Charity Italian Wine Tasting, May 16, 3-6pm at Cinque Terre

on May 09 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

$20 for 20 fine Italian wines
Sunday May 16 will be a charity wine tasting raising money for Cultivating Community. This is the second in what will be a bi-monthly charity wine tasting series. Five small distributors will put together a comprehensive tasting of Italian wines. Tickets will be just $20 to taste through 20 fine wines from all over Italy. Shown will be a super Tuscan from Andrea Franchetti, a rosso di Montalcino, a Falaghina, and a Nero d’Avola. The Super Tuscan alone is about $30 retail so between the wines and the food Cinque Terre will be putting out, you’re really getting a good deal. At the same time all the proceeds go to a very worthwhile charity that combats hunger by growing local produce and working with children to build confidence and a connection to the land. It’s a pretty brilliant recipe. Check it out here: website

So come by Cinque Terre and explore Italy’s wine culture on Sunday May 16 and help fight hunger.

Great date places continued

on May 02 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

The Olive Cafe – Portland, Maine

This is a great date place because it’s cozy and intimate, has delicious food and a friendly and inviting waitstaff. If you’ve never tried Mediterranean food, this would be a good place to start due to the variety of offerings. Starters include a mediterranean plate with seasoned and fried cauliflower and eggplant, hummus, falafel and hot sauce. It was all delicious, especially the cauliflower and eggplant and the dish was delivered quickly. The starter menu also includes salads, bruchetta and stuffed grape leaves and the evening we were there an appetizer of mussels and french bread. Read More

Great date place – Inn on Peaks Sunday Brunch

on Jan 31 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

This is a great date place because it’s fun and unusual. Taking the ferry out to Peaks Island in the dead of winter is not for the faint at heart, however it is a bit of an adventure. Dress warmly for the ride over – once you arrive expect a light, airy and lively atmosphere. The Inn on Peaks Island puts on a brunch the last Sunday of the month. Expect a wide selection of buffet items along with omelet and roast beef carving stations. The buffet items include Ceasar Salad, standard breakfast items, asian, seafood and even lasagna. There’s a bar if you feel like a mimosa or bloody mary and while you’re enjoying your buffet – you’ll be entertained by a reggae band.

Make reservations, you’ll need them!

http://www.innonpeaks.com/

Next great date place – Soakology

on Dec 23 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

Soakology is a great place to meet a date for a cup of tea or a snack. It’s quiet, quaint and even though it’s right in the middle of downtown Portland, you’ll feel like you’re off the beaten path. They have a few tables in the front of the store, and a four stool bar toward the back. While you’re waiting for your order they serve you a welcome tea in a tiny japanese teacup nestled on a tiny leaf tray. The day I was there the welcome tea was Moroccan Mint.

There are several varieties of Steamers – both caffeinated and decaf. I had the Roasted Mate Latte which was Roasted Yerba Mate steamed with milk and honey. The roasted flavor of the Yerba Mate combined with the milk and honey gave the drink a delicious light cocoa flavor. The place was busy with people coming and going for appointments. Read More

Best date restaurants continued

on Dec 09 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

Bibo’s Madd Apple Café has been around since 1999 and yet many people haven’t heard of it and worse yet, have not been. It’s another small space, off the beaten path. You’ll find it quaint, quiet and a rare food/dining experience which is why I chose it. Bibo’s is located next to The Portland Stage Company on Forest Ave.

Go when you have time to really enjoy the experience and the food. At Bibo’s they believe in savoring each course, taking the time to enjoy the meal along with good conversation. Bibo’s features ‘melting pot cuisine and their philosophy is that food should be fun and interesting and enjoyed with fine wine. Chef Bill Botwell and wife Andrea feature foods with as many local ingredients as possible. Read More

Number one best date restaurant in Portland

on Dec 03 in General, Restaurants, coffee shops and more tagged by AWoodson

What a difficult decision, do I start with number one and work my way to number five or start at the bottom of my top five and work my way to number one? Starting with number one wins out because it is just too irresistible not to. BAR LOLA. If you have not been to this astonishing Munjoy Hill eatery, which opened in 2006, then go. And then go again and again. The menu changes and you’ll want to experience every change. Read More