News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- When Pigs Fly Breads has closed the West Bayside location at 65 Hanover Street, less than a year after opening. A sign posted in the window cites “unfortunate circumstances” as the reason for the closure. The majority of their bread is baked at their headquarters in York, Maine. After the West Bayside closure, only one retail store will remain in Maine, located in Kittery, along with several locations in Massachusetts. Artisan breads are also available online for purchasing and shipping. Read more.
OhNo Cafe has announced that it will be closing just before Thanksgiving, after serving Portland for 20 years. The owners are open to proposals if anyone is interested in taking over the business. Read more.
- ICYMI, The Messy Cookie opened in Portland at the end of August. Specializing in logo and custom cookies, bakery shop hours will run Fridays only from 9am – 2pm (or sell out). The Messy Cookie is located at at 1190 Forest Avenue.
- Mr. Tuna has announced dates for the second leg of the 2024 Tuna Tour. Popping up at a select list of bars and restaurants (mainly along the east coast) “making good food with good people for some important causes.”
- Coveside Coffee has announced that they will be expanding their bakery offerings to include pastries from Portland’s Belleville, which will be available daily. They will also be carrying select pastries from Prairie Baking Co. on Fridays and Saturdays (expect scones!) They will also be continuing to stock knish and other baked goods from Ben Reubens Knishery even after the recent closure of their South Portland brick and mortar. There will be a brief knish vacation from late September to mid October during their transition time.
- Arcadia National Bar recently celebrated 10 years of business.
- The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club recently celebrated 11 years of service.
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- September’s Negroni Week is getting a month-long extension as local bars and restaurant celebrate Negroni Month. For a full rundown, visit Bitter to Better: Where to Celebrate Negroni Month in Portland, Maine – which includes ViA VECCHiA, Hardshore Distilling Co., Canopy Hotel (Salt Yard Cafe + Bar / Luna Rooftop Bar), Terlingua, Ocotillo, Paper Tiger, El Rayo Taqueria, Bramhall, $3 Dewey’s, and more.
- Animal Refugee League of Greater Portland’s (ARLGP)Ales for Tails “Pup” Crawl is happening Saturday, September 14th, and Sunday, September 15th, 2024. This event brings together beer lovers and animal advocates for a fun-filled weekend. Participating locations include Foundation Brewing Co., Rising Tide Brewing Co., Allagash Brewing, Lone Pine Brewing, and more. Learn more.
- Enjoy cocktails, Eighty 8 Donuts, and the legendary Norm Duke at Bayside Bowl’s Donuts with Duke happening in honor of Professional Bowlers Association’s (PBA) return to Bayside Bowl. Happening Sunday, September 15th.
- Marcus Alcantara of Camp Pennant and Paper Tiger will also be stirring up Negroni fun this September with Negronis with the Homies cocktail class on Saturday, September 21st. Participants will enjoy a Negroni tasting flight while learning about the cocktail’s rich history, basics, and answering the ultimate question, “Will it Negroni?” Tickets.
- Maine Lobster Week is set for Sunday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 29th, 2024. Participating locations in Portland include Luke’s Lobster, Portland Lobster Co., Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen, Harbor Bistro + Terrace, The Knotted Apron and more.
- Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen is hosting a Fall Prix Fixe Dinner on Saturday, October 5th in addition to an Oktoberfest style dinner on Saturday, October 12th. More details to come.
- Botanically Curious’ September mocktail menu has been revealed. Each of the three fall mocktials are designed to support specific health needs and ailments – from better rest to supporting your digestive system.
- September is a great month to get out of dodge and experience Cumberland’s Wander at LongWoods, a farm-to-table restaurant. Here’s a glimpse.
Ongoing Events
- 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.
- Oktoberfest celebrations are happening throughout the month of September – including Foundation Brewing and Bissell Brothers. For a full line-up of Oktoberfest celebrations, be sure to check out Raise Your Steins: Portland, Maine’s Epic Oktoberfest Guide.
- 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.
- Ocotillo will be hosting their first neighborhood night: Calamity Jayne’s Cookout on Thursday, September 26th. Limited menu of saloon-inspired cuisine and beverages.
- 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
