Tag Archives: Reviews

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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The Small Axe Guys Find A Home

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.

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 According to gearjunkie the metrosexual look has been replaced by dressing as a lumberjack or woodsman.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