Category Archives: Beer

Flanagan’s Table: Central Provisions Edition

My two favorites, Flanagan’s Table and Central Provisions teamed up to provide a fantastic friendly feast!
Welcoming everyone were gracious hosts Arlin Smith of Hugo’s and Maddy Landry, middle daughter of barn owner and philanthropist Gail Landry. Helping Chef Gould were his lovely wife Paige, a great chef in her own right and up and coming chef Cyle Reynolds owner of Carbon Catering and sous chef at Nosh

The evening began with a glass of prosecco, wine or wheat beer from Gneiss Brewing. Drinks were accompanied by lovingly created passed canapés: fluke cerviche,spicy shrimp cocktail, and super yummy crab bites. The welcome reception was then followed up by five brilliant courses. Highlights for me were a spicy raw squid salad and a super tender/flavorful/happy lamb porchetta.

A special thanks to fellow diner Matt Giggey, who helped by gathering the table’s candles to aid my limited photography skills. For those looking for another look at this event, the dinner will be featured in December on Bill Green’s Maine.

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Squid Salad

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Hearts of Palm

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Lamb Porchetta

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Foie Gras

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Fantastic Game!

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.
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Paired with these diverse plates were a fine selection of local beers provided by Bigelow Brewing, Kennebec River Brewery, and Geaghan Brothers Brewing

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Bramhall- A Neighborhood Pub

The new Bramhall Pub is a wonderful subterranean lair of a pub. Filled with shadowy nooks and candlelight. Just perfect for drinking a lazy afternoon away with friends or perhaps an assignation. Located beneath one of Portland’s many artists colonies the crowd is bound to be interesting. On the drink side they have a solid beer collection and a huge alcohol selection. The cocktail list is still in development but their seasoned bar staff is more than capable of matching drinks to anyone’s taste. The menu is smallish, but very good. Thin potato crisps with or without toppings, a wonderful pork sandwich and the soon to be famous sous vide bacon burger.

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Dubbel Shot ale

Dubbel Shot ale from Barreled Souls Brewery in Saco,is a Belgian style ale with with cold brewed coffee. It’s a wonderfully complex high alcohol brew, reminiscent of a fine dry port but much more drinkable.
I plan on pairing my growler with some beef short ribs that have been simmering all day.

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