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I’m on call this week for work, so taking Amber out to dinner for Valentine’s Day is not really possible. However, a friend of mine came up with an alternative that is going to work out well. Vintner’s Wine Cellar on Forest Ave., within walking distance of our apartment, is hosting a series wine and chocolate tasting events beginning tomorrow (February 13) and running through Sunday evening. There will be three 90 minute tastings each night, beginning at 4:30 PM and running back-to-back-to-back. Amber and I will be checking this out Saturday night with a group of friends (don’t worry, I have some other Valentine’s Day things up my sleeve too). The cost is $30 per person, and you should call ahead to make a reservation – 207-878-1119.

Amber and I met a friend at Fajita Grill, on Main St. in Westbrook, for dinner and margaritas last night. Having never eaten there before, we did not know what we were in for, but Amber had heard good things from some of her teacher friends who live over that way. We arrived first and each ordered a frozen margarita. We had seen the large glasses on a few other tables and figured that they were probably pretty stingy with the tequila to make them that big for $5. We were quite mistaken. These suckers seriously must have had a triple, or at least a double, of tequila in them. They were incredibly strong (not to the point of not tasting good, of course, but strong). 

Amber and I each ordered one of the various combo meals that they have. All 25 or so of the combos run about $7 and include various combinations of such staples as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and chimichangas. Our friend ordered a California burrito that was so named because it was nearly the size of said state (well, at least that’s my reasoning behind the name). It was a $10 dish, but it was enormous. We received the obligatory basket of warm corn chips and salsa while we waited for our meals to arrive. If you go, ask for the house green salsa. It’s got a nice kick to it (the red salsa was a little mild in my opinion). 

The meals were fine, but did not really stand out for either of us. The tequila overload probably didn’t help that any. I finished my meal and was comfortably full; Amber had to take home about half of hers. Surprisingly, she still had room for dessert, so an order of sopapillas (friend dough drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar) was requested. We all ate some of this $5 dessert and concluded that it, like the rest of the food, was adequate but unremarkable. All in all, the margaritas were the highlight of the meal. If you like tequila and can find a sober driver, I highly recommend heading down to 857 Main St. in Westbrook. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Amber and I were looking for a new place for brunch after church this past weekend and decided that we’d give Local 188 a try. We’d heard some good things and had walked by before and thought it was a pretty cool looking space, so we swung by around noon. The parking lot was packed, so Amber went in to grab a table and I did a little mall stalking until a space opened. The parking situation on Congress (I was going to say “that end of Congress,” but really, it’s the whole street) could use some improvement, so thank God for off-street lots. 

The restaurant was full when we arrived. There was a bustling crowd of young hipsters mixed in with older couples and their kids and a more than a few tables with grey hair. It was a pretty complete cross-section of the Portland population. We got a table in short order. Unfortunately, my seat was facing the unshaded window, so I had to eat with sunglasses on. There is a nice bar and lounge section on the left when you enter, an area that obviously hosts live music near the center of the space, and some couches and low tables behind that. On the right half of the red-dominated industrial space (exposed duct work is, as expected, visible above) is the dining room. I didn’t count but would guess that it easily holds 75 or so.

The brunch menu was somewhat basic, but the very friendly waitress mentioned a few specials that sounded interesting, including an open-faced omelette and a chocolate chip blueberry pancake. We both ended up getting the “build-your-own” scramble option. The scramble is $5, with toppings/fillings $1 a piece. A side of home fries and an English muffin is included. For such a basic breakfast, it took the kitchen a while to get our meals out. I was nearly done with my first cup of coffee (which I was nursing) before we were served. It was busy, but I expected a little better.

The scrambles were both good. I got spinach, bacon, and goat cheese in mine, and Amber opted for spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese. The goat cheese was excellent and added a very nice creamy saltiness. I’m not sure I got a dollar’s worth of bacon in mine, but there was plenty of food for $8. The home fries were only average. In my opinion they could have used a bit more seasoning. The English muffin was the surprise of the meal. I’ve never had an English muffin that I would bother to comment on, but this thing was great. Seriously, I don’t know where they got it (perhaps it was house made, but I would be surprised), but it’s easily the best English muffin I’ve ever had. 

