1. With oil at $35/barrel why has the price of gasoline in maine stalled at $1.71. The last time oil was this price, gas was $1.25/gal.
2. From a buyer standpoint it seems that immigrants are leading the way for business acquisitions. "Regular" Americans that I talk to do just don't want to work--and certainly not blue collar jobs. Most are looking for a business that they can have someone manage while they collect pay.
3. I'm on Facebook after years of having various myspace accounts. It's nice to reconnect with old friends.
4. I wonder every year, at about this time, why I'm still in Maine! Cold winters are just miserable. But then, like every year, spring, summer and fall make me wonder why I would want to be anywhere else.
5. Reading LeCarre's George Smiley stories. Pretty dry so far.
6. Lots of small boutique shops closing in the Old Port.
7. Pondering a reunion of old NECN staff....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
MIM's has closed
hmm...It's almost time to re-open Hanson Bros. Seafood/Cafe, and that seems the perfect place.
Neal Stephenson
For those that have not heard of Neal Stephenson, go to the local bookstore or get on Amazon and check it out. A cross between Umberto Eco and William Gibson, Neal writes historical fiction with an element of mathmatics and economics. I would first recommend Cryptonomicon, which deals with WWII code breaking, treasure hunters, sovereign data banks, and the history of early computing.
However is greatest work in the Baroque Cycle which details the emergence of the financial markets during the 1600's and the development of the scientific method through intertwining tales of historic persona. How the guy ever did the research and wrote the 9 books(3 volumes of 1000+ pages) is beyond me. His most recent book is Anathema.
However is greatest work in the Baroque Cycle which details the emergence of the financial markets during the 1600's and the development of the scientific method through intertwining tales of historic persona. How the guy ever did the research and wrote the 9 books(3 volumes of 1000+ pages) is beyond me. His most recent book is Anathema.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Big 3 Auto Bailout
Just a quick idea on the Big 3 auto bailout. Rather than give a large loan package to the companies themselves, there may be a better way to respond. First the government should purchase a large stake in the companies to gain control of management and force a new strategic vision. That would cost $2-$5b in stock purchases. Second, rather than loan the companies $30b+ with no guarantee of a payback, no guarantee of fundamental change, and the appearance of rewarding failure, use the money to offer a $10,000 rebate per new Big 3 car purchase on vehicles that meet at least a 24mpg fuel rating. This would have a three fold effect:
It would stimulate demand for Big 3 products and boost sales immediately.
It would benefit consumers who need to make a new car purchase or want to shift into a more fuel efficient vehicle and stimulate consumer spending.
Motivate lenders to make auto loans since the rebate would reduce the loan to value ratio.
All stakeholders would benefit: the Big 3 would benefit from increase sales and moving current inventory, lenders would have a relatively safe market to make loans and earn a return, consumers would be able to buy a fuel efficient American automobile at a discount, and the government would benefit from a increase in the share value it’s stock purchase.
If the entire $25b was spent on $10k rebates, that would amount to $60-$75b in auto sales with on an average of a $25k vehicle price.
It just seems to me that throwing billions or hundreds of billions at companies and hoping for a trickle down effect isn't really working. We are still talking about relieving home owners who are facing foreclosures...wasn't the financial bailout supposed to address that? Top down economic stimulus is a failing model...bottom up stimulus and incentives directly benefit americans and if done properly will trickle up.
It would stimulate demand for Big 3 products and boost sales immediately.
It would benefit consumers who need to make a new car purchase or want to shift into a more fuel efficient vehicle and stimulate consumer spending.
Motivate lenders to make auto loans since the rebate would reduce the loan to value ratio.
All stakeholders would benefit: the Big 3 would benefit from increase sales and moving current inventory, lenders would have a relatively safe market to make loans and earn a return, consumers would be able to buy a fuel efficient American automobile at a discount, and the government would benefit from a increase in the share value it’s stock purchase.
If the entire $25b was spent on $10k rebates, that would amount to $60-$75b in auto sales with on an average of a $25k vehicle price.
It just seems to me that throwing billions or hundreds of billions at companies and hoping for a trickle down effect isn't really working. We are still talking about relieving home owners who are facing foreclosures...wasn't the financial bailout supposed to address that? Top down economic stimulus is a failing model...bottom up stimulus and incentives directly benefit americans and if done properly will trickle up.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thoughts of the week.
