Let's keep it plain: it's a meet-up in Maine.

August 29, 2009 7:21 AM

Who's in for an Original Portland™ meet-up with Cortex on September 12th?

Cortex and possibly a few others from "away" will be in Portland, Maine, on September 12th. He's expressed a likin' for lobstah rolls and beer but is game for anything. One option would be Sebago Brewing, or possibly Gritty McDuff's. Someone suggested Local 188 in the his tour announcement thread (not tried it yet but their menu looks great).

Those who say, "ayup," please RSVP and toss out your venue suggestions. Late afternoon or early evening.

posted by Marie Mon Dieu to MetaFilter Gatherings at 7:21 AM (47 comments total)

It is my understanding that you have a great deal of raine on your plaines.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:43 AM on August 29, 2009

(The original Portland). If it were there, I might make it...
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 8:19 AM on August 29, 2009

cortex: It is my understanding that you have a great deal of raine on your plaines.

It's mostly the coast right now. The entirety of the New England coastline is being rained upon like nobody's business.

Does that stop the Providence Kickball League from having its playoffs today? HELL NO!

There's a Loser's Cup between the bottom teams of each division, the Stilettos (an all women's team that plays mostly clothed) and Los Untouchaballes (they play in Mexican wrestling outfits). Apparently both teams are bringing baby oil.

My team, Muscle Justice (hinky exercisewear and lots of yelling about roids) will be facing off against Scurvy Dogs (pirates of all stripes) for the right to challenge Holy Rollers (religious figures of many faiths) for the division title. If we win that game (which will be hard since the Holy Rollers have been undefeated for two years) we will play in the Hyperbowl against whoever wins the other devision out of Ze French Revenge (Frenchies), Mississippi Shakedown (Southerners) and C.B.P. (which stands for Cunning, Baffling, Powerful... they dress in shirts and ties).

The non-metaphorical thunder and lightning is supposed to start up at noon, which is when the first game is supposed to kick off and it's slated to continue well past the end of the last game.

Did I mention that the league is sponsored by Narragansett Brewery and that each team, upon entering the field, is presented with two cases of beer? I expect to digging mud out of each nook and crevice of my body for the next few days. Man oh man is it ever gonna be a blast.
posted by Kattullus at 8:23 AM on August 29, 2009 [4 favorites]

I'm game! I should be free that afternoon/evening, and can make it anywhere in Portland proper.

Gritty's sounds like a good starting point: it's become something of an unspoken tradition for meet-ups, so it seems fitting for cortex to see the joint for once.

Some other possibilities:

If cortex is keen for a lobster roll, maybe we can start at Gritty's and move on to a more suitable spot for the lobster roll. (I'm in search of a great lobster roll in Portland myself, so maybe someone else has suggestions. A frequent recommendation is Portland Lobster Co., which is an easy stroll from Gritty's. Any advice from lobster-loving MeFites?)

For the tenth anniversary, we met at Novare Res, which has an enormous deck and an extensive beer selection; the food looked tempting, too. I didn't get much of a look at the interior, but it seemed spacious. Anyone else notice seating capacity? Novare Res is a little tricky to find: centrally located, but shielded by other buildings.

Local 188 is nice, if a little fussier than the beerhalls, with decent seating in the lounge and plenty of small plates and wines to choose from.

I'm not crazy about Sebago Brewery, but I'll cheerfully join y'all there if that's the popular choice.

Looking forward to meeting you, cortex!
posted by Elsa at 10:18 AM on August 29, 2009

I would LOVE to attend this meetup, in fact, I drove three hours to go to the 10th and holy cow, cortex! so I will throw this out there;

I wasn't able to enjoy the 10th meetup *fully* because the venue served nothing but beer, and I despise the taste of beer (I realize this makes me insane).

Since they serve beer at every single other drinking establishment AND they have regular drinks there, too, I respectfully move that the Portland meet-up not be a a brewery or a "beer bar".

On preview, I see that apparently Gritty's is a tradition, AND they have a full bar, two things I heartily approve of. Plus, my birthday is the following week. Excellent conditions.