The check took a while coming, but it was nice to not feel hurried toward the door so that the next party could take our table. Overall we were pleased with, but not blown away by, our visit. We’d go again (I’ve heard the dinner is great), but probably not for brunch if we had lots to do in the afternoon. Between Hot Suppa and Local 188, the western end of Congress Street is definitely worth checking out by any foodie looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Old Port.

Looking for something a little different? Don’t mind the cold? Then perhaps this is for you:

Portland Harbor Hotel on Fore Street welcomes the cold of winter with its Annual Ice Bar event Thursday, January 22 through Saturday, January 24. The Ice Bar runs from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night. Surrounded with white lights, outdoor firepits and gleaming ice sculptures, the Ice Bar is a unique and unusual way to take advantage of the cold winter months in Maine.  

Portland Harbor Hotel chef and ice carver Jeff Landry will shape more than 7,000 lbs. of ice into three working bars, complete with a martini luge. Located outside in the hotel’s courtyard garden, bundled patrons can sip on specialty martinis, wine and local beers. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres will be served courtesy of Costa Vida and Burrito. 

The Portland Harbor Hotel will be charging a $10 cover charge to attend the Ice Bar with proceeds going to three different non-profits. On Thursday night, the cover charge will support the Southern Maine chapter of Share our Strength. On Friday night, the cover will go to the Keep ME Warm fund. On Saturday night, the cover will support the Center for Grieving Children.

It sounds like a fun way to spend a Happy Hour. Looking at weather.com, I think Thursday or Friday night might be a little warmer than Saturday. Too bad I already have plans Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Amber is out of town, so I try to keep busy to ward off loneliness). If anyone does go, let me know how it is. I’d love to get a picture from someone…

Amber and I met Moses Sabina, the chef and co-owner of Hot Suppa, at a holiday party recently. Mo and I had a lengthy discussion on the Portland food scene, and I promised Amber and I would stop in for lunch during the holidays since we both had almost two weeks off. With our last day off upon us, Amber and I headed to Congress Street today after hitting the gym. We arrived just after 1:30 PM and missed most of the lunch crowd. The small dining room is cheery, with red  and gold accents and local scenes painted on clam shells on display. I did not ask who the artist was, but they were pretty cool.

We looked over the menu and were torn on what to order (well, Amber was…I selected the Cubano sandwich quite quickly). On the recommendation of the waitress, Amber got the fried green tomato BLT and a side of the day’s soup, butternut curry. I selected the homemade mac & cheese for my side. Some of the other menu highlights were a roast duck sandwich (a special of the day), eggs benedict with fried green tomatoes (breakfast is served all day), and a French-style tuna sandwich whose name escapes me. Both of our lunches were fabulous. The Cubano melted in my mouth, and Amber’s BLT was excellent. I’ll have to ply Moses with some good beer (he’s a big fan of Novare Res, so it shouldn’t be hard) and see if I can wrest the breading recipe from him. It was that good. The soup was great, and the mac and cheese was good too, though I’m not sure it was the right decision to pair with the Cubano. 

The waitress was cheery and attentive (especially considering we were the last table of the day and they were closing up and doing sidework), Moses came out to chat, and we’ll most assuredly be going back. The check was a touch high for a regular lunch spot (~$24, including a soda and a hot chocolate and tax, but not the tip), but I would not be surprised if Amber and I end up there a couple or three times a month. This is a soul food cafe with a soul, and some damn good fried green tomatoes. They’re open every day, with the exception of some holidays, from 7:00 AM (7:30 on Sundays) to 2:00 PM at 703 Congress St., between the Rite Aid and Local 188. Check them out; you’ll be glad you did.