Portland, Maine, is a vibrant city celebrated for its dynamic food scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to innovative culinary creations. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore the gastronomic delights, our Portland Maine Dining Guide keeps you in the loop with the latest culinary events and happenings around town. Discover olive oil tastings, special chef collaborations, certification classes, and exciting food festivals to enrich your dining experience in Portland.
Weekly Culinary Events
Monday: Start your week with an exquisite olive oil tasting hosted by Friends & Family. They are partnering with Tenuta di Spannocchia, promising a delightful exploration of flavors. For dinner, don’t miss the Lunar New Year dinner collaboration between Chef Christine Lau and Bar Futo, offering a unique fusion of culinary traditions.
Tuesday: Chef Christine Lau continues her Lunar New Year celebrations, this time collaborating with Crispy Gai for another special dinner event. Experience a different take on Lunar New Year cuisine as these culinary talents unite.
Wednesday: For those in the food industry or aspiring to enhance their food safety knowledge, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Falmouth offers ServeSafe certification classes. Various sessions are scheduled throughout the spring, providing valuable credentials for food handlers.
Thursday: Five of Clubs introduces its Crafted Conversations series, kicking off with Shahin Khojastehzad from Handshake. Learn about his business while enjoying a custom cocktail featuring Persian amaro. Meanwhile, Devin Finigan from Aragosta will be the guest chef at a special Flanagan Farm Supper Club dinner, promising an unforgettable farm-to-table experience. For a unique pairing experience, Prairie Baking and Belleflower Brewing are collaborating on a 4-course beer and pastry pairing event, a perfect treat for beer and pastry enthusiasts.
Friday: Coffee aficionados can rejoice as Tandem Coffee restarts their weekly coffee cuppings. Sign up for a free session to learn about coffee evaluation from their expert baristas, enhance your palate, and ask any burning coffee questions you might have.
Special Dates & Festivals
Valentine’s Day: Keep an eye out for special Valentine’s Day menus across Portland. Local restaurants are preparing romantic and festive dining experiences to celebrate the day of love. Check local listings for updates and reservations.
February 28: Experience authentic Polish cuisine at Kashas Kitchen in Kittery, which is hosting a special Polish Dinner. A great opportunity to enjoy hearty and traditional Polish dishes.
March 1-12: Mark your calendars for Maine Restaurant Week, a highly anticipated event showcasing the best of Maine’s culinary scene. Participating restaurants will offer special menus and pricing, making it a perfect time to explore new dining destinations.
March 2: Flanagan Farm Supper Club continues to host culinary stars, featuring Sara Jenkins, Dustin Martin, and Lauren Radel from Nina June as guest chefs for another exceptional dinner event.
March 6-8: For a unique and theatrical experience, the traveling Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy will be in Portland for three nights. Enjoy Poe-inspired cocktails and immerse yourself in a literary-themed speakeasy atmosphere.
March 11: Maine Voices Live event at One Longfellow Square will feature bakers Barak Olins and Atsuko Fujimoto. Hear from these talented bakers and learn about their craft and stories.
March 23: The Casco Bay Chef’s Association is holding their annual dinner, a prestigious event celebrating culinary excellence and community within the chef network.
May 17: Wine lovers should not miss the Maine Wild Wine Fest taking place in Freeport. Discover unique wild wines and enjoy a day dedicated to viticulture.
May 30 – June 1: Explore the fascinating world of fungi at the Maine Fungi Fest. This event is perfect for foragers, chefs, and anyone interested in learning more about mushrooms and fungi.
September 14: Cheese enthusiasts can look forward to the Maine Cheese Festival in Pittsfield. Sample a wide variety of Maine-made cheeses and meet local cheesemakers.
September 19-21: Experience the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, celebrating rural living, sustainable agriculture, and Maine’s rich traditions. Enjoy local food, crafts, and agricultural exhibits.
October 12: Discover local creameries during Maine Open Creamery Day. Visit participating creameries, learn about cheese-making, and sample fresh dairy products.
This Portland Maine Dining Guide is your go-to resource for staying updated on the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Check back weekly for more updates and plan your next delicious outing in Portland!
