#may your fruits be as plentiful as a basket of peaches you got due to a misunderstanding at the farmer's market

[pastafossa]

Happy Lughnasadh to any of my followers who also celebrate (@brood-me-daddy I made those peach muffins you recommended and they were AMAZING, everyone at the witchy shop LOVED them and so did fam LOL). May the fruits of your labors this year be plentiful, whether those labors are creative, financial, or spiritual. ❤️

[gailmalooft]

Exploring Muddled Cocktails: Smashes, Juleps, and Mojitos

The cocktails we’re discussing nowadays have one not unusual theme: they require you to weigh down issues–herbs and now and again fruit succumb to the ability of our muddler. Whilst mojitos is also the most well liked muddled beverages, you’ll be able to’t overlook about juleps and smashes. Talking of which, you’re going to need to make a small funding in a muddler, which will also be had for lower than $15. They arrive in plenty of fabrics equivalent to picket, plastic and stainless-steel, however take into account that when you get a picket one, some fruit has a tendency to stain.

You additionally need to be mild when muddling herbs; the speculation is to unlock their taste and oils, no longer pulverize them right into a paste. One more thing to believe is to put money into a lewis bag and a mallet for crushing ice. They arrive in very to hand and are nice healing gear which unlock the strain of a protracted day.

Muddled Beverages

Mojito We’re going to begin with the king of muddled beverages this present day–The Mojito. The Mojito has been round because the past due 1930’s, however actually picked up steam within the U.S. within the early aughts of this century when recent juices got here again into style in cocktails.

Mojito recipe – 6-Eight mint leaves (reserve one mint sprig for garnish) – 1 tsp superfine sugar or ½ ozeasy syrup – 1 ozlime juice (save spent lime shell) – 2 ozwhite rum (take a look at Caña Brava Rum Blanca) – Membership soda

Construct this within the glass you are going to be the use of, which generally is a double Outdated Shaped glass or a Collins glass. Clutter mint leaves, sugar and lime juice within the backside of the glass. Upload white rum, cracked or beaten ice, and spent lime shell within the glass. Most sensible with membership soda. Stir gently. Garnish with mint sprig. Serve with straw or stirring rod.

Mojito / Picture Credit score: Chris Pople

Caipirinha The following muddled cocktail we’ll take on would be the Caipirinha. Constructed from cachaça [ka-SHA-sa], a recent sugarcane spirit produced in Brazil, you’ll be able to see the similarities with each mojito and the daiquiri. The Olympics in Rio have put this drink again at the radar so be expecting to peer it again in bars and in Latin eating places.

Caipirinha recipe – Part a lime, quartered – 1 tsp superfine sugar or ½ ozeasy syrup – 2 ozunaged cachaça (take a look at Avuá Prata Cachaça)

In an Outdated Shaped glass, clutter lime and sugar. Upload cachaça. Most sensible with beaten or cracked ice. Gently stir. Serve.

Caipirinha / Picture Credit score: Wine Dharma

You want to be gentle when muddling herbs, not pulverize them into a paste.

Juleps

A julep is a cocktail which includes a spirit, mint, and sugar. Essentially the most well-known julep, the Mint Julep is a bourbon cocktail that actually most effective will get press come Kentucky Derby time, however Juleps may also be made with brandy, rum, or different kinds of whiskey. They’re refreshing beverages that merits consideration right through the nice and cozy climate season.

Mint Julep recipe – Eight-10 mint leaves – 1 tsp superfine sugar or ½ ozeasy syrup – 2 ½ ozbourbon (we favor a high-proof bourbon like Baker’s Bourbon) – Overwhelmed ice

Position mint leaves within the backside of the glass (both a silver mint julep cup or a double Outdated Shaped glass). Upload sugar and gently clutter. Upload bourbon and beaten ice to glass. Stir gently to cool glass. Upload extra ice to mound on most sensible. Upload a few mint sprigs for garnish. Serve with a brief straw or julep spoon straw.

Mint Julep / Picture Credit score: Jeremy T. Hetzel

Brandy Julep recipe As above, however change brandy for the bourbon equivalent to Pierre Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac.

Smashes

The break cocktail makes use of spirit + sugar + herbs (most often mint) + ice with an choice of including fruit both smashed or as a garnish. You may additionally upload a bit of seltzer or water and now and again even glowing wine. A break is an excellent strategy to incorporate seasonal end result on your cocktails. We’ve got a few break recipes for you right here, however under are every other ideas to check out. Be happy to change your sweetener the place suitable equivalent to with honey or agave syrup.

– Peaches + bourbon + mint – Strawberries + gin + thyme – Cherries + rye + tarragon – Raspberries + rum + basil – Pineapple + tequila + sage – Nectarines + whiskey + lemon verbena

Blackberry Mezcal Destroy – 2-Three huge blackberries – A couple of leaves of sage – 1 tsp superfine sugar or ½ ozeasy syrup – 2 ozjoven mezcal (take a look at Montelobos Mezcal Joven)

Upload blackberries, sage, and sugar to the ground of your blending glass and clutter gently. Upload mezcal. Fill serving glass midway with beaten or cracked ice and roll backward and forward with contents of blending glass. Pour utterly into the serving glass and upload extra ice if vital. Garnish with a couple of leaves of sage and serve.

Blackberry Destroy / Picture Credit score: niXerKG

Whiskey Destroy – ½ lemon, quartered – 6-Eight mint leaves + 1 mint sprig (reserved for garnish) – 1 tsp superfine sugar or ½ ozeasy syrup – 2 ozwhiskey (take a look at Powers Signature Release)

Position lemon, mint leaves, and sugar within the backside of your blending glass and clutter gently. Upload whiskey. Position beaten ice into your serving glass (a double Outdated Shaped glass), stuffed midway. Pour contents of blending glass into serving glass and “roll” your cocktail a number of instances. Upload extra beaten ice to serving glass and gently stir. Upload a mint sprig as garnish.

Whiskey Destroy / Picture Credit score: Kevin O’Mara

An additional notice on smashes:

You might use lemons or limes with or as a substitute of different fruit, however do be sure to clutter them and no longer simply use their juice. I favor to make use of a rolling way to combine my muddled beverages–this is so as to add ice to the blending glass along side all different components and “rolling” it to the glass you’re going to serve the drink in. You do that a number of instances to combine the drink. This helps to keep the bits of fruit and ice in with the glass. You might make a selection to shake and pressure the cocktail as a substitute which helps to keep many of the fruit and herbs out of the drink. Then you can simply garnish with the fruit. Your selection.

With muddled beverages, the bottom line is to unlock the essence of the herbs gently into your drink. The flavors mix with the spirit and sugar to create a refreshing and pleasing drink. Experience mix and matching…and maximum of all SMASHING!

On the lookout for extra liquor on your muddled beverages?

With Distiller, you’ll at all times know what’s within the bottle earlier than you spend a cent. Price, Evaluate, and Uncover spirits! Head on over to Distiller, or obtain the app for iOS and Android nowadays!

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from http://liquorgiftbaskets.net/2018/09/03/exploring-muddled-cocktails-smashes-juleps-and-mojitos/

[tonyduncanbb73]

A Presidential-Themed Bar Opens Soon in Portland and Gets Political With a $2,500 Martini...Glass

And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts

Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Massachusetts; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout the rest of New England. This piece is updated on a weekly basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere. (Find the archive of winter 2017-2018 news here.)

Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email boston@eater.com with any tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond the borders of Massachusetts.

Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.

May 8, 2018

EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — The Buffalo Jump(277 Hatchville Rd.) has reopened for the season on the Cape, with Brandon Baltzley and Laura Higgins-Baltzley at the helm. The restaurant is open for walk-ins for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner reservations available starting at 5 p.m. The menus change daily depending on ingredient availability, but sample dishes include braised collard greens with pork shoulder or tofu, aged turkey, salt cod, and flatbread.

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT — Caputo Trattoria is now open at Foxwoods Resort Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd.) with a menu of Italian dishes, including lobster fra diavolo, “tableside” cacio e pepe, baked clams, and a hybrid chicken parm pizza. There’s also a full bar with cocktails, wine, and limoncello flights.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) will be ready to open in June, bringing with it plenty of nods to Teddy Roosevelt. It aims to be a neighborhood bar, with local beer and wine on the menu, in addition to presidential-themed cocktails, including one to recognize the sitting president. Owner Ryan Deskins described it in a release: “Basically, we’ve got a beautiful gold martini glass, full of nothing but hot air, with an elaborate orange twist garnish (emphasis on orange). This lovely assemblage will set you back $2,500, but you can keep the glass! The drink should — appropriately — leave you feeling regretful and unsatisfied, with hints of existential horror.” (The release adds: “The current plan is to have all proceeds from the sale of the drink go to charity, but that might just be an alternative fact.”)

