June 22, 2016

Two New Portland Food Trucks

Since my update about the Portland area food trucks, I've spotted 2 more: first, Tacos Del Seoul on the Eastern Prom, about which I was very excited. While I haven't had the chance to eat there yet, the photos on facebook are positively drool-worthy. 

This Korean-Mexican fusion truck serves tacos and burritos with an Asian flare from the Eastern Prom during lunch hours. They've also posted up at the breweries on Industrial Way.


I've also spotted the El Rodeo food truck down on the Eastern End of Commercial St. (near the intersection with India St.). If you're not (un)fortunate enough to know what El Rodeo is, it's a Mexican restaurant by the mall that filled the former home of Outback Steakhouse. 

I went once and had some forgettable, greasy appetizer plate and a subpar margarita (sorry/not sorry to be so harsh, I love me some mall Mexican food, but this was not worthy). The truck's menu features tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Let me know what you think if you try either of these Mexican food trucks!

June 4, 2016

Bissell Brothers Brewing at Thompson's Point


Bissell Brothers Brewing opened at Thompson's Point today, completing their move from the brewery incubator on Industrial Way. The new space is huge compared to the last one, with tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Not only is there more space for hanging out and drinking beer, there's more space for brewing so, the brewery's capacity has expanded too, much to the delight of Bissell Brothers' fans.


During the grand opening, the brewery was selling three types of beer in cans, with a larger capacity than in the recent past, but the beer still sold out quickly. I went to enjoy a draught beer and check out the space without trying to purchase any cans. 

The new set up (at least during the grand opening) had two lines, one for cans only and one for cans and draught beer. 


The new space has a second floor of seating, above the bathrooms, and a little pass-through to a still empty space, making us wonder if it would become the home of Jay Loring's fried chicken shack. One can only hope.

Outside, the tables and stools from Industrial Way made the move, creating a narrow patio around some landscaping. It was nice to sit outside and overlook the rest of Thompson's Point. The Highroller Lobster Co. was set up in the parking lot, serving rolls and dogs.


Bissell Brothers has plenty of space (and parking) for you now, so head over to their new space at Thompson's Point for some beer. They are open Wednesday and Thursday from 12-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12-8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. 

June 3, 2016

Rum Riots at Liquid Riot

I spent yesterday afternoon at Liquid Riot, with the members of Friends of Evergreen Cemetery, giving a talk to commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Portland Rum Riots. Mayor Neal Dow is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, and the group leads tours covering the history of the rum riots. Rather than rehash some well-worn material, I opted to discuss how the laws formed since the end of Prohibition affect the burgeoning craft distilling industry today. I enjoyed a Hemingway Daiquiri, featuring Liquid Riot's Rhum Blanc, Luxardo, grapefruit and lime juices. 

This afternoon, the Friends of Evergreen Cemetery continue their commemoration with a (dry) talk at the Neal Dow House. Dr. Eileen Eagan, Associate Professor of History in the Department of History and Political Science at the University of Southern Maine, and Portland historian Herb Adams will be speaking about the 2 prominent figures of Maine's temperance movement: Lillian Stevens and Neal Dow. It will also be an opportunity to check out the Dow House, an incredible museum dedicated to one of Portland's most interesting figures. The talk starts at 4pm.