Food + Beverage

Let's Taco 'Bout It

Bird & Co.’s new infused avocado oils bring a little restaurant magic home Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Bon Vivants Creative & Nicole Wolf At The Bird & Co., the philosophy has always been simple: You Deserve Tacos . Now, the Portland taco shop wants to make good on that promise in your own kitchen. The Woodford’s Corner restaurant, opened by Wills Dowd and Jared Dinsmore in 2019, has launched The Original Taco Oil, a line of avocado-based infused oils designed to bring a little...

Food + Beverage

A Better Birria Taco

Bird & Co.’s Roja Taco Oil takes the cheesy, crispy classic to the next level Article by Becca Abramson, recipe courtesy of Bird & Co. | Photography by Nicole Wolf Birria tacos are beloved for their crispy, chile-red tortillas, juicy shredded meat, melty cheese, and bold, savory flavor. This streamlined version brings all those craveable elements to the table with a generous dip and drizzle of Bird & Co.’s Roja Taco Oil. Whether you use shredded beef or pork carnitas, the result is a crisp...

Home + Design

Setting the Mood

Medrek Design gives a landmark Portland space a fresh identity while letting its original character shine Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Ryan Garrigan The Marquis feels like it has always belonged on Park Street. Warm light spills through its windows, inviting passersby inside, while the historic bones of the Lafayette Hotel give the space a sense of place that can’t be manufactured. But creating that atmosphere took more than choosing the right paint color or furniture. For Kevin...

Food + Beverage

The Thai Pantry, Unpacked

Nonglack Thanephonsey of Dok Mali shares the Thai staples every home cook should know Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear What are some Thai ingredients you wish more home cooks in Maine knew about?  Galangal, lime leaves, Thai basil, fish sauce, and tamarind—these ingredients can completely change the character of a dish. Galangal, for example, looks like ginger, but it has a sharper taste and a citrusy aroma. Lime leaves add an incredible floral fragrance and flavor to...

Life + Culture

Hidden in Plain Sight

The thoughtful details behind one of Maine's most meaningful children's brands Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Zack Bowen When Sarah Piasecki and her sister Christine Bitetti set out to create Izzy Lee's, they weren't fashion designers. One worked in commercial real estate, the other was a physician assistant. They were just two sisters, home during the uncertainty of the pandemic, searching for a way to transform unimaginable loss into something that could bring comfort, beauty...

Style + Beauty

Homegrown Confidence

Jessica Candage proves individuality never goes out of fashion Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Kim Chapman Photography What parts of your Maine upbringing shaped who you are today? I started pursuing makeup and music while still living in Maine. The support from the community was always huge for me, and I still feel it living in Nashville. I hope to make my Maine people proud! Mainers are so loyal and kind, and I bring that into my world everyday. When you come home to Maine...

Style + Beauty

Good Looks

Portland's favorite independent optical shop is helping customers discover eyewear with personality Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Joel Tsui There are two kinds of people who shop for glasses. The first walks in with a screenshot, a Pinterest board, and absolute certainty they need small tortoiseshell frames. The second shrugs and says, "I have no idea." According to Chris Wheaton of North Optical, the second group usually has more fun. “If you want to have a good time, we’re...

Sports + Recreation

Walk This Way

Five scenic routes for dog owners looking to shake up their routine Article by Becca Abramson Capisic Pond Park Part nature escape, part neighborhood secret, this park feels worlds away from the city. Winding trails, wooden boardwalks, and abundant wildlife make it a favorite for curious pups eager to follow every new scent. Presumpscot River Preserve When summer heats up, this shady riverside route is a go-to for those in-the-know. Gentle trails wind through the woods alongside the...

Life + Culture

Raising Maine

Lisa Bazinet's mission is simple: help families spend less time searching and more time making memories together Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Real Maine Mom Lisa Bazinet, the mother behind Real Maine Mom, has become a trusted resource for families looking to make the most of life in Maine. What began as her personal passion project grew into a hyperlocal guide connecting parents with family-friendly activities, businesses, and experiences across the state. We caught...

Life + Culture

Play is the Point

Brick by Brick gives children space to experiment, imagine, and learn through play Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Brick by Brick On a recent Saturday morning, the Brick by Brick Maine studio in Falmouth was filled with the familiar sounds of childhood: excited chatter, ideas being shared across tables, and the click of LEGO bricks snapping into place. Around the room, children were hard at work creating everything from animals and vehicles to entirely original...