1. I thought Warren Buffets op-ed piece did a nice of job of pointing out what seems obvious: buy assets and equity during a market downturn.
2. Seems like a number of restuarants will be closing or changing hands in the next few months. Rumor has it that after 4 months of operation, Prost and Onyx have been sold or are in the process of being sold. The kitchen is closed.
3. Chris Busby at The Bollard asked good questions for City Council candidates--but I especially like the question re: Riverside Municipal Golf Course. I've been trying to get traction on the subject so it least someone is putting it out there.
4. Seems like a great fall foliage season.
5. I suspect Maine will avoid the worst lows of the current/future "recession"; but it would be nice if real estate values dropped a little more!
6. John, the bartender at the Grill Room is running for city council.
2. Seems like a number of restuarants will be closing or changing hands in the next few months. Rumor has it that after 4 months of operation, Prost and Onyx have been sold or are in the process of being sold. The kitchen is closed.
3. Chris Busby at The Bollard asked good questions for City Council candidates--but I especially like the question re: Riverside Municipal Golf Course. I've been trying to get traction on the subject so it least someone is putting it out there.
4. Seems like a great fall foliage season.
5. I suspect Maine will avoid the worst lows of the current/future "recession"; but it would be nice if real estate values dropped a little more!
6. John, the bartender at the Grill Room is running for city council.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
It's a buyers market
While many, many people are nervous, fearful or just cautious in these uncertain times, the reality is that economic downturns are opportunities for smart buyers. While we understand the simple formula "buy low, sell high" my experience has been that most people would rather "buy high and try to sell higher".
Assets are selling at discounts: real estate, vehicles, businesses etc. Although the credit market is tight, cash is king for getting great deals.
Assets are selling at discounts: real estate, vehicles, businesses etc. Although the credit market is tight, cash is king for getting great deals.
Apple iPhone
My new iPhone is perhaps one of the best pieces of technology I have encountered. I just read that Bath, Maine has made a walking tour of it's historic district available for download on iTunes. Does Portland do that? The visitor bureau should be uploading content at all possible speeed onto Yelp, Urban Spoon, Google, iWant, Earthscape etc. Content is king and a "information czar" to oversee input would give Portland a competitive edge:
outdoor activity venues
bars/restaurants/
cultural activities
recycling points
city government info formatted for phone devices
outdoor activity venues
bars/restaurants/
cultural activities
recycling points
city government info formatted for phone devices
Maine State Pier III
I've almost given up on the pier project. Now that Olympia is asking for further zone changes, the economy and credit markets are in the toilet, and they are not planning on starting work until 2011 anyway it seems like a gigantic waste of time.
While I'm not a fan of the rent/tax structure and spoke out during city council at least OP would have started work immediately, employing hundreds of workers at union payscales. And OP would have committed the capital and been self-financed.
Chalk it up with the Libra's and Boulos' civic center projects and you have another large scale endeavor doomed to the dustbin. We seem to be stuck with Olympia no matter what they do, what they change or what they can't perform. That's just odd.
As I mentioned before, there should have been performance circuit breakers throughout the process to allow the city to withdraw from the negotiations and agreements with Olympia. That would have been common sense protection for the stakeholders: city of portland taxpayers.
While I'm not a fan of the rent/tax structure and spoke out during city council at least OP would have started work immediately, employing hundreds of workers at union payscales. And OP would have committed the capital and been self-financed.
Chalk it up with the Libra's and Boulos' civic center projects and you have another large scale endeavor doomed to the dustbin. We seem to be stuck with Olympia no matter what they do, what they change or what they can't perform. That's just odd.
As I mentioned before, there should have been performance circuit breakers throughout the process to allow the city to withdraw from the negotiations and agreements with Olympia. That would have been common sense protection for the stakeholders: city of portland taxpayers.
Forest Ave "Improvements"
The new "improvements" on outer Forest Ave are curious. After adding a bicycle lane to promote alt transportation they have now installed concrete islands on either end from the intersection at Warren and down at the industrial parkway. While I could be misinformed or off base I see several problems and/or issues:
1. The cost. It doesn't seem like a necessary improvement and it must have cost $5-$20k?
2. Will a raised island create a plowing hazard during the winter?
3. With cars already merging westbound after the warren ave intersection, the island creates a further bottleneck with traffic speeding up after a light, going downhill and coming around a blind corner. Cars turning right or the bus either block the road completely or block or drift into the bicycle lane. We already had one accident on the first night after the island was finished.