Looking forward to it and thanks to the lovely Marie Mon Dieu for the heads up.
posted by Grlnxtdr at 10:58 AM on August 29, 2009

Argh. You guys have a genius for scheduling these things when I can't come. I will probably be sailing somewhere (is how it looks right now). Bummer.
posted by rusty at 12:15 PM on August 29, 2009

I would say that if it's Great Venue A w/o lobster rolls vs. Not As Great Venue B that has lobster rolls, let's aim primarily for A. I don't want us going out of our way for just that, meetup-wise, and I'm sure I could snag a couple during non-meetup hours pretty easily.

Regardless: stoked.
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:17 PM on August 29, 2009

Tempting.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:50 PM on August 29, 2009

It's scheduled a day too soon, *sigh*.
posted by JanetLand at 2:08 PM on August 29, 2009

Every single fun event of the early fall seems to be taking place on the 12th of September.

Unfortunately I cannot make it. I am having a yard sale in the morning (MeMail me for directions if anyone wants to check it out!) and then heading out to NH immediately for my sister's 40th birthday party.

If anyone is in town during the day and looking for something fun to do, I recommend the Picnic Music and Arts Festival.
posted by suki at 4:03 PM on August 29, 2009

I'll be there. I'm a big local 188 fan.
posted by bzbb at 7:16 PM on August 29, 2009

Hahahaha. As a citizen of the Rip-Off Portland, I totally got a kick out of the trademark addition to Original Portland. I've never seen that before :)

Well, I think we're going to be having a little Mefi meet-up here as well on the evening of the 12th...pdx meet-up 10.2. We should try to do a web-cam skype or something at some point in the night, and us Oregon portlanders will happily toast the original Portland...and we can all feel good about our tale of two cities with the same name (two very col cities)...

That and we get jealous about cortex going around to all these other meet-ups. He's OURS! OURS!!!!
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:59 PM on August 29, 2009

Hahahaha. As a citizen of the Rip-Off Portland, I totally got a kick out of the trademark addition to Original Portland. I've never seen that before :)

I totally stole that from Miko :-) Hopin' she can make it to this one.

I'll go wherever the consensus dictates - the only thing is with Gritty's, it looks like they have more space and they're in the heart of the Old Port. So if people want to walk around and explore other places before or after the meet-up, it will be easier. I hear Local 188 also serves a fantastic Sunday brunch so Cortex, there's another option for you to experience it.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 6:13 AM on August 30, 2009

Forgot to mention, Cortex, if you're riding up or back with someone in a car, I highly recommend a side trip to the Lobster Shack near Two Lights State Park, just south of Portland, and maybe a stop at Portland Head Light along the way. I can't vouch for the quality of their lobster rolls (I usually get a fishburger), but the views there can't be beat - they also have indoor seating if the weather doesn't allow for sitting outside.

Also a must-see is a drive along the Eastern Promenade, which overlooks Casco Bay. It's about a 2 minute drive above the Old Port area. There's also a walking trail below which starts at the north of Commercial Street.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 6:39 AM on August 30, 2009

Well darn it! I'm going to be in Portland for a week ... and I leave on the morning of the 12th!!
posted by Kimberly at 1:20 PM on August 31, 2009

Well, darn it, I'm going to be flying out of Portland on the 13th! I'll see if I can get my Reason for Living to rearrange our schedule so we can party in Portland on the 12th instead of in Boothbay.
She has no idea who Cortex is, so I'll just tell her it'll be as much fun as that time we got drunk with the archbishop at the Top of the East. Put me down as a maybe!
posted by Floydd at 2:19 PM on August 31, 2009

Is somebody going to put this on the actual list ... I was sad not to see it on the sidebar.

I'm not a fan of 188, but will go where the crowd dictates.
posted by anastasiav at 9:57 PM on September 2, 2009

Also: What about the Great Lost Bear? Not intown, but I don't think that will be a problem. Hundreds of beers. In some Beer Magazine's top 50 in the country. Also: Bacon Cheese Fries.

Also, I can walk to the Bear from my house
posted by anastasiav at 10:01 PM on September 2, 2009

Wait, so there's

1. bacon
2. cheese, and
3 fries,

all in one order?

