John Golden
LFK Makes Its Debut At Last
Submitted by John Golden on Fri, 05/18/2012 - 8:58am.
Who would have thought that lightening could strike thrice on the convergence of State and Pine streets where a restaurant row has emerged of disparate delights?
The Next Chapter In the Vignola-Cinque Terre Story
Submitted by John Golden on Thu, 05/10/2012 - 9:37am.
On a recent Friday night the scene at Vignola was impressively frenetic: a packed room of diners illuminating an otherwise dreary rainy evening. I walked in to have dinner at the bar, which had only one seat left, a crammed space that wasn’t too appealing. The hostess suggested that I go to the bar in the next dining room where it would be quieter and more composed.
Chill Winds Greet Portland Farmer's Market Opening Day
Submitted by John Golden on Wed, 05/02/2012 - 10:10am.
Despite morning temperatures in the low 30s, last Saturday marked the opening day of the outdoor Portland Farmer’s Market in Deering Oaks Park — an occasion that might otherwise be anxiously awaited were it not for the popularity of the indoor winter market that Portlanders attended in great numbers since late December.
Making Plans for Summer Dining
Submitted by John Golden on Mon, 04/16/2012 - 9:15am.
Generally, greater Portland is my stomping grounds for dining out because it’s where I live, and I'm continually intrigued by the region’s wealth of culinary richness.
This is not to say that I never cross the Cumberland County line. And often places that deserve a write up don’t always get in print, and now that the weather is warming up, it may be time for a second look at some of my favorite places worth the trip.
The New Masters of Hugo's
Submitted by John Golden on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 9:58am.
In 2009 and 2010, cooks Arlin Smith, Andrew Taylor, and Mike Wiley convened, one by one, in the kitchen of Hugo’s restaurant to work with award winning chef Rob Evans. Little did they know that within a few years they would take the reigns from their mentor and preside over one of Portland's finest culinary institutions.
Portland is Alive and Well at Lunchtime
Submitted by John Golden on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 2:12pm.
As I’ve noted before, the lunch hour used to be a dismal prospect in downtown Portland. The sundry sandwich shops and take-out havens ruled, and the notion of a proper lunch out was like flipping a coin and hoping for heads.
That has changed dramatically as Portland’s restaurant scene becomes exponentially finer.
Portland’s Premiere Cafés
Submitted by John Golden on Thu, 03/15/2012 - 7:42am.
When I stopped smoking nearly 15 years ago, that inimitable pairing of morning coffee and cigarettes became history. My routine was further amended by needing only one perfect cup of coffee in the morning as though without other incentives. But lately I’ve rediscovered the joys of an afternoon coffee break and have been frequenting Portland’s many cafes where the art of coffee making is in fine form.
Eve's at the Garden Ready to Blossom
Submitted by John Golden on Tue, 03/06/2012 - 5:59pm.
Hotel dining rooms, once the wall flower of the restaurant world, are now a big deal where it’s very much in vogue to have a signature eatery housed within.