Is this a beautification project? Is it traffic control? Forest/302 is a major commuter thoroughfare and bloodline into the city(along with Congress and Washington). Perhaps a better idea would have been the addition of a center turn lane?
1. The cost. It doesn't seem like a necessary improvement and it must have cost $5-$20k?
2. Will a raised island create a plowing hazard during the winter?
3. With cars already merging westbound after the warren ave intersection, the island creates a further bottleneck with traffic speeding up after a light, going downhill and coming around a blind corner. Cars turning right or the bus either block the road completely or block or drift into the bicycle lane. We already had one accident on the first night after the island was finished.
Is this a beautification project? Is it traffic control? Forest/302 is a major commuter thoroughfare and bloodline into the city(along with Congress and Washington). Perhaps a better idea would have been the addition of a center turn lane?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Commuting/Gas/Transportation
Another plank on the platform...
Anyone that has commuted into the peninsula knows that route 100, route 302, Brighton and congress are major traffic flows for the morning and evening commute. Whats noticable is that almost all the cars have a single occupant. One car = one person. While the traffic is not as bad as major cities, the intown parking combined with the other costs of commuting(time, gas, congestion etc) Portland should be at the forefront of dealing with this issue.
My idea: commuter parking lots at the periphery of Portland(see #2 below for lot solution). These lots would be serviced by express bus runs into town(not to the bus station but down union, across commercial and up india). Commuters would be able to park their car and take a relatively quick run into town without frequent stops and save 14-20 miles per day.
These lots would be marketed and a rideshare program could be developed via a city web site. Two other thoughts:
1. Registered car poolers. Program that would offer subsidized or free intown parking with 3 or more passengers.
2. Work with Hannafords to utilize excess parking capacity for the commuter lots. The Hannafords at West Falmouth Crossing, Riverside Drive, Westbrook, Scarborough and the Mall would work perfectly as satellite lots. Hannaford could be given tax credit per spot allocated.
Anyone that has commuted into the peninsula knows that route 100, route 302, Brighton and congress are major traffic flows for the morning and evening commute. Whats noticable is that almost all the cars have a single occupant. One car = one person. While the traffic is not as bad as major cities, the intown parking combined with the other costs of commuting(time, gas, congestion etc) Portland should be at the forefront of dealing with this issue.
My idea: commuter parking lots at the periphery of Portland(see #2 below for lot solution). These lots would be serviced by express bus runs into town(not to the bus station but down union, across commercial and up india). Commuters would be able to park their car and take a relatively quick run into town without frequent stops and save 14-20 miles per day.
These lots would be marketed and a rideshare program could be developed via a city web site. Two other thoughts:
1. Registered car poolers. Program that would offer subsidized or free intown parking with 3 or more passengers.
2. Work with Hannafords to utilize excess parking capacity for the commuter lots. The Hannafords at West Falmouth Crossing, Riverside Drive, Westbrook, Scarborough and the Mall would work perfectly as satellite lots. Hannaford could be given tax credit per spot allocated.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Misc Thoughts
One of the largest buildings on the Portland waterfront is the cumberland storage building. Tall, brick and drab, your eyes tend to slip past it, but if you do focus you realize how dominant it is over the landscape. Given the city's willingness to rezone the MSP, why not allow a contact zone for that pier/building? I have to believe that a major development in that building would generate considerably more taxes than it's current use.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
more thoughts
Another thought: I saw the city truck picking up trash from the curb receptacles this morning in the Old Port. Since the city is already paying for the truck, transport and labor, public works should offer removal services to in-town businesses/restaurants and bars? That way they could generate some revenue to offset city costs.
And finally…many of the store fronts in the Old Port, and around town do not offer quarters to tourists and visitors to feed the parking meters. The city uses a parking officer to collect quarters (in a bucket) from all the meters in the morning. I assume that there is some labor cost to the city to process thousands of quarters. If the city installed curb side changes machines(obviously secure) the parking officer could recycle coins from the meters into the change machines for bills and tourists and visitors would have ready access to change to feed the meters.
And finally…many of the store fronts in the Old Port, and around town do not offer quarters to tourists and visitors to feed the parking meters. The city uses a parking officer to collect quarters (in a bucket) from all the meters in the morning. I assume that there is some labor cost to the city to process thousands of quarters. If the city installed curb side changes machines(obviously secure) the parking officer could recycle coins from the meters into the change machines for bills and tourists and visitors would have ready access to change to feed the meters.
ideas for Portland
1. Convert Commercial St. parking(waterside) to dedicated motorcycle/scooter spots. At three motorcycle spots per car spot this sends the right message and encourages commuters to use 2 wheels. Plus, motorcycle tourists spend big bucks.