All else aside, do they serve breakfast?
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:53 PM on September 2, 2009

All else aside, do they serve breakfast?

No, if you want Bacon Cheese Fries for breakfast we'll have to go to Becky's Diner (where the Fishermen eat).

Great Lost Bear Website and Menu.

Do you know when you're arriving? Departing? Where you're staying? (Offer to stay in my guest room still stands if you're not allergic to toddlers.) Would you prefer a lunchtime meetup over dinner? Anything else you want to do while you're here?
posted by anastasiav at 5:34 AM on September 3, 2009

Great Lost Bear sounds good to me.
posted by mikepop at 5:37 AM on September 3, 2009

Arriving Sometime During The Day on the 12th, departing likewise on the 13th. It's not nailed down more precisely than that yet, but I'm working on it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:03 AM on September 3, 2009

I added it to the meet-up sidebar.

Great Lost Bear is fine w/me. It's a short bus ride/drive from downtown if people want to explore the Old Port before or after. They have an outdoor patio and lots of seating inside. If you can't find parking in their little lot, there are usually plenty of free spaces on Forest Ave.

In the general vicinity (if you do stay overnight in that neighborhood) is The Bayou Kitchen, open for breakfast and lunch. Next door is the Star East Café. The breakfast at Star East is pretty basic, but it's spacious and they have wifi. Across from that is Big Sky Bread Company, where you can get a sweet roll and coffee. Becky's is okay, but for an awesome brunch, try Bintliff's, across from the post office near the intersection of Forest Ave. and Portland Street. There's usually a wait at either Becky's or Bintliff's.

If everyone agrees w/Great Lost Bear, we need a time and yes, anything else you'd like to do. I'm up for some touring around.

If you take a look at the Portland Food Map, you'll see that we're doing pretty well by narrowing it down to just 2 or 3 places!
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 7:03 AM on September 3, 2009

I'm in for great lost bear. For breakfast, go to the Rosemont, and you can get a croissant that I may have made.
posted by bzbb at 7:10 AM on September 3, 2009

Okay, folks, we're set for Great Lost Bear at 5:00 p.m. Big tables are in the back, straight past the bar, so that's the most likely spot. Full bar in addition to beer, both meat and veg options for food. Portions are huge, fyi, I'm willing to share appetizers with any and all. I'll let the seating host know and try to get a sign up on the table, but look for the pink glasses. Eyeglasses, I mean.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 3:31 PM on September 5, 2009

I am fairly certain I will be attending this, since someone needs to drive cortex to Vermont.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:08 AM on September 6, 2009

I heartily second the Bayou Kitchen! But if you're looking for breakfast/lunch recommendations not in the Bayou Kitchen neighborhood, try Hot Suppa on Congress St downtown. They serve my favorite lunch in Portland.

Evidently the editors of Bon Appetit agree: Hot Suppa was namechecked in a recent issue. The article may come in handy during your visit. What Bon Appetit doesn't tell you about Hot Suppa: try the fried green tomatoes. They are crispy and flavorful and tender and hot and yes.

A caveat: Becky's, also mentioned in that article, is handy for late nights that turn into early mornings, since they open at the crack of dawn to serve fishermen and other early-day customers, and they have a hell of a cake mausoleum*, but otherwise they serve pretty unremarkable diner fare. It's perfectly serviceable, but not a must-visit.
*Our family term for the chilly glass case full of desserts in a diner.

See you soon!
posted by Elsa at 11:38 AM on September 6, 2009

Wow, looks like things are all set! I'm exited to check out the Great Lost Bear, as I keep hearing about it and then reneging on going. Since the 'Tex has already been to Gritty's, it makes good sense.

It's about 80% likely that Lipstick Thespian and I will be there - with one small complication - we can't leave Portsmouth until shortly after 5 due to a prior commitment that he has. So we would make our appearance around 6:30. As long as we can be in cell contact in case of changes of venue, that shouldn't be a problem, and we'll join you as soon as we can!
posted by Miko at 9:14 PM on September 6, 2009

I will be there.
posted by anastasiav at 9:57 PM on September 6, 2009

Great Lost Bear has a serious beer selection, and we can wave at the Bear Cam. A wise choice. I plan to attend, possibly later than 5.

