H U N GRY E YE
Foodie Newsflash…
Out Is In! For restaurant style-setters, adversity is the mother of invention.
PHOTOS COURTESY LUNA
F
or those of us fascinated with trying to square the circle, is outside really the new ”in”? We’re witnessing terrific ingenuity across the restaurant industry in seizing opportunities afforded by necessary adaptations to a new norm. “From COVID pivot to permanent crowd pleaser, anything outdoors, warm, and unusual is in,” says Kathleen Pierce of Hospitality Maine. “Igloos are multiplying, ice bars are returning, and fish shacks are now the hottest table to score in the state as hotels, resorts, and restaurants double down on their outdoor attractions. The Cliff House in Cape Neddick had a handful of igloos for dining last year—this year they’re adding a bunch more. And the Samoset in Rockland is bringing back their ice bar. In February, look for the outdoor seafood festival at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.” Eat Drink Lucky’s Gillian Britt reports that 90.1 percent of her viewers have been asking for more news of outdoor dining
B Y DIAN E HUDSON
options. “So that market is not going away anytime soon.” Although Harvest on the Harbor was canceled in 2020, it “sold out in 2021. Being open to the fresh air, it was cold, but people loved it, embracing the chance to hear live music and share with others in lively, delicious events.” Maine Restaurant Week, along with Spirit Quest cocktail pairings, is a go for March 1-12 in 2022, Britt adds. Breweries and distilleries are all in for the outdoors too. Britt notes that Oxbow
on Washington Avenue has installed heated A-frames for outside seating, while Batson River Brewing in Kennebunk has brought back its popular fish shacks (reservations required). Allagash on Industrial Way has expanded its outdoorsy space with heated lean-tos, fire pits, and an enclosed heated patio. THANK GOD, MARSHMALLOWS NOT INCLUDED The ubiquitous fire pits and propane heaters that grace Fore River Brewing Company in South Portland glow cheerfully at breweries all over Portland as the days grow dark at Banded, Belleflower, Lone Pine, Austin Street, Rising Tide, and more. Seems every street corner is filled with folks sipping by an open fire or propane tower warming patrons already warmed by robust spirits at Maine Craft Distilling, Hardshore, and Three of Strong in Portland. Skate and sip at The Rink at ThompWINTERGUIDE 2022 41