2. What is the deal with the Municipal Golf Course? Where in the city charter is their the obligation to provide affordable golf and tax payer cost? That's right, the Muni usually runs a deficit. Other cities and private owners have started converting golf courses to other developments. Given the enormous amount of land that golf requires it really isn't the "highest and best use". Even without changing it's use, the city could sell or lease the land and put it back on the tax rolls. In 2007 the municipal golf course generated $1m in revenue...about the same as a average restaurant in the Old Port. Not really maximizing city assets.
2. What is the deal with the Municipal Golf Course? Where in the city charter is their the obligation to provide affordable golf and tax payer cost? That's right, the Muni usually runs a deficit. Other cities and private owners have started converting golf courses to other developments. Given the enormous amount of land that golf requires it really isn't the "highest and best use". Even without changing it's use, the city could sell or lease the land and put it back on the tax rolls. In 2007 the municipal golf course generated $1m in revenue...about the same as a average restaurant in the Old Port. Not really maximizing city assets.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Misc Thoughts
1. With the addition of the Miss Portland Diner, the "dorm" apartments and the office buildings, Marginal Way is turning into a dynamic area. I still wonder how it will become pedestrian friendly given the scope and speed of through traffic.
2. Was up in Bath talking to Ed Rogers(Maxwells), saw a great piece of property...send me an email(you know who).
2. Was up in Bath talking to Ed Rogers(Maxwells), saw a great piece of property...send me an email(you know who).
Monday, March 31, 2008
A few random thoughts
1. Olympia has been denied an extended land lease for submerged lands under the MSP. While that could kill the process, Olympia also has some financing issues and apparently will put putting NO EQUITY into the project. This seems like a good time to go back to the table or bring OP in. I'm in favor of putting out a new RFP nation wide with deadlines that will allow for other parties to get involved. If there are developers that will invest $100m into saco island then we can certainly find one for the MSP. Another idea would be a upfront lease payment/impact fee of $5 million that could then be allocated to a city owned and run mega pier. The new terminal looks great!
2. I was reading that Mars Hill has reduced property taxes by 20% due to revenue increases from the wind power project. The mil rate went from $25+- to $20+-. What a novel idea...offset residential property taxes with new commercial development tax revenues. It seems like every new Portland project is sold to taxpayers based on the theory that their taxes will be reduced...haven't seen that yet. Of course it's hard to reduce residential taxes when every new development gets TIFFs and tax credits. It's corporate welfare.
3. The roads are in pretty bad shape, but I've noticed that there is a lot of cobblestone under the paving. First I was wondering if that helped or hurt the paving above it? And does cobblestone have an intrinsic value? Could it be removed and sold for historic properties, downtowns, sidewalks etc?
2. I was reading that Mars Hill has reduced property taxes by 20% due to revenue increases from the wind power project. The mil rate went from $25+- to $20+-. What a novel idea...offset residential property taxes with new commercial development tax revenues. It seems like every new Portland project is sold to taxpayers based on the theory that their taxes will be reduced...haven't seen that yet. Of course it's hard to reduce residential taxes when every new development gets TIFFs and tax credits. It's corporate welfare.
3. The roads are in pretty bad shape, but I've noticed that there is a lot of cobblestone under the paving. First I was wondering if that helped or hurt the paving above it? And does cobblestone have an intrinsic value? Could it be removed and sold for historic properties, downtowns, sidewalks etc?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Great Moments in the OP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqNJoJBDk7g
Just another night outside of Bull Feeneys....nice to see it's being discussed:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/maine/292355-typical-night-old-port.html
Just another night outside of Bull Feeneys....nice to see it's being discussed:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/maine/292355-typical-night-old-port.html
Friday, March 21, 2008
Bar Design Functionality
Out of habit, I almost always assess design, layout and bar placement whenever I enter an establishment. Having built quite a few bar interiors: some on a tight budget, and some with substantial budgets and having worked in bars/clubs and restaurants since I was 15 I tend to appreciate function over form. The joke is that you can design a bar based on three things: appearance, durability or cost but you can only pick two.
