It’s been another banner year in 2015 for Portland area restaurants, with the best and brightest showing remarkable menus and innovative cooking, giving the birth of cool cuisine vitality.
While last year was all about small plates, 2015 mixed it up with both small and large plate menus in the mix. Of the 20 or so new establishments in our region, only 10 really made the grade as being special. Union, Isa, East Ender, Tiqa, Roustabout, Evo, Tempo Dulu, Terlingua, The Honey Paw and even Cape Elizabeth chimed in with Rudy’s in the heart of that coastal suburb.
What was distinctive about these newcomers was the Big Money spent on décor, creating unique, often luxurious interiors beyond the traditional post and beam and brick confines that Maine restaurants favor.
The lineup so far for 2016 is still sputtering. But there are a few notables. One humble stretch of Cumberland Avenue will soon see a new eatery called Pizzaiolo at number 360, across from the strip’s only other restaurant, Schulte & Herr. It will offer New York style pizza—the old-fashioned slice that you can fold (not thin crust) and eat on the go. It will also be scratch pizza, from homemade dough to artisanal quality toppings. Pat Scally is the proprietor, formerly director of operations for the Otto chain.
Of course the Big Megillah of 2016 is sure to be the opening of Scales on Portland Harbor brought to us by the inimitable Dana Street/Sam Hayward (Fore Street and Street & Co) and their team. It’s slated to open next month.
Still, 2013-2014 had some stellar eateries such as Central Provisions, Piccolo, Sur-Lie, Lolita and Ebb and Flow. And diners still cram into Duck Fat, Eventide and Empire Chinese. All these are shining brightly, even better than ever. Not to be outdone, however, are the city’s standard-bearers: Fore Street, Back Bay Grill and the ultimate neighborhood standby, Caiola’s.
There was one curious note to the city’s restaurant scene and that is the closing of Petite Jacqueline by January 1, 2016. It’s not due to lack of success; by all accounts it was a favorite haunt for those who savored chef Fred Elliot’s inspired French cuisine.
The Corry’s of 555 and Portland Patisserie fame who own Petite Jacqueline did not want to renew their lease at 190 State St. because of the poor condition of the space, which their landlord allegedly wouldn’t repair. Flood-prone basement and sinking kitchen floor were the major faults. Often the tenant bears the costs of repairs, but major, big-buck fixes were untenable to the Corry’s. They will re-open in the spring.
Rumor has it that the space is already rented, the tenancy still under wraps. Speculation is, however, that Otto’s Ocho (burrito) will take over. Seems like a stretch. Time will tell.