Tag Archives: drink

SOPO SEAFOOD A Bistro/Market For Seafood Lovers

If you’re a seafood lover and happen to be in South Portland, Maine, then you simply can’t miss out on SOPO Seafood and Raw Bar. This delightful spot is a haven for those who crave fresh and flavorful seafood, all served up with a side of charming hospitality.

As soon as you step in, you’ll be greeted with the sight of Alex shucking oysters behind the bar. Watching him expertly pry open those little mollusks is an appetizing sight in itself. But once you actually taste those briny, sweet, and succulent oysters, you’ll realize that the real treat is yet to come.

For an extra indulgent start to your meal, order up a shrimp cocktail. These plump and juicy crustaceans come with a spicy cocktail sauce that will give your taste buds a zingy kick. Sip on a classic gin and tonic while you enjoy the fresh ocean flavors.

If you’re looking for something more unusual, then try the salmon roe with crème fraiche. The burst of the roe against the cool and creamy crème fraiche is a taste sensation that you won’t soon forget.

The smoked trout toast is another appetizer that’s worth a try. The lightly smoked fish is perfectly flaky and pairs beautifully with the crunch of the toast. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the quality of the ingredients.

For something a little heartier, indulge in the crab grilled cheese. This is not your average grilled cheese sandwich – it’s a decadent combination of sweet crab meat, melted cheese, and buttery bread that will make you feel like you’re dining like royalty.

But perhaps the true star of the show is the oysters. With a constantly changing selection of oysters from Maine’s coast you’ll be able to taste the unique flavors of different regions. From the plump and briny Glidden points  to the sweet Weskegs, you’re sure to find an oyster that will make your taste buds sing.

All in all, Sopo Seafood and Raw Bar is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves fresh seafood. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and outstanding food make for an unforgettable dining experience. As a bonus pick up some fantastic seafood from their attached market to take home.

SOPO Seafood

Mussel and pine

Elda, World Class Yum

Elda is a warm welcoming space, filled with talented crafts people, creating delicious and beautiful food. There are no words to describe how many flavors of the: ocean, forest and farm are infused into every sip and bite of their one choice tasting menu. I must stress, how much I appreciated their modern less formal mode of service. A confirmed fan of alcoholic fermentation, I loved how inventive, satisfying and over-the-top tasty the non-alcoholic pairings are. At least one member of your party should order. There really isn’t anything more to say, except that if you love fine dining, you should immediately take the next car,train,or plane to Biddeford,Maine.

Mussel and pine

Chaval: Joy and Surprise

Chef owners Damian Sansonetti and Ilma Lopez have created a wonderfully welcoming brassiere at Chaval. You should make a reservation while you still can, as they are putting out some of the most beautiful comfort food (and very, very good cocktails) in Portland. Beautiful comfort food? Yes. Cured meats and pâtés, deviled eggs and savory puff, Swordfish with olives and tomatoes, steak frites, these are food designed to bring comfort and joy in their oh so savory flavors. But these versions are all presented so beautifully and so full of little surprises that they turn any meal at Chaval in to an experience.

Take for example the fatty tuna presented below. While traditionally I prefer the richest cuts of tuna on their own to savor, the artistic presentation and added layers of flavor of cucumber brought an amazing balance that I love, love loved!

The same was true of the fantastic (really!) maitake mushrooms. Cooked in smoked beef fat and accompanied by pistachio and the most wonderful sauce! Made from Concord grapes it was an absolute deluge of textures and flavor. So good, brilliant!

For me the highlight of the savories, was a rabbit stew in puff pastry and topped with Foie Gras. The perfectly seared liver added wonderful creamy richness to the lean rabbit. I would love to see more rabbit this winter. So satisfying!

Of course we had dessert, I can’t say enough about the wonderful desserts and pastries that Ilma Lopez creates. From the first bite of one of her creations I was hooked. Beyond master chef, a true pastry goddess! Forget Ugly Delicious, these warm apple churros with caramel for dipping are Beautiful Delicious and deserve a show of their own!

ChefsFeed Indie Week

Tickets on sale now, for a series of dinners hosted at award winning chef Cara Stadler’s Lio Restaurant on the evenings of September 5, 2019 through September 8,2019. The lineup is an amazing combination of both local and top chefs traveling across the country creating beautiful feasts at every stop. Each dinner will feature 12 courses and makes a wonderful excuse to visit Portland, Maine!

Get your tickets now!

Portland, Maine Roster:

Cara Stadler
Tao Yuan , Brunswick, ME

Ross Coleman
2840 at Dukesa, Houston, TX

Kim Alter
Nightbird, San Francisco, CA

Alex Sáenz
Bisq, Cambridge, MA

Mason Hereford
Turkey and the Wolf, New Orleans, LA

Vien Dobui
Cong Tu Bot, Portland, ME

Ilma Lopez
Piccolo, Portland, ME

Briana Holt
Tandem Coffee + Bakery, Portland, ME

Brian Jupiter
Inae Mae Tavern, Chicago, IL

Matt Ginn
EVO Portland, Portland, ME

Courtney Loreg
Woodford F&B, Portland, ME

Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins
Unaffiliated, San Diego, CA

Amanda Rockman
New Waterloo, Austin, TX

Jennifer Jackson
Voyager, Detroit, MI

Justin Tootla
Voyager Ferndale, Ferndale, MI

Tracy Chang
Pagu, Boston, MA

Lamar Moore
The Swill Inn, Chicago, IL

Rebecca Arnold
Whole Heart Provisions, Cambridge, MA

Peter McKenzie
Haley Henry, Boston, MA

PJ Edwards
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery, San Antonio, TX

Kate Hamm
Lio Restaurant, Portland, ME

Brian Mercury
Puritan & Co, Boston, MA