Big moves, big news, and bittersweet goodbyes—this week’s report has it all. Westbrook’s beloved PhoEver Maine is making the jump to Portland, Wine Enthusiast just dropped their list of the city’s top ten bars, and Bard Coffee is teaming up with Not a Bakery Portland for a sweet new partnership. On a sadder note, Sissle and Daughters Café, Wine Bar, and Grocer is closing its doors after just a few months. Let’s get into it.
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- PhoEver Maine has purchased the former Ananaia’s building on Congress Street. The new owners, the Huynh family, plan to move their Vietnamese restaurant (currently residing in Westbrook) to the Congress Street space after the space undergoes renovations. PhoEver launched in 2013 and the new restaurant will featuring similar menu items – banh mi sandwiches, salads, rice and noodle dishes, spring rolls, skewers and various versions of pho – in addition to new items. The current opening timeline is summer.
- Bard Coffee has announced their partnership with Not A Bakery. In a statement made via social media:
“Not a Bakery Portland has always been about more than food – it’s about crafting joy. Founded by Chef Georgia Macon, Not A Bakery is the culmination of Georgia’s expert technique with playful charm.
Georgia and her team fully embrace the philosophy that good food doesn’t have to take itself too seriously – it just has to be genuinely good. Warm, nostalgic, and masterly-crafted – we are grateful to share Not a Bakery’s thoughtful work with our community”
Not a Bakery is being launched by by Pastry Chef Chef Georgia Macon (Twelve, EVO Kitchen + Bar). Details on Not a Bakery’s debut still in the works, but planning for spring 2025.
- Sissle & Daughters Coffee, Wine Bar, and Grocer has announced that they will be closing their Forest Avenue location on Saturday, February 22nd. Owners Mary Chapman and Will Sissle opened the cafe, wine bar, and grocer back in November of 2024. Their cheese shop on Washington Avenue, Sissle & Daughters Cheesemongers, will remain open. In a statement via social media:
“Dear friends of Sissle & Daughters on Forest Ave,
It is with deep sadness that we are announcing that we will be closing our FOREST AVE location as of February 22nd. The circumstances of this closure have come on suddenly, and are deeply personal.
We are thankful for our wonderful staff, of whom we have profound admiration and respect. They champion this space well, and we feel so lucky to have developed great relationships with such kind and passionate folks. We have learned so much from them.
Our hours for this week and next are: Wednesday-Saturday 8am to 8pm. We hope you will come raise a glass with us one, or several more times, stock your freezers with our delicious prepared meals, and say bye for now.
We cannot express how much we have loved serving the Woodford’s Corner neighborhood for the short period that we were a part of it; your enthusiasm for the space, the food and the community was palpable every day.
REST ASSURED, Sissle & Daughters Cheesemongers at Washington Ave is stronger than ever! We are honored to continue to serve you there, and look forward to having Mary back on our cheese counter! (Welcome home, Mary)
If you contributed to our NuMarket campaign with credits at the Forest Ave location, you may use them between now and the 22nd. At that time, your credits will automatically switch over to the Washington Ave location.
Our sincere gratitude to anyone who visited Sissle & Daughters Coffee, Wine Bar & Grocer: thank you. We’ll see you across town.”
- Henry’s Public House held its last day of service this past weekend. The restaurant and bar announced back in January that the restaurant and bar would be closing for good in February after opening only in July of 2023.
- Wine Enthusiast has published their list of the ’10 Essential Bars in Portland, Maine’ which includes Blyth & Burrows, REGARDS, Room for Improvement, Lambs (South Portland), Papi, The Jewel Box, Maine & Loire, Five of Clubs, Bubba’s Sulky Lounge, and Maine Beer Company (Freeport).
Happenings
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- As mentioned last week, Bar Publica has debuted a new winter menu. Here’s a glimpse at new drinks + dishes from our recent visit!
- If you haven’t had a chance to check out Ocotillo’s dinner menu, here’s a glimpse at food +drink options from our recent visit! Open for Thursday – Monday from 5pm – 9pm with Happy Hour from 3pm – 5pm. Brunch/lunch can still be enjoyed Monday, Thursday, Friday from 9am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday from 8am -3pm.