In other Portland news, a Lewiston-based bagel shop, Forage, will add a second location in Portland’s East End by June, featuring a custom-built Spanish bread oven for baking the bagels. Stay tuned for an address and official opening date.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Raleigh Wine Bar + Market(67 State St.) is now open and has a special brunch planned for Mother’s Day, with lunch service debuting later on in May. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a menu that includes items like white asparagus, charcuterie, gnocchi, and more.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Knead Doughnuts (135 Elmgrove St.) now has a new location. The shop opened in April with a wide array of old fashioned, brioche, cake, and filled doughnuts, including vegan and flourless varieties. Flavors range from Boston cream to vanilla glazed and passion fruit.

Also in Providence, Mercer’s Delicatessen has opened (485 Angell St.) with a full lineup of meats that have been cured, brined, smoked, and cooked in-house. The menu includes sandwiches on a variety of breads, plus pickles and chips.

April 17, 2018

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Cheeseburger and fries at Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth, NH

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Shane’s Texas Pit (61 High St.) is now open, serving barbecue. Brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey, and more are available with assorted sauces, including a blackberry barbecue sauce. There are also sandwiches, sides (cole slaw, beans, etc.), and sheet cake and peach cobbler for dessert.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Blue Lobster Wine Company (219 Anderson St.) held a test run of its tasting rooms over the weekend, ahead of an official opening on April 20. Self-described as “not your typical winery,” Blue Lobster offers wine in cans and kegs, calling it a “convenient, sustainable, economical” way of delivering wine with little waste. The winery will offer several varieties, including chardonnay, zinfandel, rose, and other red wines. In four separate tasting rooms, customers can also buy wine by the glass and by the flight.

Maine Lobster Shack(425 Fore St.) is now open in Portland, serving items like lobster rolls and fish and chips. There’s also wine on tap and oysters available. The restaurant debuted on Friday, April 13.

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Carriage House(2263 Ocean Blvd.) debuts today in its newest form from owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and executive chef Brett Cavanna. The partners were forced to close their Portsmouth restaurant, Louie’s, due to a fire in April 2017, but they have taken on the task of rebooting this historic restaurant, which opened in 1931. They’ll serve a mix of New England fare, operating Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will arrive for the summer, and the Carriage House will serve Sunday brunch starting April 29.

STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lexie’s Burgers in Portsmouth (212 Islington St.) has three additional locations in New Hampshire (one is seasonal) and one in Massachusetts, plus a couple food trucks, or “burger buses,” as they’re known. Now, the business has signed a lease for the former Eastern Burger Co. space at 157 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, where it will operate a commissary kitchen and food truck catering site. Eventually, there will be a restaurant at the Stratham space, though it may not be under the Lexie’s name. In other Lexie’s news, the Exeter location (56 Lincoln St.) will relocate to the former 3 Brothers Marketplace space (82 Lincoln St.), where it will have 42 seats. And in other Lexie’s news, it will also open at Seacoast United’s Epping complex — possibly by June 2018 — with an eye towards a partnership that could ultimately put it in another Seacoast United locations as well.

April 10, 2018

Two Fat Cats Bakery/Facebook

Pies at Two Fat Cats Bakery

AUGUSTA, MAINE — This week, the Boston Globe tells the story of the Red Barn in Augusta, which bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery(47 India St.) opens its second location on April 14 at 740 Broadway in South Portland, featuring the same menu of pies, pastries, and more sweet treats as at the India Street location, but this one will have ample seating for patrons. On opening day, the bakery will be offering free slices of cake while supplies last and will donate a portion of its proceeds from the day’s pie sales to the South Portland Food Cupboard.

The long-planned Lio (3 Spring St.)— from chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecile, who are also behind BaoBao Dumpling House (Portland) and Tao Yuan (Brunswick) — is under construction. When it opens, the restaurant will have a heavy focus on wine, and its menu will change daily based on available ingredients.

Paciarino (470 Fore St.)will open a new location in the former Zapoteca space down the street at 505 Fore St. Owners Enrico Barbiero and Fabiana de Savino plan to serve the restaurant’s pasta, brick oven pizza, and other Italian classics at the new space, while converting the original location into a retail space. The new Paciarino is slated for a May opening.

April 3, 2018

Bob’s Clam Hut/Facebook

Food at Bob’s Clam Hut

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT — Barrister’s Coffee Co.(1 West St.) opened earlier this year, and it serves coffee and tea, plus pastries, bagels, and baked goods brought in from New York. The shop is spacious with seating at tables, in leather chairs, and in cubicle nooks.

GORHAM, MAINE — Portland’s Bier Cellar, which has been around since 2012, now has a second location in the works for 593 Main St. in Gorham. “We are incredibly excited to bring our love of beer, wine, cider and mead to the rapidly growing community of Gorham,” the owners wrote in a blog post on the website. “We want to be a part of making Gorham a craft beer mecca just like we have watched the City Of Portland became one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States since we opened in 2012.”

PORTLAND, MAINE — Kittery’s famous Bob’s Clam Hut is in the process of expanding to Portland, at 109 Cumberland Ave. The restaurant has been in business since 1956, and owner Michael Landgarten hopes to open the new location in time for summer. Bob’s is known for its fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, burgers, and sides.

Union Bagel Co. opened a second location in the East Deering neighborhood of Portland (46 Veranda St.), serving its familiar variety of bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegan spreads.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — “It’s time to meet the waffle of your dreams,” and Providence’s Waffle(45 Weybosset St.) is ready for introductions. The restaurant, which opened about two months ago, serves a variety of waffles, including liege-style, gluten-free, and in the form of ice cream sandwiches. There’s also a pizza waffle topped with marinara sauce, cheese, crushed red pepper, and basil.

The Lotus Garden (223 Atwells Ave.) is open in Federal Hill with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, including pho, sushi, stir fry noodles, rice bowls, and more. The restaurant also offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound(407 State Rd. 286) at long last has reopened following a fire in August 2017. This week, the restaurant will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 6, 7, and 8), and then starting April 13, Brown’s will be open for the summer season, per a post on Facebook. Brown’s first opened in 1950 and serves a menu of fried seafood boxes and platters, sandwiches, and more.

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — Kaliubon Ramenis now open at 1323 Silas Deane Hwy., serving a menu of shoyu, tonkotsu, and miso ramen, along with assorted bao filled with pork, lamb, or tofu. There are also wings, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and salad.

March 27, 2018

Big J’s Chicken Shack/Facebook

Hot chicken from Big J’s Chicken Shack in Portland

HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lakehouse Tavern (157 Main St.) has opened with some sustainable practices in place. In addition to serving a broad selection of dishes ranging from wings and lobster fritters to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, the restaurant roasts its own turkey, ham, and prime rib and recycles its cooking oil with Newport Biodiesel.

PORTLAND, MAINE — A restaurant and bar at the Danforth Inn (163 Danforth St.) will close at the end of the month, as the business prepares to file for bankruptcy, per the Portland Press Herald. Tempo Dulu and Opium — the restaurant and bar, respectively — shut down for good on March 31. Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki cited the niche of the Southeast Asian restaurant as a contributing factor to the closure, along with profitability. Opium also drew ire for its name upon opening. When the business makes it through the bankruptcy filing, the bar will resume operation, perhaps under a new name.

Big J’s Chicken Shack (4 Thompsons Pt.), perhaps best known for providing sustenance in the form of Nashville hot chicken and waffles to visitors at the neighboring Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, will close down at the end of the month. It will be replaced by Locally Sauced, which has six years under its belt as a food cart. It serves burritos, tacos, and barbecue, and it will arrive this May.

Ice It Bakery (502 Stevens Ave.) now has a new location up and running to go along with its original location in Yarmouth, Maine. The bakery serves specialty cupcakes, cookies, pastries, coffee cakes, and gluten-free concoctions, and it offers decorating parties for kids.

Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) is coming to Portland with the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant takes its name from an area of New York the president called home. The space is currently under construction, and when it opens it will accommodate 100 people inside with 40 on a patio outdoors.

SEBAGO, MAINE — Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg (46 Sebago Rd.) is on the way to Sebago Lake, courtesy of father-and-son team Paul and Rocco Severino, slated for a summer 2018 opening. The restaurant labels itself an “homage to Portland’s old Sportsman’s Grill,” which previously operated at 905-911 Congress St., according to the Portland Food Map.

March 20, 2018

Eventide Oyster Co./Instagram

Little Spruce Baking Co. baked goods

BIDDEFORD, MAINE — A new arm of the Big Tree Hospitality group — which runs the acclaimed Eventide restaurants, Hugo’s, and The Honey Paw — has made its official debut. Little Spruce Baking Co.has taken croissants to a new level, appearing at Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer (265 Main St.) in Biddeford on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with the Saco River Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are several types of croissants available, most notably a pizza version made with tomato jam, ricotta, and pepperoni. There’s also a Moonstruck version with egg, mushroom, and mustard greens, a PB&J version, and more.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Black Cow(83 Exchange St.) is now open in the former Sonny’s space in Old Port, from the same team, featuring burgers and shakes.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Cup of Joe (31 Market St.) has opened in Portsmouth with a lengthy lineup of beverages, pastries, and other snacks. The shop serves all kinds of coffees and espresso beverages, plus kombucha on tap, chai lattes, and more.

SACO, MAINE — The Lady and the Mensch (172 Main St.) has a selection of cocktails, craft beer, and more on the menu in Saco. The recent opening is pegged as a community hangout spot, with a lounge area and a central location in the neighborhood.

YORK, MAINE — First Hill Restaurant (369 US Rte 1.) is now open in York and serving a varied menu including brunch. Dishes range from avocado toast and a Greek yogurt waffle to salmon burgers, sticky Thai fried chicken, and steamed mussels.

Further Reading

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar

New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.

The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.

Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.

Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.

A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.

Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.

[tonyduncanbb73]

A Presidential-Themed Bar Opens Soon in Portland and Gets Political With a $2,500 Martini...Glass

And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts

Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Massachusetts; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout the rest of New England. This piece is updated on a weekly basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere. (Find the archive of winter 2017-2018 news here.)

Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email boston@eater.com with any tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond the borders of Massachusetts.

Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.

May 8, 2018

EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — The Buffalo Jump(277 Hatchville Rd.) has reopened for the season on the Cape, with Brandon Baltzley and Laura Higgins-Baltzley at the helm. The restaurant is open for walk-ins for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner reservations available starting at 5 p.m. The menus change daily depending on ingredient availability, but sample dishes include braised collard greens with pork shoulder or tofu, aged turkey, salt cod, and flatbread.

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT — Caputo Trattoria is now open at Foxwoods Resort Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd.) with a menu of Italian dishes, including lobster fra diavolo, “tableside” cacio e pepe, baked clams, and a hybrid chicken parm pizza. There’s also a full bar with cocktails, wine, and limoncello flights.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) will be ready to open in June, bringing with it plenty of nods to Teddy Roosevelt. It aims to be a neighborhood bar, with local beer and wine on the menu, in addition to presidential-themed cocktails, including one to recognize the sitting president. Owner Ryan Deskins described it in a release: “Basically, we’ve got a beautiful gold martini glass, full of nothing but hot air, with an elaborate orange twist garnish (emphasis on orange). This lovely assemblage will set you back $2,500, but you can keep the glass! The drink should — appropriately — leave you feeling regretful and unsatisfied, with hints of existential horror.” (The release adds: “The current plan is to have all proceeds from the sale of the drink go to charity, but that might just be an alternative fact.”)

In other Portland news, a Lewiston-based bagel shop, Forage, will add a second location in Portland’s East End by June, featuring a custom-built Spanish bread oven for baking the bagels. Stay tuned for an address and official opening date.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Raleigh Wine Bar + Market(67 State St.) is now open and has a special brunch planned for Mother’s Day, with lunch service debuting later on in May. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a menu that includes items like white asparagus, charcuterie, gnocchi, and more.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Knead Doughnuts (135 Elmgrove St.) now has a new location. The shop opened in April with a wide array of old fashioned, brioche, cake, and filled doughnuts, including vegan and flourless varieties. Flavors range from Boston cream to vanilla glazed and passion fruit.

Also in Providence, Mercer’s Delicatessen has opened (485 Angell St.) with a full lineup of meats that have been cured, brined, smoked, and cooked in-house. The menu includes sandwiches on a variety of breads, plus pickles and chips.

April 17, 2018

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Cheeseburger and fries at Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth, NH

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Shane’s Texas Pit (61 High St.) is now open, serving barbecue. Brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey, and more are available with assorted sauces, including a blackberry barbecue sauce. There are also sandwiches, sides (cole slaw, beans, etc.), and sheet cake and peach cobbler for dessert.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Blue Lobster Wine Company (219 Anderson St.) held a test run of its tasting rooms over the weekend, ahead of an official opening on April 20. Self-described as “not your typical winery,” Blue Lobster offers wine in cans and kegs, calling it a “convenient, sustainable, economical” way of delivering wine with little waste. The winery will offer several varieties, including chardonnay, zinfandel, rose, and other red wines. In four separate tasting rooms, customers can also buy wine by the glass and by the flight.

Maine Lobster Shack(425 Fore St.) is now open in Portland, serving items like lobster rolls and fish and chips. There’s also wine on tap and oysters available. The restaurant debuted on Friday, April 13.

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Carriage House(2263 Ocean Blvd.) debuts today in its newest form from owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and executive chef Brett Cavanna. The partners were forced to close their Portsmouth restaurant, Louie’s, due to a fire in April 2017, but they have taken on the task of rebooting this historic restaurant, which opened in 1931. They’ll serve a mix of New England fare, operating Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will arrive for the summer, and the Carriage House will serve Sunday brunch starting April 29.

STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lexie’s Burgers in Portsmouth (212 Islington St.) has three additional locations in New Hampshire (one is seasonal) and one in Massachusetts, plus a couple food trucks, or “burger buses,” as they’re known. Now, the business has signed a lease for the former Eastern Burger Co. space at 157 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, where it will operate a commissary kitchen and food truck catering site. Eventually, there will be a restaurant at the Stratham space, though it may not be under the Lexie’s name. In other Lexie’s news, the Exeter location (56 Lincoln St.) will relocate to the former 3 Brothers Marketplace space (82 Lincoln St.), where it will have 42 seats. And in other Lexie’s news, it will also open at Seacoast United’s Epping complex — possibly by June 2018 — with an eye towards a partnership that could ultimately put it in another Seacoast United locations as well.

April 10, 2018

Two Fat Cats Bakery/Facebook

Pies at Two Fat Cats Bakery

AUGUSTA, MAINE — This week, the Boston Globe tells the story of the Red Barn in Augusta, which bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery(47 India St.) opens its second location on April 14 at 740 Broadway in South Portland, featuring the same menu of pies, pastries, and more sweet treats as at the India Street location, but this one will have ample seating for patrons. On opening day, the bakery will be offering free slices of cake while supplies last and will donate a portion of its proceeds from the day’s pie sales to the South Portland Food Cupboard.

The long-planned Lio (3 Spring St.)— from chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecile, who are also behind BaoBao Dumpling House (Portland) and Tao Yuan (Brunswick) — is under construction. When it opens, the restaurant will have a heavy focus on wine, and its menu will change daily based on available ingredients.

Paciarino (470 Fore St.)will open a new location in the former Zapoteca space down the street at 505 Fore St. Owners Enrico Barbiero and Fabiana de Savino plan to serve the restaurant’s pasta, brick oven pizza, and other Italian classics at the new space, while converting the original location into a retail space. The new Paciarino is slated for a May opening.

April 3, 2018

Bob’s Clam Hut/Facebook

Food at Bob’s Clam Hut

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT — Barrister’s Coffee Co.(1 West St.) opened earlier this year, and it serves coffee and tea, plus pastries, bagels, and baked goods brought in from New York. The shop is spacious with seating at tables, in leather chairs, and in cubicle nooks.

