gBritt Blog

Portland Press Herald’s Meredith Goad focused her Soup to Nuts column today on Coffee By Design’s process of evaluating coffee aroma, flavor, acidity and balance. It’s called a “cupping” experience. It’s an interesting article, here’s a link.

Since relocating to Portland, Maine, in ‘95 we have enjoyed Coffee By Design coffees. We started working with Mary Allen and Alan last year, they’re the owners and founders. Getting to know them and their brand has been a fantastic experience. Our respect has steadily grown for their product and the culture they’ve established. This “cupping” article sheds new light on why Coffee By Design is an independent business force here in Maine.

Cheers.

You do not have to live here to know about Maine winters. Two words, long and cold. Maine winters are especially wintry if you own a restaurant. Customers tend to stay home. Four winters ago, in 09, gBritt decided to create a special event that would boost revenue for owners and put more money in service staff and bartender pockets. We started Maine Restaurant Week. It lit a fire under chilled-to-the-bone customers. We understand Maine’s restaurant community and its suppliers. Also we worked in restaurants and know what it is like to depend on tips for survival. Fast forward to 2012 and here we are. The fourth annual Maine Restaurant Week is right around the corner. It is scheduled for March 1-10.

This year’s Maine Restaurant Week has many familiar names and already some new ones. On both the sponsor front and in the restaurant roster. Really things are just getting rolling. We invite you to add your name to our email group, get our Tweets and Like our Facebook. Cheers to that.

Check out Maine Restaurant Week online, at mainerestaurantweek.com.

The brilliant people who surround us have immense knowledge and expertise to share. As we get started with 2012 we at gBritt want everyone to know one thing, we are listening.

Wishing everyone the very best 2012.

Sam Hayward is one of Portland’s most respected restaurateurs. In 2004 the James Beard Foundation hailed him as ‘Best Chef in the Northeast’ and his restaurant, Fore Street, has been acknowledged by many gourmet food publications. In this podcast Sam shares his thoughts on Portland’s culinary evolution and the importance of local suppliers.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Camden Harbour Inn’s video project was completed this week. A series of wonderful videos for the inn and Natalie’s restaurant are ready for camdenharbourinn.com and other online uses.

To view, click the thumbnail below or choose “play now”.

 

 Camden Harbour Inn: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Doug Martin, President, W.H. Demmons with Rep. Chellie Pingree
Photo by Diane Hudson

 

 News 8 WMTW Reports on W.H. Demmons and Saco Transportation Center grand opening: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Portland Ballet begins the holiday season on December 7th with the Victorian Nutcracker. Listen in as the dancers prepare for the classic performance.

The Victorian Nutcracker Performances

Short and Sweets in Lewiston: December 7, 2008 at 2 p.m. Lewiston Franco-American Heritage Center. Call 207-689-2000 for tickets.

North Conway, NH: December 13 & 14, 2008 at 2 p.m. Kennett High School. Call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertix.com for tickets.

Portland: December 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Merrill Auditorium. Portix: 842-0800

 

 Portland Ballet Victorian Nutcracker 2008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

LeRoux’s Gadget Guru, Leslie Khorsandi has gifts for every cook, baker, and household. Hear her expert overview and take a peek at these 25 fantastic and affordable gifts.

 

 25 under $25, Gifts from LeRoux Kitchen: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Podcast Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Portland Ballet is gearing up for a special Halloween performance that is geared toward children of all ages. Come with us backstage during a rehearsal and hear about the production, the costumes, and meet the cast.

 

 Flash Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

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Larry Matthews Jr. operates a fun and stylish establishment that is a long-standing favorite of Portland’s dinner crowd. His penchant for quality ingredients and his ability to understand his customers result in an upscale neighborhood restaurant that is bursting with personality, flavor, and charm. Take a listen and hear what makes the Back Bay Grill so appealing to all types of people.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download