Taking general seating out of the equation, a bar needs to attractive and comfortable for patrons but needs to be efficient for servers to maximize sales potential. While many bars try to consolidate back room services: dishwashing, stock & prep within the bar, high volume many establishments need to have a bar back during peak hours. Bar design needs to take into consideration for support staff traffic, but lately I've seen too many bars that have overdone the "raceway"(the distance between the bar and the back bar). While space for support staff is needed, a functional back bar requires bartenders to be able to transition front to back quickly and efficiently: the target being a raceway of 30-40". Any more distance requires the bartender to take a step between the back bar inventory and the drink prep area at the bar.
So without getting into too much theory I felt like commenting on a few notable bars and/or specific designs:
1. A circular traffic flow is critical for a bar/nightclub. Whether an island bar or path around seating or dance floor, a circular traffic pattern allows patrons to traverse the crowd naturally and replenishes crowd mix. This is extra critical in nightclubs: placement of furniture, railings etc should contribute to a cyclical pattern. The Pavilion wasn't bad, but they didn't have that upstairs. 51 Wharf has a great island bar, but space is tight so it's not quite there. Old Port Tavern has a great traffic pattern when the back room is open. Grittys expansion has dramatically changed their customer flow with the new room they added several years ago.
2. Bar height. I'm not sure how people get this wrong, but using standard "bar height" stools or chairs a bar should be 40-42". Bars that are too low or too high really create an uncomfortable(and thus undesirable) experience. Rivalries' first bar was a wee bit too high but they have since rebuilt the bar and it's great now! Portland Flatbread had something wrong. Not sure if it was the seats, the lower lip or something else, but you couldn't sit up at the bar with your legs under the overhang. Venue, the short lived bar on Forest really screwed it up...way too high. But they obviously had no idea what they were doing.
3. The rail, nose or overhang. You want to be able to sit at the bar and be within easy reach of your drink or food and not have anything spill on your lap. While the bar at 51 is beautiful(and one of my favorite back in the G'Vannis days) the slanting bar rail pushes you away from the bar top just a bit too much.
4. Island bars. Great for creating social intimacy, atmosphere and meeting people but...there are downsides. First you can "see behind the curtain". While you usually can't see the underbar, island bars allows you to see the bits and pieces: trash cans, dishwashers, dirty glasswear, well liquors etc. Special attention needs to be maintaining a neat and clean area behind the bar. Second, you need to disrupt sightlines to maintain a sense of privacy and intimacy. Again the bar at 51 has pillars and a overbar and glass racks so that helps break it up. TGI Fridays did not and the bar felt open, exposed and empty.
5. Corners. Outside corners are good, inside corners are very very bad. Rivalries had an "L" shaped bar but the inside corner was facing out. Again, they removed that for a gentle curve This creates an untenable seat arrangement and you end up losing almost 3 seats of space. Outside corners or rounds are good because it turns couples, groups or customers slightly towards each other, helping socialization.
6. Seats with backs. enough said. Unas has the worse seats, demillos are...strange and too close together...
One of the greatest back in the day(when the back patio was open): Geddys(Bar Harbor).
Taking general seating out of the equation, a bar needs to attractive and comfortable for patrons but needs to be efficient for servers to maximize sales potential. While many bars try to consolidate back room services: dishwashing, stock & prep within the bar, high volume many establishments need to have a bar back during peak hours. Bar design needs to take into consideration for support staff traffic, but lately I've seen too many bars that have overdone the "raceway"(the distance between the bar and the back bar). While space for support staff is needed, a functional back bar requires bartenders to be able to transition front to back quickly and efficiently: the target being a raceway of 30-40". Any more distance requires the bartender to take a step between the back bar inventory and the drink prep area at the bar.
So without getting into too much theory I felt like commenting on a few notable bars and/or specific designs:
1. A circular traffic flow is critical for a bar/nightclub. Whether an island bar or path around seating or dance floor, a circular traffic pattern allows patrons to traverse the crowd naturally and replenishes crowd mix. This is extra critical in nightclubs: placement of furniture, railings etc should contribute to a cyclical pattern. The Pavilion wasn't bad, but they didn't have that upstairs. 51 Wharf has a great island bar, but space is tight so it's not quite there. Old Port Tavern has a great traffic pattern when the back room is open. Grittys expansion has dramatically changed their customer flow with the new room they added several years ago.