GORHAM, MAINE — Portland’s Bier Cellar, which has been around since 2012, now has a second location in the works for 593 Main St. in Gorham. “We are incredibly excited to bring our love of beer, wine, cider and mead to the rapidly growing community of Gorham,” the owners wrote in a blog post on the website. “We want to be a part of making Gorham a craft beer mecca just like we have watched the City Of Portland became one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States since we opened in 2012.”

PORTLAND, MAINE — Kittery’s famous Bob’s Clam Hut is in the process of expanding to Portland, at 109 Cumberland Ave. The restaurant has been in business since 1956, and owner Michael Landgarten hopes to open the new location in time for summer. Bob’s is known for its fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, burgers, and sides.

Union Bagel Co. opened a second location in the East Deering neighborhood of Portland (46 Veranda St.), serving its familiar variety of bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegan spreads.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — “It’s time to meet the waffle of your dreams,” and Providence’s Waffle(45 Weybosset St.) is ready for introductions. The restaurant, which opened about two months ago, serves a variety of waffles, including liege-style, gluten-free, and in the form of ice cream sandwiches. There’s also a pizza waffle topped with marinara sauce, cheese, crushed red pepper, and basil.

The Lotus Garden (223 Atwells Ave.) is open in Federal Hill with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, including pho, sushi, stir fry noodles, rice bowls, and more. The restaurant also offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound(407 State Rd. 286) at long last has reopened following a fire in August 2017. This week, the restaurant will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 6, 7, and 8), and then starting April 13, Brown’s will be open for the summer season, per a post on Facebook. Brown’s first opened in 1950 and serves a menu of fried seafood boxes and platters, sandwiches, and more.

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — Kaliubon Ramenis now open at 1323 Silas Deane Hwy., serving a menu of shoyu, tonkotsu, and miso ramen, along with assorted bao filled with pork, lamb, or tofu. There are also wings, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and salad.

March 27, 2018

Big J’s Chicken Shack/Facebook

Hot chicken from Big J’s Chicken Shack in Portland

HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lakehouse Tavern (157 Main St.) has opened with some sustainable practices in place. In addition to serving a broad selection of dishes ranging from wings and lobster fritters to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, the restaurant roasts its own turkey, ham, and prime rib and recycles its cooking oil with Newport Biodiesel.

PORTLAND, MAINE — A restaurant and bar at the Danforth Inn (163 Danforth St.) will close at the end of the month, as the business prepares to file for bankruptcy, per the Portland Press Herald. Tempo Dulu and Opium — the restaurant and bar, respectively — shut down for good on March 31. Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki cited the niche of the Southeast Asian restaurant as a contributing factor to the closure, along with profitability. Opium also drew ire for its name upon opening. When the business makes it through the bankruptcy filing, the bar will resume operation, perhaps under a new name.

Big J’s Chicken Shack (4 Thompsons Pt.), perhaps best known for providing sustenance in the form of Nashville hot chicken and waffles to visitors at the neighboring Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, will close down at the end of the month. It will be replaced by Locally Sauced, which has six years under its belt as a food cart. It serves burritos, tacos, and barbecue, and it will arrive this May.

Ice It Bakery (502 Stevens Ave.) now has a new location up and running to go along with its original location in Yarmouth, Maine. The bakery serves specialty cupcakes, cookies, pastries, coffee cakes, and gluten-free concoctions, and it offers decorating parties for kids.

Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) is coming to Portland with the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant takes its name from an area of New York the president called home. The space is currently under construction, and when it opens it will accommodate 100 people inside with 40 on a patio outdoors.

SEBAGO, MAINE — Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg (46 Sebago Rd.) is on the way to Sebago Lake, courtesy of father-and-son team Paul and Rocco Severino, slated for a summer 2018 opening. The restaurant labels itself an “homage to Portland’s old Sportsman’s Grill,” which previously operated at 905-911 Congress St., according to the Portland Food Map.

March 20, 2018

Eventide Oyster Co./Instagram

Little Spruce Baking Co. baked goods

BIDDEFORD, MAINE — A new arm of the Big Tree Hospitality group — which runs the acclaimed Eventide restaurants, Hugo’s, and The Honey Paw — has made its official debut. Little Spruce Baking Co.has taken croissants to a new level, appearing at Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer (265 Main St.) in Biddeford on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with the Saco River Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are several types of croissants available, most notably a pizza version made with tomato jam, ricotta, and pepperoni. There’s also a Moonstruck version with egg, mushroom, and mustard greens, a PB&J version, and more.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Black Cow(83 Exchange St.) is now open in the former Sonny’s space in Old Port, from the same team, featuring burgers and shakes.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Cup of Joe (31 Market St.) has opened in Portsmouth with a lengthy lineup of beverages, pastries, and other snacks. The shop serves all kinds of coffees and espresso beverages, plus kombucha on tap, chai lattes, and more.

SACO, MAINE — The Lady and the Mensch (172 Main St.) has a selection of cocktails, craft beer, and more on the menu in Saco. The recent opening is pegged as a community hangout spot, with a lounge area and a central location in the neighborhood.

YORK, MAINE — First Hill Restaurant (369 US Rte 1.) is now open in York and serving a varied menu including brunch. Dishes range from avocado toast and a Greek yogurt waffle to salmon burgers, sticky Thai fried chicken, and steamed mussels.

Further Reading

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar

New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.

The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.

Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.

Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.

A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.

Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.

[tonyduncanbb73]

A Presidential-Themed Bar Opens Soon in Portland and Gets Political With a $2,500 Martini...Glass

And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts

Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Massachusetts; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout the rest of New England. This piece is updated on a weekly basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere. (Find the archive of winter 2017-2018 news here.)

Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email boston@eater.com with any tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond the borders of Massachusetts.

Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.

May 8, 2018

EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — The Buffalo Jump(277 Hatchville Rd.) has reopened for the season on the Cape, with Brandon Baltzley and Laura Higgins-Baltzley at the helm. The restaurant is open for walk-ins for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner reservations available starting at 5 p.m. The menus change daily depending on ingredient availability, but sample dishes include braised collard greens with pork shoulder or tofu, aged turkey, salt cod, and flatbread.

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT — Caputo Trattoria is now open at Foxwoods Resort Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd.) with a menu of Italian dishes, including lobster fra diavolo, “tableside” cacio e pepe, baked clams, and a hybrid chicken parm pizza. There’s also a full bar with cocktails, wine, and limoncello flights.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) will be ready to open in June, bringing with it plenty of nods to Teddy Roosevelt. It aims to be a neighborhood bar, with local beer and wine on the menu, in addition to presidential-themed cocktails, including one to recognize the sitting president. Owner Ryan Deskins described it in a release: “Basically, we’ve got a beautiful gold martini glass, full of nothing but hot air, with an elaborate orange twist garnish (emphasis on orange). This lovely assemblage will set you back $2,500, but you can keep the glass! The drink should — appropriately — leave you feeling regretful and unsatisfied, with hints of existential horror.” (The release adds: “The current plan is to have all proceeds from the sale of the drink go to charity, but that might just be an alternative fact.”)

In other Portland news, a Lewiston-based bagel shop, Forage, will add a second location in Portland’s East End by June, featuring a custom-built Spanish bread oven for baking the bagels. Stay tuned for an address and official opening date.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Raleigh Wine Bar + Market(67 State St.) is now open and has a special brunch planned for Mother’s Day, with lunch service debuting later on in May. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a menu that includes items like white asparagus, charcuterie, gnocchi, and more.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Knead Doughnuts (135 Elmgrove St.) now has a new location. The shop opened in April with a wide array of old fashioned, brioche, cake, and filled doughnuts, including vegan and flourless varieties. Flavors range from Boston cream to vanilla glazed and passion fruit.

Also in Providence, Mercer’s Delicatessen has opened (485 Angell St.) with a full lineup of meats that have been cured, brined, smoked, and cooked in-house. The menu includes sandwiches on a variety of breads, plus pickles and chips.

April 17, 2018

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Cheeseburger and fries at Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth, NH

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Shane’s Texas Pit (61 High St.) is now open, serving barbecue. Brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey, and more are available with assorted sauces, including a blackberry barbecue sauce. There are also sandwiches, sides (cole slaw, beans, etc.), and sheet cake and peach cobbler for dessert.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Blue Lobster Wine Company (219 Anderson St.) held a test run of its tasting rooms over the weekend, ahead of an official opening on April 20. Self-described as “not your typical winery,” Blue Lobster offers wine in cans and kegs, calling it a “convenient, sustainable, economical” way of delivering wine with little waste. The winery will offer several varieties, including chardonnay, zinfandel, rose, and other red wines. In four separate tasting rooms, customers can also buy wine by the glass and by the flight.

