary Month Celebrations.
- Tender Table’s annual BIPOC Night Market at Congress Square Park is set for Sunday, August 18th from 5pm – 9pm. In addition to live music, and art for sale, food and drinks will be available from Moonday Coffee, Oun Lido’s, Little Easy Snoballs, Niyat Catering, Lecha, and 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.
- Harvest on the Harbor has been announced for October 24th – 26th, 2024. Enjoy the best of Maine’s food and drink scene with top chefs, local distillers, fantastic brands, and talented artisans of all sorts. Tickets on sale now.
- 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.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at info@portlandoldport.com