2. Bar height. I'm not sure how people get this wrong, but using standard "bar height" stools or chairs a bar should be 40-42". Bars that are too low or too high really create an uncomfortable(and thus undesirable) experience. Rivalries' first bar was a wee bit too high but they have since rebuilt the bar and it's great now! Portland Flatbread had something wrong. Not sure if it was the seats, the lower lip or something else, but you couldn't sit up at the bar with your legs under the overhang. Venue, the short lived bar on Forest really screwed it up...way too high. But they obviously had no idea what they were doing.
3. The rail, nose or overhang. You want to be able to sit at the bar and be within easy reach of your drink or food and not have anything spill on your lap. While the bar at 51 is beautiful(and one of my favorite back in the G'Vannis days) the slanting bar rail pushes you away from the bar top just a bit too much.
4. Island bars. Great for creating social intimacy, atmosphere and meeting people but...there are downsides. First you can "see behind the curtain". While you usually can't see the underbar, island bars allows you to see the bits and pieces: trash cans, dishwashers, dirty glasswear, well liquors etc. Special attention needs to be maintaining a neat and clean area behind the bar. Second, you need to disrupt sightlines to maintain a sense of privacy and intimacy. Again the bar at 51 has pillars and a overbar and glass racks so that helps break it up. TGI Fridays did not and the bar felt open, exposed and empty.
5. Corners. Outside corners are good, inside corners are very very bad. Rivalries had an "L" shaped bar but the inside corner was facing out. Again, they removed that for a gentle curve This creates an untenable seat arrangement and you end up losing almost 3 seats of space. Outside corners or rounds are good because it turns couples, groups or customers slightly towards each other, helping socialization.
6. Seats with backs. enough said. Unas has the worse seats, demillos are...strange and too close together...
One of the greatest back in the day(when the back patio was open): Geddys(Bar Harbor).
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Review: Newport RI
For those that haven't made the trip I highly recommend Newport RI. One of my favorite spots along the northeaster seaboard(Bar Harbor, Portsmouth, Dewey Beach and DC among the others)
Similar to Portland in some ways, Newport has a historic downtown made up of pubs, restaurants, and shops; caters to a tourist crowd in the summer and has a robust college scene in the winter. While Portland still grapples with the importance of its Old Port nightlife, Newport has accepted it as necessary and welcome.
You can argue that Newport is much more gentrified, but I have first hand experience of being clubbed over the head with a wooden cudgel(18 staples and lots of post trauma symptoms)--so there are still the inevitable problems associated with alcohol and rowdiness. Nonetheless, Newport's eclectic group of establishments, it's mix of locals, tourists and military and it's historic setting make it well worth visiting.
1st stop: Buskers. Great Irish pub to whet your whistle. Authentic feel, great food but service can be a little slow...but hey...slow is the tempo.
2nd and 3rd stop: The Pelham and Mudville Pub. Have a few more pops and work up an appetite..it's still early.
4th stop: The Parrot. Time for victuals. Sit on the first floor(if it's warm outside) or the second. Three floors of great service, drinks and food and a great place to people watch!
The rest of the night: The Newport Blues Cafe. http://www.newportblues.com/tour.asp Great bands, great time. nuff said.
The next morning..brunch at the Brick Alley Pub. Bloody Mary's and Crab Cake Benedict or the:
Sailor Sandwich
Chourico patty, Vermont cheddar cheese and two broken
yolk fried eggs on grilled, thick sliced, Portuguese sweet
bread. Served with fresh fruit and your choice of mini
potato pancakes or sliced tomatoes. 9
Similar to Portland in some ways, Newport has a historic downtown made up of pubs, restaurants, and shops; caters to a tourist crowd in the summer and has a robust college scene in the winter. While Portland still grapples with the importance of its Old Port nightlife, Newport has accepted it as necessary and welcome.
You can argue that Newport is much more gentrified, but I have first hand experience of being clubbed over the head with a wooden cudgel(18 staples and lots of post trauma symptoms)--so there are still the inevitable problems associated with alcohol and rowdiness. Nonetheless, Newport's eclectic group of establishments, it's mix of locals, tourists and military and it's historic setting make it well worth visiting.
1st stop: Buskers. Great Irish pub to whet your whistle. Authentic feel, great food but service can be a little slow...but hey...slow is the tempo.
2nd and 3rd stop: The Pelham and Mudville Pub. Have a few more pops and work up an appetite..it's still early.