Maine Lobster Shack(425 Fore St.) is now open in Portland, serving items like lobster rolls and fish and chips. There’s also wine on tap and oysters available. The restaurant debuted on Friday, April 13.

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Carriage House(2263 Ocean Blvd.) debuts today in its newest form from owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and executive chef Brett Cavanna. The partners were forced to close their Portsmouth restaurant, Louie’s, due to a fire in April 2017, but they have taken on the task of rebooting this historic restaurant, which opened in 1931. They’ll serve a mix of New England fare, operating Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will arrive for the summer, and the Carriage House will serve Sunday brunch starting April 29.

STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lexie’s Burgers in Portsmouth (212 Islington St.) has three additional locations in New Hampshire (one is seasonal) and one in Massachusetts, plus a couple food trucks, or “burger buses,” as they’re known. Now, the business has signed a lease for the former Eastern Burger Co. space at 157 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, where it will operate a commissary kitchen and food truck catering site. Eventually, there will be a restaurant at the Stratham space, though it may not be under the Lexie’s name. In other Lexie’s news, the Exeter location (56 Lincoln St.) will relocate to the former 3 Brothers Marketplace space (82 Lincoln St.), where it will have 42 seats. And in other Lexie’s news, it will also open at Seacoast United’s Epping complex — possibly by June 2018 — with an eye towards a partnership that could ultimately put it in another Seacoast United locations as well.

April 10, 2018

Two Fat Cats Bakery/Facebook

Pies at Two Fat Cats Bakery

AUGUSTA, MAINE — This week, the Boston Globe tells the story of the Red Barn in Augusta, which bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery(47 India St.) opens its second location on April 14 at 740 Broadway in South Portland, featuring the same menu of pies, pastries, and more sweet treats as at the India Street location, but this one will have ample seating for patrons. On opening day, the bakery will be offering free slices of cake while supplies last and will donate a portion of its proceeds from the day’s pie sales to the South Portland Food Cupboard.

The long-planned Lio (3 Spring St.)— from chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecile, who are also behind BaoBao Dumpling House (Portland) and Tao Yuan (Brunswick) — is under construction. When it opens, the restaurant will have a heavy focus on wine, and its menu will change daily based on available ingredients.

Paciarino (470 Fore St.)will open a new location in the former Zapoteca space down the street at 505 Fore St. Owners Enrico Barbiero and Fabiana de Savino plan to serve the restaurant’s pasta, brick oven pizza, and other Italian classics at the new space, while converting the original location into a retail space. The new Paciarino is slated for a May opening.

April 3, 2018

Bob’s Clam Hut/Facebook

Food at Bob’s Clam Hut

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT — Barrister’s Coffee Co.(1 West St.) opened earlier this year, and it serves coffee and tea, plus pastries, bagels, and baked goods brought in from New York. The shop is spacious with seating at tables, in leather chairs, and in cubicle nooks.

GORHAM, MAINE — Portland’s Bier Cellar, which has been around since 2012, now has a second location in the works for 593 Main St. in Gorham. “We are incredibly excited to bring our love of beer, wine, cider and mead to the rapidly growing community of Gorham,” the owners wrote in a blog post on the website. “We want to be a part of making Gorham a craft beer mecca just like we have watched the City Of Portland became one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States since we opened in 2012.”

PORTLAND, MAINE — Kittery’s famous Bob’s Clam Hut is in the process of expanding to Portland, at 109 Cumberland Ave. The restaurant has been in business since 1956, and owner Michael Landgarten hopes to open the new location in time for summer. Bob’s is known for its fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, burgers, and sides.

Union Bagel Co. opened a second location in the East Deering neighborhood of Portland (46 Veranda St.), serving its familiar variety of bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegan spreads.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — “It’s time to meet the waffle of your dreams,” and Providence’s Waffle(45 Weybosset St.) is ready for introductions. The restaurant, which opened about two months ago, serves a variety of waffles, including liege-style, gluten-free, and in the form of ice cream sandwiches. There’s also a pizza waffle topped with marinara sauce, cheese, crushed red pepper, and basil.

The Lotus Garden (223 Atwells Ave.) is open in Federal Hill with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, including pho, sushi, stir fry noodles, rice bowls, and more. The restaurant also offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound(407 State Rd. 286) at long last has reopened following a fire in August 2017. This week, the restaurant will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 6, 7, and 8), and then starting April 13, Brown’s will be open for the summer season, per a post on Facebook. Brown’s first opened in 1950 and serves a menu of fried seafood boxes and platters, sandwiches, and more.

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — Kaliubon Ramenis now open at 1323 Silas Deane Hwy., serving a menu of shoyu, tonkotsu, and miso ramen, along with assorted bao filled with pork, lamb, or tofu. There are also wings, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and salad.

March 27, 2018

Big J’s Chicken Shack/Facebook

Hot chicken from Big J’s Chicken Shack in Portland

HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lakehouse Tavern (157 Main St.) has opened with some sustainable practices in place. In addition to serving a broad selection of dishes ranging from wings and lobster fritters to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, the restaurant roasts its own turkey, ham, and prime rib and recycles its cooking oil with Newport Biodiesel.

PORTLAND, MAINE — A restaurant and bar at the Danforth Inn (163 Danforth St.) will close at the end of the month, as the business prepares to file for bankruptcy, per the Portland Press Herald. Tempo Dulu and Opium — the restaurant and bar, respectively — shut down for good on March 31. Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki cited the niche of the Southeast Asian restaurant as a contributing factor to the closure, along with profitability. Opium also drew ire for its name upon opening. When the business makes it through the bankruptcy filing, the bar will resume operation, perhaps under a new name.

Big J’s Chicken Shack (4 Thompsons Pt.), perhaps best known for providing sustenance in the form of Nashville hot chicken and waffles to visitors at the neighboring Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, will close down at the end of the month. It will be replaced by Locally Sauced, which has six years under its belt as a food cart. It serves burritos, tacos, and barbecue, and it will arrive this May.

Ice It Bakery (502 Stevens Ave.) now has a new location up and running to go along with its original location in Yarmouth, Maine. The bakery serves specialty cupcakes, cookies, pastries, coffee cakes, and gluten-free concoctions, and it offers decorating parties for kids.

Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) is coming to Portland with the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant takes its name from an area of New York the president called home. The space is currently under construction, and when it opens it will accommodate 100 people inside with 40 on a patio outdoors.

SEBAGO, MAINE — Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg (46 Sebago Rd.) is on the way to Sebago Lake, courtesy of father-and-son team Paul and Rocco Severino, slated for a summer 2018 opening. The restaurant labels itself an “homage to Portland’s old Sportsman’s Grill,” which previously operated at 905-911 Congress St., according to the Portland Food Map.

March 20, 2018

Eventide Oyster Co./Instagram

Little Spruce Baking Co. baked goods

BIDDEFORD, MAINE — A new arm of the Big Tree Hospitality group — which runs the acclaimed Eventide restaurants, Hugo’s, and The Honey Paw — has made its official debut. Little Spruce Baking Co.has taken croissants to a new level, appearing at Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer (265 Main St.) in Biddeford on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with the Saco River Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are several types of croissants available, most notably a pizza version made with tomato jam, ricotta, and pepperoni. There’s also a Moonstruck version with egg, mushroom, and mustard greens, a PB&J version, and more.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Black Cow(83 Exchange St.) is now open in the former Sonny’s space in Old Port, from the same team, featuring burgers and shakes.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Cup of Joe (31 Market St.) has opened in Portsmouth with a lengthy lineup of beverages, pastries, and other snacks. The shop serves all kinds of coffees and espresso beverages, plus kombucha on tap, chai lattes, and more.

SACO, MAINE — The Lady and the Mensch (172 Main St.) has a selection of cocktails, craft beer, and more on the menu in Saco. The recent opening is pegged as a community hangout spot, with a lounge area and a central location in the neighborhood.

YORK, MAINE — First Hill Restaurant (369 US Rte 1.) is now open in York and serving a varied menu including brunch. Dishes range from avocado toast and a Greek yogurt waffle to salmon burgers, sticky Thai fried chicken, and steamed mussels.

Further Reading

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar

New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.

The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.

Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.

Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.

A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.

Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.

[tonyduncanbb73]

A Presidential-Themed Bar Opens Soon in Portland and Gets Political With a $2,500 Martini...Glass

And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts

Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Massachusetts; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout the rest of New England. This piece is updated on a weekly basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere. (Find the archive of winter 2017-2018 news here.)

Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email boston@eater.com with any tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond the borders of Massachusetts.

Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.

May 8, 2018

EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — The Buffalo Jump(277 Hatchville Rd.) has reopened for the season on the Cape, with Brandon Baltzley and Laura Higgins-Baltzley at the helm. The restaurant is open for walk-ins for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner reservations available starting at 5 p.m. The menus change daily depending on ingredient availability, but sample dishes include braised collard greens with pork shoulder or tofu, aged turkey, salt cod, and flatbread.

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT — Caputo Trattoria is now open at Foxwoods Resort Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd.) with a menu of Italian dishes, including lobster fra diavolo, “tableside” cacio e pepe, baked clams, and a hybrid chicken parm pizza. There’s also a full bar with cocktails, wine, and limoncello flights.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) will be ready to open in June, bringing with it plenty of nods to Teddy Roosevelt. It aims to be a neighborhood bar, with local beer and wine on the menu, in addition to presidential-themed cocktails, including one to recognize the sitting president. Owner Ryan Deskins described it in a release: “Basically, we’ve got a beautiful gold martini glass, full of nothing but hot air, with an elaborate orange twist garnish (emphasis on orange). This lovely assemblage will set you back $2,500, but you can keep the glass! The drink should — appropriately — leave you feeling regretful and unsatisfied, with hints of existential horror.” (The release adds: “The current plan is to have all proceeds from the sale of the drink go to charity, but that might just be an alternative fact.”)

In other Portland news, a Lewiston-based bagel shop, Forage, will add a second location in Portland’s East End by June, featuring a custom-built Spanish bread oven for baking the bagels. Stay tuned for an address and official opening date.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Raleigh Wine Bar + Market(67 State St.) is now open and has a special brunch planned for Mother’s Day, with lunch service debuting later on in May. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a menu that includes items like white asparagus, charcuterie, gnocchi, and more.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Knead Doughnuts (135 Elmgrove St.) now has a new location. The shop opened in April with a wide array of old fashioned, brioche, cake, and filled doughnuts, including vegan and flourless varieties. Flavors range from Boston cream to vanilla glazed and passion fruit.

Also in Providence, Mercer’s Delicatessen has opened (485 Angell St.) with a full lineup of meats that have been cured, brined, smoked, and cooked in-house. The menu includes sandwiches on a variety of breads, plus pickles and chips.

April 17, 2018

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Cheeseburger and fries at Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth, NH

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Shane’s Texas Pit (61 High St.) is now open, serving barbecue. Brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey, and more are available with assorted sauces, including a blackberry barbecue sauce. There are also sandwiches, sides (cole slaw, beans, etc.), and sheet cake and peach cobbler for dessert.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Blue Lobster Wine Company (219 Anderson St.) held a test run of its tasting rooms over the weekend, ahead of an official opening on April 20. Self-described as “not your typical winery,” Blue Lobster offers wine in cans and kegs, calling it a “convenient, sustainable, economical” way of delivering wine with little waste. The winery will offer several varieties, including chardonnay, zinfandel, rose, and other red wines. In four separate tasting rooms, customers can also buy wine by the glass and by the flight.

Maine Lobster Shack(425 Fore St.) is now open in Portland, serving items like lobster rolls and fish and chips. There’s also wine on tap and oysters available. The restaurant debuted on Friday, April 13.

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Carriage House(2263 Ocean Blvd.) debuts today in its newest form from owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and executive chef Brett Cavanna. The partners were forced to close their Portsmouth restaurant, Louie’s, due to a fire in April 2017, but they have taken on the task of rebooting this historic restaurant, which opened in 1931. They’ll serve a mix of New England fare, operating Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will arrive for the summer, and the Carriage House will serve Sunday brunch starting April 29.

STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lexie’s Burgers in Portsmouth (212 Islington St.) has three additional locations in New Hampshire (one is seasonal) and one in Massachusetts, plus a couple food trucks, or “burger buses,” as they’re known. Now, the business has signed a lease for the former Eastern Burger Co. space at 157 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, where it will operate a commissary kitchen and food truck catering site. Eventually, there will be a restaurant at the Stratham space, though it may not be under the Lexie’s name. In other Lexie’s news, the Exeter location (56 Lincoln St.) will relocate to the former 3 Brothers Marketplace space (82 Lincoln St.), where it will have 42 seats. And in other Lexie’s news, it will also open at Seacoast United’s Epping complex — possibly by June 2018 — with an eye towards a partnership that could ultimately put it in another Seacoast United locations as well.

April 10, 2018

Two Fat Cats Bakery/Facebook

Pies at Two Fat Cats Bakery

AUGUSTA, MAINE — This week, the Boston Globe tells the story of the Red Barn in Augusta, which bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery(47 India St.) opens its second location on April 14 at 740 Broadway in South Portland, featuring the same menu of pies, pastries, and more sweet treats as at the India Street location, but this one will have ample seating for patrons. On opening day, the bakery will be offering free slices of cake while supplies last and will donate a portion of its proceeds from the day’s pie sales to the South Portland Food Cupboard.

The long-planned Lio (3 Spring St.)— from chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecile, who are also behind BaoBao Dumpling House (Portland) and Tao Yuan (Brunswick) — is under construction. When it opens, the restaurant will have a heavy focus on wine, and its menu will change daily based on available ingredients.

Paciarino (470 Fore St.)will open a new location in the former Zapoteca space down the street at 505 Fore St. Owners Enrico Barbiero and Fabiana de Savino plan to serve the restaurant’s pasta, brick oven pizza, and other Italian classics at the new space, while converting the original location into a retail space. The new Paciarino is slated for a May opening.

April 3, 2018

Bob’s Clam Hut/Facebook

Food at Bob’s Clam Hut

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT — Barrister’s Coffee Co.(1 West St.) opened earlier this year, and it serves coffee and tea, plus pastries, bagels, and baked goods brought in from New York. The shop is spacious with seating at tables, in leather chairs, and in cubicle nooks.

GORHAM, MAINE — Portland’s Bier Cellar, which has been around since 2012, now has a second location in the works for 593 Main St. in Gorham. “We are incredibly excited to bring our love of beer, wine, cider and mead to the rapidly growing community of Gorham,” the owners wrote in a blog post on the website. “We want to be a part of making Gorham a craft beer mecca just like we have watched the City Of Portland became one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States since we opened in 2012.”

PORTLAND, MAINE — Kittery’s famous Bob’s Clam Hut is in the process of expanding to Portland, at 109 Cumberland Ave. The restaurant has been in business since 1956, and owner Michael Landgarten hopes to open the new location in time for summer. Bob’s is known for its fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, burgers, and sides.

Union Bagel Co. opened a second location in the East Deering neighborhood of Portland (46 Veranda St.), serving its familiar variety of bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegan spreads.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — “It’s time to meet the waffle of your dreams,” and Providence’s Waffle(45 Weybosset St.) is ready for introductions. The restaurant, which opened about two months ago, serves a variety of waffles, including liege-style, gluten-free, and in the form of ice cream sandwiches. There’s also a pizza waffle topped with marinara sauce, cheese, crushed red pepper, and basil.

The Lotus Garden (223 Atwells Ave.) is open in Federal Hill with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, including pho, sushi, stir fry noodles, rice bowls, and more. The restaurant also offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound(407 State Rd. 286) at long last has reopened following a fire in August 2017. This week, the restaurant will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 6, 7, and 8), and then starting April 13, Brown’s will be open for the summer season, per a post on Facebook. Brown’s first opened in 1950 and serves a menu of fried seafood boxes and platters, sandwiches, and more.

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — Kaliubon Ramenis now open at 1323 Silas Deane Hwy., serving a menu of shoyu, tonkotsu, and miso ramen, along with assorted bao filled with pork, lamb, or tofu. There are also wings, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and salad.

March 27, 2018

Big J’s Chicken Shack/Facebook

Hot chicken from Big J’s Chicken Shack in Portland

HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lakehouse Tavern (157 Main St.) has opened with some sustainable practices in place. In addition to serving a broad selection of dishes ranging from wings and lobster fritters to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, the restaurant roasts its own turkey, ham, and prime rib and recycles its cooking oil with Newport Biodiesel.

