Tiki – Eat Drink Maine

Rhum Food + Grog is an establishment that the city of Portland has been desperately in need of. Thanks to the King of Yum, Jason Loring and his new restaurant group, the city of Portland now has a hidden tropical oasis right in the heart of the city.

Filled with immensely satisfying food and drink, it’s hard to know exactly where to start because everything is so very,very good! The line up of drinks is classic tiki, but updated with high end twists and served with flair. All can be ordered in single serve size, many in locally crafted mugs. They also have several cocktails that can be ordered in three shareable sizes:bowl(serves 2-3),oil can(serves 4-6,and super cool), ginormous custom mermaid (7+). My favorite to get in the bowl size is the wonderful house Mai Tai, which is potent, very well balanced and served on fire! If you are feeling like a drink with a bit of a bite, try the Junglebird made with blackstrap rum and Campari or my very favorite Blood and Sand made with scotch, cherry heering,grapefruit, and orange. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

The menu is filled with creative versions of classic tiki dishes taken to the ultimate level,plus unexpected menu items that surprise and delight. For example, I was blown away by Rhum’s version of beef tartare. Served with a galbi vinaigrette and apple prawn chips, this Korean inspired dish was spicy,crunchy and oh so satisfying! Another innovative and plate-licking worthy dish is the Loco Moco Inari, a smaltzy-good combination of foie gras,spam, quail egg wrapped in all wrapped up in a beautiful package. Of course they have an insanely good pupu platter filled with such goodies as riblets,edamame and chicken liver toast! More unexpected they have a full raw bar to order from and seafood towers in multiple sizes! Putting all these wonderful foods and beverages together makes this tiki lounge a must try spot if your are looking for a drink and a Nosh.