Maine Restaurant Week (March 1-10) kicked off this year?s festivities with The Signature Event, a competition / showcase of desserts and cocktails from participating establishments. ?Guests were given bead necklaces of different colors, and voted for their favorite dessert, cocktail, and table arrangement by placing beads of the correct color around the restaurant employees who were working the table.
In addition to this method of voting, 3 judges ? (?John Gertsen?of?No. 9 Park in Boston ? master barman and expert on the history of cocktails, ?Portland?s John Meyers ? regarded as the best bartender in the state and also a cocktail historian, and Shannon Bryan, blogger and content producer at MaineTodayMedia) had the tough task of tasting every drink and making their choice.
Chillwave music thumped lightly in the background as the Portland Harbor Hotel?s function rooms began filling to capacity. Beads began accumulating on the necks of the chefs and restaurant employees working different tables, and things quickly became overwhelming ? Do I try the habanero-infused margarita from Zapoteca first, or the dessert from Standard Baking Co. that I hear is giving people instant orgasms? Ahhh! Choices!
Somehow, I maintained my composure and had one (or ten) of most everything I photographed. The flavors, creativity, and enthusiasm of the participants was amazing. I was reminded once again how lucky I am to live in an area with such a vibrant culinary scene. Enjoy the photos, and be sure to look into Maine Restaurant Week on Facebook to stay up to date on the fixed-price menu specials running for the next 10 days.
Zapoteca's Table
East End Cupcakes - Chocolate Cupcake with Sea Salted Caramel Buttercream
Great Lost Bear's "Bloodlust"
The Great Lost Bear's table setup
The Pastel Imposible from Walter's
Amaretto Chocolate Torts from David's Restaurant
MRW Sponsor Double Cross Vodka
Drinks from the Corner Room & David's
The Dessert Winner - The Standard Baking Co.'s "Gateau Noisette"
Carrot Cake Parfait from The Frog and Turtle
Rackin' up those beads
These were AMAZING
Chef David Turin of David's and David's 388 - his back must be hurting!
David's Cocktail table setup
Hors d' oeuvres from Natalie's in Camden
The crew from Academe Brasserie in Kennebunk - Their cocktail, "Put Up Your Dukes" , along with their carnival-barker style demeanor, attracted crowds all night
The Salt Exchange's take on a dark and stormy, "The Devil's Gale"
Walter's crew putting the finishing touches on the Pastel Imposible
"Conundrum #1" - Natalie's
Bam Bam Bakery
Judge's Choice Best Cocktail - Conundrum #1, from Natalie's in Camden
Eve's at the Garden presented this Strawberry Basil Mojito
Pastries from Whole Foods
"The Golden Sun" from Local 188
Representatives from the Azure Cafe, People's Choice Cocktail winners
People's Choice cocktail - Fresh Basil Gimlet from Azure Cafe
Zapoteca's Watermelon Habanero Margarita - Truly amazing, and my personal favorite.
The Zapoteca Team
The Judges' Table
The Judges' Table
The Judges' Table
The Salt Exchange's Table
Keep these spicy margaritas flowing!
Maine Restaurant Week's Jim Britt announcing the winners
Time to count the beads!
Enthusiastic Cocktail Enthusiasts.......The Judges.
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Commercial Photographer and aspiring brewer. Documenting interesting clients, Observations on Portland life, and marketing/biz ideas for photographers,sugar cookie recipe sugar cookie recipe robert deniro how the grinch stole christmas macaroni and cheese festivus festivus
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