PORTLAND, MAINE — A restaurant and bar at the Danforth Inn (163 Danforth St.) will close at the end of the month, as the business prepares to file for bankruptcy, per the Portland Press Herald. Tempo Dulu and Opium — the restaurant and bar, respectively — shut down for good on March 31. Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki cited the niche of the Southeast Asian restaurant as a contributing factor to the closure, along with profitability. Opium also drew ire for its name upon opening. When the business makes it through the bankruptcy filing, the bar will resume operation, perhaps under a new name.

Big J’s Chicken Shack (4 Thompsons Pt.), perhaps best known for providing sustenance in the form of Nashville hot chicken and waffles to visitors at the neighboring Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, will close down at the end of the month. It will be replaced by Locally Sauced, which has six years under its belt as a food cart. It serves burritos, tacos, and barbecue, and it will arrive this May.

Ice It Bakery (502 Stevens Ave.) now has a new location up and running to go along with its original location in Yarmouth, Maine. The bakery serves specialty cupcakes, cookies, pastries, coffee cakes, and gluten-free concoctions, and it offers decorating parties for kids.

Sagamore Hill(150 Park St.) is coming to Portland with the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant takes its name from an area of New York the president called home. The space is currently under construction, and when it opens it will accommodate 100 people inside with 40 on a patio outdoors.

SEBAGO, MAINE — Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg (46 Sebago Rd.) is on the way to Sebago Lake, courtesy of father-and-son team Paul and Rocco Severino, slated for a summer 2018 opening. The restaurant labels itself an “homage to Portland’s old Sportsman’s Grill,” which previously operated at 905-911 Congress St., according to the Portland Food Map.

March 20, 2018

Eventide Oyster Co./Instagram

Little Spruce Baking Co. baked goods

BIDDEFORD, MAINE — A new arm of the Big Tree Hospitality group — which runs the acclaimed Eventide restaurants, Hugo’s, and The Honey Paw — has made its official debut. Little Spruce Baking Co.has taken croissants to a new level, appearing at Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer (265 Main St.) in Biddeford on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with the Saco River Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are several types of croissants available, most notably a pizza version made with tomato jam, ricotta, and pepperoni. There’s also a Moonstruck version with egg, mushroom, and mustard greens, a PB&J version, and more.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Black Cow(83 Exchange St.) is now open in the former Sonny’s space in Old Port, from the same team, featuring burgers and shakes.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Cup of Joe (31 Market St.) has opened in Portsmouth with a lengthy lineup of beverages, pastries, and other snacks. The shop serves all kinds of coffees and espresso beverages, plus kombucha on tap, chai lattes, and more.

SACO, MAINE — The Lady and the Mensch (172 Main St.) has a selection of cocktails, craft beer, and more on the menu in Saco. The recent opening is pegged as a community hangout spot, with a lounge area and a central location in the neighborhood.

YORK, MAINE — First Hill Restaurant (369 US Rte 1.) is now open in York and serving a varied menu including brunch. Dishes range from avocado toast and a Greek yogurt waffle to salmon burgers, sticky Thai fried chicken, and steamed mussels.

Further Reading

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar

New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.

The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.

Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.

Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.

A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.

Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.

[tonyduncanbb73]

A Presidential-Themed Bar Opens Soon in Portland and Gets Political With a $2,500 Martini...Glass

And other regional food and beverage updates from New England, beyond the borders of Massachusetts

Broadening the scope a bit, here’s the latest restaurant news from beyond Massachusetts; we’re keeping an eye out for dining developments throughout the rest of New England. This piece is updated on a weekly basis, covering restaurant openings, closures, and more in Portsmouth, Providence, Portland, and elsewhere. (Find the archive of winter 2017-2018 news here.)

Check back for updates — the most recent ones will always be at the top — and email boston@eater.com with any tips pertaining to New England restaurant news beyond the borders of Massachusetts.

Note: Jump to the bottom of this page for a list of other links pertaining to New England dining, including a guide to Portsmouth and Kittery, an archive of Maine news, a map of the hottest new restaurants in Providence, and more.

May 8, 2018

EAST FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — The Buffalo Jump (277 Hatchville Rd.) has reopened for the season on the Cape, with Brandon Baltzley and Laura Higgins-Baltzley at the helm. The restaurant is open for walk-ins for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner reservations available starting at 5 p.m. The menus change daily depending on ingredient availability, but sample dishes include braised collard greens with pork shoulder or tofu, aged turkey, salt cod, and flatbread.

MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT — Caputo Trattoria is now open at Foxwoods Resort Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd.) with a menu of Italian dishes, including lobster fra diavolo, “tableside” cacio e pepe, baked clams, and a hybrid chicken parm pizza. There’s also a full bar with cocktails, wine, and limoncello flights.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Sagamore Hill (150 Park St.) will be ready to open in June, bringing with it plenty of nods to Teddy Roosevelt. It aims to be a neighborhood bar, with local beer and wine on the menu, in addition to presidential-themed cocktails, including one to recognize the sitting president. Owner Ryan Deskins described it in a release: “Basically, we’ve got a beautiful gold martini glass, full of nothing but hot air, with an elaborate orange twist garnish (emphasis on orange). This lovely assemblage will set you back $2,500, but you can keep the glass! The drink should — appropriately — leave you feeling regretful and unsatisfied, with hints of existential horror.” (The release adds: “The current plan is to have all proceeds from the sale of the drink go to charity, but that might just be an alternative fact.”)

In other Portland news, a Lewiston-based bagel shop, Forage, will add a second location in Portland’s East End by June, featuring a custom-built Spanish bread oven for baking the bagels. Stay tuned for an address and official opening date.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Raleigh Wine Bar + Market (67 State St.) is now open and has a special brunch planned for Mother’s Day, with lunch service debuting later on in May. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a menu that includes items like white asparagus, charcuterie, gnocchi, and more.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — Knead Doughnuts (135 Elmgrove St.) now has a new location. The shop opened in April with a wide array of old fashioned, brioche, cake, and filled doughnuts, including vegan and flourless varieties. Flavors range from Boston cream to vanilla glazed and passion fruit.

Also in Providence, Mercer’s Delicatessen has opened (485 Angell St.) with a full lineup of meats that have been cured, brined, smoked, and cooked in-house. The menu includes sandwiches on a variety of breads, plus pickles and chips.

April 17, 2018

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Cheeseburger and fries at Lexie’s Joint in Portsmouth, NH

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Shane’s Texas Pit (61 High St.) is now open, serving barbecue. Brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey, and more are available with assorted sauces, including a blackberry barbecue sauce. There are also sandwiches, sides (cole slaw, beans, etc.), and sheet cake and peach cobbler for dessert.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Blue Lobster Wine Company (219 Anderson St.) held a test run of its tasting rooms over the weekend, ahead of an official opening on April 20. Self-described as “not your typical winery,” Blue Lobster offers wine in cans and kegs, calling it a “convenient, sustainable, economical” way of delivering wine with little waste. The winery will offer several varieties, including chardonnay, zinfandel, rose, and other red wines. In four separate tasting rooms, customers can also buy wine by the glass and by the flight.

Maine Lobster Shack (425 Fore St.) is now open in Portland, serving items like lobster rolls and fish and chips. There’s also wine on tap and oysters available. The restaurant debuted on Friday, April 13.

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The Carriage House (2263 Ocean Blvd.) debuts today in its newest form from owners James Woodhouse, RJ Joyce, and executive chef Brett Cavanna. The partners were forced to close their Portsmouth restaurant, Louie’s, due to a fire in April 2017, but they have taken on the task of rebooting this historic restaurant, which opened in 1931. They’ll serve a mix of New England fare, operating Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will arrive for the summer, and the Carriage House will serve Sunday brunch starting April 29.

STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lexie’s Burgers in Portsmouth (212 Islington St.) has three additional locations in New Hampshire (one is seasonal) and one in Massachusetts, plus a couple food trucks, or “burger buses,” as they’re known. Now, the business has signed a lease for the former Eastern Burger Co. space at 157 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, where it will operate a commissary kitchen and food truck catering site. Eventually, there will be a restaurant at the Stratham space, though it may not be under the Lexie’s name. In other Lexie’s news, the Exeter location (56 Lincoln St.) will relocate to the former 3 Brothers Marketplace space (82 Lincoln St.), where it will have 42 seats. And in other Lexie’s news, it will also open at Seacoast United’s Epping complex — possibly by June 2018 — with an eye towards a partnership that could ultimately put it in another Seacoast United locations as well.

