Eating and drinking my way through Maine
Breaking news, Karl Deuben and Bill Leavy proprietors of the fantastic Small Axe Truck have announced that they will be purchasing the East Ender in January 2015. They are planning a remodel, but intend to reopen under the same name.
In related news, they will be selling their beloved food truck to focus their efforts on their upcoming restaurant.
I couldn’t resist commenting on the new trend to dress like a lumberjack. According to gearjunkie the metrosexual look has been replaced by dressing as a lumberjack or woodsman. I call the look Maine Native, and many of my favorite people dress this way, including a good portion of the area’s up and coming chefs. Likewise, nothing says cool in Portland like the no longer available flannel hoodie created by local favorite Katalyst Clothing.
Just another way that Maine is influencing the rest of the the world.
Tying this back to my favorite food, a shout out goes to Katie Schier Potocki the design genius behind Pocket Feast, and Michael Leonard of Down East Magazine for supporting the event, and their recent Maine Hunting issue.
On a cold dark evening in South Portland’s industrial section, a social group of devoted carnivores gathered for a Pocket Feast. What resulted was a triumphant celebration of the Maine hunter as chef.
Stepping in out of the cold we were promptly presented with a hot cider toddy prepared by The Bearded Lady’s Jewell Box. Once settled into the fall forest themed space, we had the chance to sample 10 of Maine’s most edible creatures: moose, bear, venison,rabbit, quail, squab, pheasant, grouse, perch, boar. Overseeing this beautiful festival of meats were Executive Chefs Josh Potocki and Tom Duffly and their talented team of guest chefs: Nate Nadeau,Brant Dadaleares,Renee Landry and Jason Loring.
Highlights of the evening for me were: the wickedly delightful Hare pie, game bird ragu, BBQ hearts, and the pink peppercorn panacotta with autumn olive sorbet.
Paired with these diverse plates were a fine selection of local beers provided by Bigelow Brewing, Kennebec River Brewery, and Geaghan Brothers Brewing
In the spirit of wine appreciation and building community, Joe Appel and Rosemont Market and Bakery brought renowned wine expert Terry Theise to showcase small batch champagnes. Accompanying the fine bubbly were some very tasty small plates produced by Brad Messier. Considering that the Mayo Street Art center doesn’t have a kitchen the food was pretty darn good. Highlights for me were the black pork slider with slaw and perfect mushroom donuts with pork gravy. Happy, happy!
Even a wine novice like myself could tell that these wines were exceptional and the speaker was both entertaining and knew the most intimate details of the wine’s production. My favorite was the first champagne, the Aubry Brut Rose. It was so surprisingly dry it made me giggle. The experience really did help me develope a better appreciation for what makes champagne special. I look forward to attending future events.