4th stop: The Parrot. Time for victuals. Sit on the first floor(if it's warm outside) or the second. Three floors of great service, drinks and food and a great place to people watch!
The rest of the night: The Newport Blues Cafe. http://www.newportblues.com/tour.asp Great bands, great time. nuff said.
The next morning..brunch at the Brick Alley Pub. Bloody Mary's and Crab Cake Benedict or the:
Sailor Sandwich
Chourico patty, Vermont cheddar cheese and two broken
yolk fried eggs on grilled, thick sliced, Portuguese sweet
bread. Served with fresh fruit and your choice of mini
potato pancakes or sliced tomatoes. 9
Monday, March 17, 2008
Maine Vodka #1
Well I do know a little about vodka so I thought I would comment on this article:
http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/023894.html
Cold River was voted top domestic vodka! Not bad for a small distillery in Maine and probably a great motivator for the other(s) industry insiders who have slowly moved into the distilling direction. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more entrants into this product line in the next 5 years. Maine is already noted for it's microbrew industry, so distilled spirits seems the natural progression. Who knows..vodka now and maybe singlemalt in the future?
http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/023894.html
Cold River was voted top domestic vodka! Not bad for a small distillery in Maine and probably a great motivator for the other(s) industry insiders who have slowly moved into the distilling direction. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more entrants into this product line in the next 5 years. Maine is already noted for it's microbrew industry, so distilled spirits seems the natural progression. Who knows..vodka now and maybe singlemalt in the future?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
All Things Old Port
It seems like the Iguana only has a few months left of life....the new tenant, a chicago or new york style pizza place is expected to move in but I can't help but think Tom is holding out on the hope that he can secure a last minute deal to extend his lease. I hope so...the Iguana shared the building with me and I have 13 years of crazy time, untold drinks and many friends at the Iguana. Jayson is current bar manager and I have to wonder what he'll do if the bar closes.
While the Iguana is smelly, dirty and nasty it's a pretty fun "college style" bar that rarely has problems and very rarely anything serious. We had a chance to lease the space before Tom and I wish we had just agreed to pay what seemed like a ridiculous lease rate at the time. Our plan was substantial improvements and a more urban style experience. Closer to what 51 Wharf was doing but this was back in 1997--we were going to use Russian women we had met during out time in Novosibirsk.
Oh well. So apparently The Mecury is now called the "Cactus" and is going southwest theme with the expectation of Iguana shutting down. Musical chairs continue.
What else..Una's is expanding...more room for a dance floor? The vacuum created by the loss of the Pavilion, Headliners, Liquid Blue, Industry/Cake, etc does need to be filled...188 ain't it. In fact 188 is barely surviving and only due to it's Friday night chem free. Word is that Mark Judd is running the front door on chem free night.
Both 51 Wharf and the "new" oasis run by Nick are working hard to keep out the hardcore urban element that frequented Threeways...leaving the question where is the hardcore urban hip hop crowd going? Word on the street is that Susan Chase(of the shortlived threeways) has announced a future opening of threeways in downtown Portland. Where? Maybe something on Congress?
The former Alehouse space is being reopened...and called...ERIKS. For those that are older than 23 may remember that Eriks was the former bar located there before the Alehouse.
While the Iguana is smelly, dirty and nasty it's a pretty fun "college style" bar that rarely has problems and very rarely anything serious. We had a chance to lease the space before Tom and I wish we had just agreed to pay what seemed like a ridiculous lease rate at the time. Our plan was substantial improvements and a more urban style experience. Closer to what 51 Wharf was doing but this was back in 1997--we were going to use Russian women we had met during out time in Novosibirsk.
Oh well. So apparently The Mecury is now called the "Cactus" and is going southwest theme with the expectation of Iguana shutting down. Musical chairs continue.
What else..Una's is expanding...more room for a dance floor? The vacuum created by the loss of the Pavilion, Headliners, Liquid Blue, Industry/Cake, etc does need to be filled...188 ain't it. In fact 188 is barely surviving and only due to it's Friday night chem free. Word is that Mark Judd is running the front door on chem free night.
Both 51 Wharf and the "new" oasis run by Nick are working hard to keep out the hardcore urban element that frequented Threeways...leaving the question where is the hardcore urban hip hop crowd going? Word on the street is that Susan Chase(of the shortlived threeways) has announced a future opening of threeways in downtown Portland. Where? Maybe something on Congress?