April 10, 2018

Two Fat Cats Bakery/Facebook

Pies at Two Fat Cats Bakery

AUGUSTA, MAINE — This week, the Boston Globe tells the story of the Red Barn in Augusta, which bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Two Fat Cats Bakery (47 India St.) opens its second location on April 14 at 740 Broadway in South Portland, featuring the same menu of pies, pastries, and more sweet treats as at the India Street location, but this one will have ample seating for patrons. On opening day, the bakery will be offering free slices of cake while supplies last and will donate a portion of its proceeds from the day’s pie sales to the South Portland Food Cupboard.

The long-planned Lio (3 Spring St.) — from chef Cara Stadler and her mother, Cecile, who are also behind BaoBao Dumpling House (Portland) and Tao Yuan (Brunswick) — is under construction. When it opens, the restaurant will have a heavy focus on wine, and its menu will change daily based on available ingredients.

Paciarino (470 Fore St.) will open a new location in the former Zapoteca space down the street at 505 Fore St. Owners Enrico Barbiero and Fabiana de Savino plan to serve the restaurant’s pasta, brick oven pizza, and other Italian classics at the new space, while converting the original location into a retail space. The new Paciarino is slated for a May opening.

April 3, 2018

Bob’s Clam Hut/Facebook

Food at Bob’s Clam Hut

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT — Barrister’s Coffee Co. (1 West St.) opened earlier this year, and it serves coffee and tea, plus pastries, bagels, and baked goods brought in from New York. The shop is spacious with seating at tables, in leather chairs, and in cubicle nooks.

GORHAM, MAINE — Portland’s Bier Cellar, which has been around since 2012, now has a second location in the works for 593 Main St. in Gorham. “We are incredibly excited to bring our love of beer, wine, cider and mead to the rapidly growing community of Gorham,” the owners wrote in a blog post on the website. “We want to be a part of making Gorham a craft beer mecca just like we have watched the City Of Portland became one of the best craft beer destinations in the United States since we opened in 2012.”

PORTLAND, MAINE — Kittery’s famous Bob’s Clam Hut is in the process of expanding to Portland, at 109 Cumberland Ave. The restaurant has been in business since 1956, and owner Michael Landgarten hopes to open the new location in time for summer. Bob’s is known for its fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, burgers, and sides.

Union Bagel Co. opened a second location in the East Deering neighborhood of Portland (46 Veranda St.), serving its familiar variety of bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant also offers vegan spreads.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — “It’s time to meet the waffle of your dreams,” and Providence’s Waffle (45 Weybosset St.) is ready for introductions. The restaurant, which opened about two months ago, serves a variety of waffles, including liege-style, gluten-free, and in the form of ice cream sandwiches. There’s also a pizza waffle topped with marinara sauce, cheese, crushed red pepper, and basil.

The Lotus Garden (223 Atwells Ave.) is open in Federal Hill with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, including pho, sushi, stir fry noodles, rice bowls, and more. The restaurant also offers cocktails, beer, and wine.

SEABROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Brown’s Lobster Pound (407 State Rd. 286) at long last has reopened following a fire in August 2017. This week, the restaurant will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 6, 7, and 8), and then starting April 13, Brown’s will be open for the summer season, per a post on Facebook. Brown’s first opened in 1950 and serves a menu of fried seafood boxes and platters, sandwiches, and more.

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — Kaliubon Ramen is now open at 1323 Silas Deane Hwy., serving a menu of shoyu, tonkotsu, and miso ramen, along with assorted bao filled with pork, lamb, or tofu. There are also wings, dumplings, lettuce wraps, and salad.

March 27, 2018

Big J’s Chicken Shack/Facebook

Hot chicken from Big J’s Chicken Shack in Portland

HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Lakehouse Tavern (157 Main St.) has opened with some sustainable practices in place. In addition to serving a broad selection of dishes ranging from wings and lobster fritters to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, the restaurant roasts its own turkey, ham, and prime rib and recycles its cooking oil with Newport Biodiesel.

PORTLAND, MAINE — A restaurant and bar at the Danforth Inn (163 Danforth St.) will close at the end of the month, as the business prepares to file for bankruptcy, per the Portland Press Herald. Tempo Dulu and Opium — the restaurant and bar, respectively — shut down for good on March 31. Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki cited the niche of the Southeast Asian restaurant as a contributing factor to the closure, along with profitability. Opium also drew ire for its name upon opening. When the business makes it through the bankruptcy filing, the bar will resume operation, perhaps under a new name.

Big J’s Chicken Shack (4 Thompsons Pt.), perhaps best known for providing sustenance in the form of Nashville hot chicken and waffles to visitors at the neighboring Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, will close down at the end of the month. It will be replaced by Locally Sauced, which has six years under its belt as a food cart. It serves burritos, tacos, and barbecue, and it will arrive this May.

Ice It Bakery (502 Stevens Ave.) now has a new location up and running to go along with its original location in Yarmouth, Maine. The bakery serves specialty cupcakes, cookies, pastries, coffee cakes, and gluten-free concoctions, and it offers decorating parties for kids.

Sagamore Hill (150 Park St.) is coming to Portland with the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt. The restaurant takes its name from an area of New York the president called home. The space is currently under construction, and when it opens it will accommodate 100 people inside with 40 on a patio outdoors.

SEBAGO, MAINE — Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg (46 Sebago Rd.) is on the way to Sebago Lake, courtesy of father-and-son team Paul and Rocco Severino, slated for a summer 2018 opening. The restaurant labels itself an “homage to Portland’s old Sportsman’s Grill,” which previously operated at 905-911 Congress St., according to the Portland Food Map.

March 20, 2018

Eventide Oyster Co./Instagram

Little Spruce Baking Co. baked goods

BIDDEFORD, MAINE — A new arm of the Big Tree Hospitality group — which runs the acclaimed Eventide restaurants, Hugo’s, and The Honey Paw — has made its official debut. Little Spruce Baking Co. has taken croissants to a new level, appearing at Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer (265 Main St.) in Biddeford on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with the Saco River Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are several types of croissants available, most notably a pizza version made with tomato jam, ricotta, and pepperoni. There’s also a Moonstruck version with egg, mushroom, and mustard greens, a PB&J version, and more.

PORTLAND, MAINE — Black Cow (83 Exchange St.) is now open in the former Sonny’s space in Old Port, from the same team, featuring burgers and shakes.

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Cup of Joe (31 Market St.) has opened in Portsmouth with a lengthy lineup of beverages, pastries, and other snacks. The shop serves all kinds of coffees and espresso beverages, plus kombucha on tap, chai lattes, and more.

SACO, MAINE — The Lady and the Mensch (172 Main St.) has a selection of cocktails, craft beer, and more on the menu in Saco. The recent opening is pegged as a community hangout spot, with a lounge area and a central location in the neighborhood.

YORK, MAINE — First Hill Restaurant (369 US Rte 1.) is now open in York and serving a varied menu including brunch. Dishes range from avocado toast and a Greek yogurt waffle to salmon burgers, sticky Thai fried chicken, and steamed mussels.

Further Reading

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Spicy miso ramen at Anju Noodle Bar

New England’s 38 Essential Restaurants: A guide to the best of the best throughout New England, compiled by Eater restaurant editor Bill Addison with the help of food writers from around the region.

The 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island: Updated in October 2017, this map highlights some of the hot new spots to hit the Providence dining scene in 2017.

Eater Maine: Eater Boston’s sister site to the north has been largely retired, but stop by the homepage now and then for updates to major maps, such as the Heatmap, which tracks some of the hottest new openings.

Maine Restaurant News Archive on Eater Boston: While most Maine news going forward will appear right here in this New England news round-up, older stories are archived at the Maine Restaurant News Archive link.

A Guide to Dining and Drinking in Portsmouth and Kittery: Take a trip up to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

Eater Recommends: What to Eat and Drink in Portsmouth and Kittery: Don’t have time to read the whole guide mentioned above? Skip to this map, which highlights some of the Eater Boston team’s Portsmouth and Kittery favorites.

Where to Drink Beer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: And here’s the beer-specific accompaniment to the above two links.