- As part of their year-long 15th anniversary celebration, Po’Boys & Pickles is offering 15% off Fried Pickles all February long.
- Portland Regency Hotel & Spa’s Teacher Appreciation Staycation Package is available now through Thursday, February 20th. Teachers can enjoy a relaxing stay at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa with: Deluxe overnight accommodations at the historic, boutique hotel; breakfast for two; and complimentary valet parking.
- Belleflower Brewing is offering $2 off all pours for teachers now through Friday, February 21st.
- Now thru Sunday, February 23rd, Black Cow Burgers & Fries is running their Dog Days of Winter menu. Eat all the dogs and get your card stamped for a gift certificate and a chance to win merch.
- Enjoy Sunday Special at ViA VECCHiA. Bucatini & Meatballs for $20. Add a glass of red wine for $5.
- Rose Food’s annual Sandwich Series returns this Friday and will run through Sunday, April 6th. Every Friday – Sunday enjoy exciting sandwich collaborations from local eateries such as Mr. Tuna, REGARDS, Oga Suya, The Honey Paw, and more.
- Argenta Brewing Co.’s Argenta Anniversary Hoedown is set for this weekend. Starting Friday, February 21st – Sunday, February 23rd stop by to celebrate the ‘lager saloon’s’ 1 year anniversary! Throwing a western-style bash, enjoy 1-liter boot pours and food from Great Wave Sushi (Friday), Hank and Artie’s (Saturday) and Ironclad Eats (Sunday).
- Dough Maine will be popping up at Lay Day Roasters Saturday, February 22nd. Enjoy a. menu of pizzas, dessert calzones, babkas and Lay Day coffee.
- Maine Brewers Guild’s Freshman Orientation will take place on Thursday, March 6th at The Thirsty Pig. A semiannual showcase of Maine’s newest breweries including Portland’s Camp Pennant, The Vinalhaven Community Brewing, Island Park Brewing and more.
Ongoing Events
- The Espresso Martini craze has hit Andy’s Old Port! The team has shared this newest addition to their cocktail menu.
- In case you missed it, Salt Yard Cafe + Bar has live music every Friday starting at 6pm. Enjoy bites + drinks in addition to live music from local musicians. Here’s a glimpse.
- In addition to live music on Fridays, Salt Yard Cafe + Bar has Happy Hour daily from 2pm – 4pm.
- Buzz Coffee’s Winter Happy Hour runs weekdays from 1pm – 3pm. Deals on hot + iced lattes, cold brew, cortado + cappuccino, Wave energy drinks, and drip coffee!
- Winter Wednesday special at Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier runs every week now through the end of March. Includes a bowl of chowder and blueberry mojito for just $20.
- J’s Oysters will be running Buck-a-Shuck on oysters all February long. Enjoy $1 oysters Thursday – Saturday from 3pm – 6pm. Starts February.
- Join Five of Clubs at The Longfellow Hotel every 2nd Thursday of the month for their Crafted Conversations series. An opportunity to meet the artisans behind beloved local spirits, wines, and brews, and share stories. The first Craft Conversation is set for Thursday, February 13th with Handshake Maine.
- Cultured & Cozy will be hosting their next Supper Dinner on Thursday, February 20th at Cantina Calafia. A curated menu that celebrates Baja-Mexican cuisine, the meal, your cocktail of choice AND the service tip is included in the ticket. Low ticket alert!
- Twelve is hosting a series of Wine Dinners in January and February. Twelve’s Sommelier Jenn Forge has carefully curated a thoughtful wine tasting featuring some of the area’s best producers, complemented by an exclusive five-course menu crafted by Chef Colin. The last dinner in the series, Sicily Wine Dinner, set for Thursday, February 20th.
- Enjoy a guided Cheese and Wine Pairing at Cellardoor Winery on Saturday, February 22nd. Afternoon features six Cellardoor wines paired with five cheeses from The Portland Board.
- Maine Restaurant Week returns Saturday, March 1st and will run through Wednesday, March 12th.
- Isa Bistro is celebrating 10 years in March. On March 18th, they will be hosting a 10 Year Anniversary Dinner featuring a special menu and special dishes. More details to come!
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
