Tag Archives: Minkowitz

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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Ascension of the Lumbersexual

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 According to gearjunkie the metrosexual look has been replaced by dressing as a lumberjack or woodsman.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.

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Fun to Fizz Dinner

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.

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Pocket Brunch- this time it’s Dinner!

What could be better than spending the evening eating game, and sharing good times and drinks with the coolest kids in town Pocket Brunch staring Chef Josh Potocki, with special guests Nathan Nadeau, Brant Dedaleares of Fore St and Thomas Pisha-Duffy of the upcoming Honey Paw! Time to get your tickets before it is too late. Hope to see you there!IMG_1639.JPG