The former Alehouse space is being reopened...and called...ERIKS. For those that are older than 23 may remember that Eriks was the former bar located there before the Alehouse.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The "New" Old Port
Always dynamic, the Old Port is undergoing substantial changes to the nightlife scene. There has always been a "center" to Old Port nightlife. In the 80's it was around the corner of Exchange and Fore. The Basement, Seamans Club, OPT, Grittys. A few years later the action moved down Fore st. with the rise of the Tropical Penguin, New Moon, Cadillac Jacks, Shamrocks(now Foreplay), 3 dollar deweys and the Big Easy. In the mid 90's the action shifted to Wharf St: The Forge, Wharfs End, Comedy Connection, Bakers Table, GVannis, The Cage that eventually morphed into: The Dirty Bird(Headliners), Iguana, The Industry, Bitter End, Oasis.
While common perception is that Wharf St was the epicenter of violence and drunkeness, those that are familiar with other cities entertainment districts know it was a vibrant, fun and exciting street. "Back in the day" everyone was allowed to have outdoor seating, everyone got along and the early evening was reminiscent of Lincoln Road.
Now Wharf St is undergoing yet another transformation with most of Tom Mannings venues changing ownership. Diggers/Liquid Blue/Plush(all the same space and license) have been sold to a new operator: Ryan Blyther. Blyther will also be taking over the short lived Cake and changing it to a upscale/casual dining establishment. Diggers/Liquid blue the pub/club combo will be changing to...a pub/club combo!!! Iguana's lease is ending doesn't look like it will be renewed. They are looking for a take out/restaurant for the space. Threeways is gone and Nick, everyone's favorite bartender, is taking over the space still controlled by Mike Harris and will be changed back to the Oasis.
All in all a great outcome for several other bar owners who have slowly organized political resistance against the Wharf/Fore st. bars. Who said capitalism is dead! Why compete when you can get your competitors shut down!
The irony here is that the Old Port serves and will always service a particular market: the 21-27 crowd who dominate nightlife choices. Closing down one bar just shifts the crowd to another, and it will be interesting to see just how long "more upscale" taverns and pubs can point their collective finger at the competitor when there is no one left to pass the buck too. It wasn't Liquid blue, Iguana or Threeways I saw a guy get knifed last year, or a guy get a beer bottle broken over his head. No it was at one of those other establishments...the ones that never get in the paper for violence, loud music or overcapacity.
Tom, I feel bad for you, I really do. Having your business taken away, your licenses denied sucks. But it's always been about divide and conquer and you chose not to ally with the other bars. They knocked us off one by one, and none of you thought you would be next.
First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemoeller
While common perception is that Wharf St was the epicenter of violence and drunkeness, those that are familiar with other cities entertainment districts know it was a vibrant, fun and exciting street. "Back in the day" everyone was allowed to have outdoor seating, everyone got along and the early evening was reminiscent of Lincoln Road.
Now Wharf St is undergoing yet another transformation with most of Tom Mannings venues changing ownership. Diggers/Liquid Blue/Plush(all the same space and license) have been sold to a new operator: Ryan Blyther. Blyther will also be taking over the short lived Cake and changing it to a upscale/casual dining establishment. Diggers/Liquid blue the pub/club combo will be changing to...a pub/club combo!!! Iguana's lease is ending doesn't look like it will be renewed. They are looking for a take out/restaurant for the space. Threeways is gone and Nick, everyone's favorite bartender, is taking over the space still controlled by Mike Harris and will be changed back to the Oasis.
All in all a great outcome for several other bar owners who have slowly organized political resistance against the Wharf/Fore st. bars. Who said capitalism is dead! Why compete when you can get your competitors shut down!
The irony here is that the Old Port serves and will always service a particular market: the 21-27 crowd who dominate nightlife choices. Closing down one bar just shifts the crowd to another, and it will be interesting to see just how long "more upscale" taverns and pubs can point their collective finger at the competitor when there is no one left to pass the buck too. It wasn't Liquid blue, Iguana or Threeways I saw a guy get knifed last year, or a guy get a beer bottle broken over his head. No it was at one of those other establishments...the ones that never get in the paper for violence, loud music or overcapacity.
Tom, I feel bad for you, I really do. Having your business taken away, your licenses denied sucks. But it's always been about divide and conquer and you chose not to ally with the other bars. They knocked us off one by one, and none of you thought you would be next.
First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemoeller
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