Breakfast? Beckys, on Commercial Street, is traditional, Bayou Kitchen is a good choice, but if the weather's nice, go to the Porthole, sit outside on the deck, and enjoy their homemade sausage. Just watch out for seagulls.
posted by theora55 at 10:05 AM on September 8, 2009

I am not coming to this event, but I was just in Portland, and will point out two things.

1. Sebago Brewing Company was fairly meh - even their house brews were unimpressive. Much better choices in the area.

2. You should ABSOLUTELY go to Bintliff's for breakfast. I was there around noonish both Friday and Saturday of this past weekend, and no wait. Beware the corned beef hash - really tasty, but it's a ginormous plate of corned beef in large chunks. Not quite what one would expect. Their pancakes are equally huge. Plate sized, and a centimeter thick.

Now I'm wishing I'd gone to Great Lost Bear . . . I meant to, but forgot.
posted by booksherpa at 1:48 PM on September 8, 2009

Robocop and I are coming up for this!
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 10:19 AM on September 12, 2009

I am hiding out at the dreary downtown public library [undergoing renovation!] and will be headed to the venue maybe 5:30. It's pissing down rain and there's some festival thing just getting out in the park nearby so either overshoot the place and come back [I got off at the Franklin St Exit from 295] or prepare to wait around some.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:26 PM on September 12, 2009

I'm headed out now to grab a table. See you guys whenever you get there!

P.S. I have a taters sign.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 1:38 PM on September 12, 2009

In the car with robocop and banjo right now. We got out of Salem late because I blew a transfer on the T on the way to meet them in Salem, so we'll be getting in probably more like 5:45 or 6:00 it sounds like.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:41 PM on September 12, 2009

I spent the whole day pretending to myself that I would make it, but my back won't let me. Hoist a glass for me, y'all! Enjoy Portland, cortex!
posted by Elsa at 2:43 PM on September 12, 2009

Fooey! We were sitting in a restaurant in Poland Spring at 6:30 when it dawned on me I was supposed to be elsewhere. Maybe next time.
posted by SteveInMaine at 5:57 PM on September 12, 2009

I ate a cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches for buns. We ate cakes out of mason jars. I'll post pictures when I get home from work.
posted by bzbb at 9:11 PM on September 12, 2009

We're eating maple scones at Miko's place!! Thanks to everyone for coming out and saying howdy. Super fun time, great to meet the two of you I hadn't met before.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 10:22 PM on September 12, 2009

What a great evening ....

I added a few photos.

CAT!
posted by anastasiav at 6:05 AM on September 13, 2009

One family crisis after another here...crappy I missed this with Jessamyn AND Cortex attending....argh.
posted by Grlnxtdr at 8:17 AM on September 13, 2009

Just looked at the pics, so jealous.
posted by Grlnxtdr at 8:20 AM on September 13, 2009

I had a great time! Sorry we missed some of you, but great to either meet or see-again the rest.

Just got my pictures up.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:22 AM on September 13, 2009

Oh my god, I left before the "cake in a mason jar" -- although my brain may not have been able to handle that combined with the Cheezus Christburger.

Twas nice hanging out with you Portlanders!
posted by not_on_display at 11:07 AM on September 13, 2009

Sorry I was so dang tired. It was truly great to see you folks again, and to meet anastasiav, robocopisbleeding, and banjoandthepork for the first time.

Let's definitely not forget that idea of having a SeaDogs meetup in a luxury box next year - but hope we can meet up again before then. Thanks for the laughs. And the cake in a mason jar (try it at home!)
posted by Miko at 5:00 PM on September 13, 2009

I added my photos, 'scuse the hinky flash.

Great meetup! Kudos to those who ate the Amazing Cheesus burger! Sorry to have missed those who couldn't make it, but we'll do it again.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 7:54 AM on September 14, 2009

Argh - so jealous!
posted by suki at 5:39 PM on September 14, 2009