Food + Beverage

Beyond the Buzz

Mocktails and low ABV drinks are revolutionizing drinking culture Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Kadir Avşar In an era where sipping on a cocktail no longer necessitates a buzz, the rise of mocktails and low ABV drinks is redefining what it means to spend a night out on the town. Drinking has evolved to mean more camaraderie and fewer embarrassing moments—and bartenders across town are picking up on the shift. “I started seeing non-alcohol spirits around here about ten years ago...

September 2024

Life + Culture

Good Manners

Mrs. Cumberland County Jennifer Wahlig teaches us the importance of etiquette Article by Becca Abramson How did you get into the world of etiquette initially? My grandmother was super involved in my upbringing, and she was very etiquette-conscious. Not only did she teach me good manners, but she had impeccable style and grace. I always admired and looked up to her. After I graduated college, I worked as a nurse for years before I stopped to raise our four children. As my children grew...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Mocktail Magic

Three refreshing nonalcoholic recipes that rival any cocktail Article by Kristen Mixter (Crispy Gai) & Marcus Alcantara (Paper Tiger) Lemongrass Rickey INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz lemongrass-lime cordial .5 oz fresh lime juice 4 oz soda water  Mint sprig  DIRECTIONS Mix lemongrass-lime cordial and lime juice in a glass. Top with soda water and garnish with mint.   Lemongrass-Lime Cordial INGREDIENTS 200g chopped lemongrass  10g chopped lime leaf  350g fresh lime juice 350g...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Industry Night

A guide to eating in Portland from the people who make it great Article by Becca Abramson Portland is known as a city for foodies—from nationally renowned bartenders and James Beard Award-winning bakers to mom and pop restaurants, we've got it all. Of course, this coastal town has more to offer than just lobster rolls and oysters. If you read this issue's Lifestyle Letter, you'll know PCL publisher Emily Harradon's favorite dish is the Choo Chee Salmon from Dok Mali, while writer and editor...

September 2024

Style + Beauty

Vintage Vibes

Jenny Bravo shares style inspiration, antiquing tips, and her favorite finds of all time Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Jenny Bravo Define your personal style in three words. Funky, layered, and uncomplicated. How has your style evolved over time? As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more confident in what drives my decision making—I’m much more intentional about where I’m pulling my inspiration from. My style has evolved into my own because my influences at this point in my...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

Sitting Pretty

How a casual photoshoot became a yearly tradition showcasing local creatives and their expertise Article by Carly Cooke Every spring, Carly Cooke of Flux Jewelry Studio and Anika Wilson of Bad Rabbit Flowers, both based in Westbrook, begin brainstorming photo ideas. They develop a loose theme, usually communicated via an inspirational Pinterest board, and reach out to their favorite local hair and makeup artists along with a group of friends who participate as models. Carly and Anika tap a...

August 2024

Style + Beauty

Curtain Call Couture

Will Johnson's charity fashion show aims to raise money for the Maine State Music Theatre while elevating local boutiques Article by Becca Abramson Nonprofit organizations like the Maine State Music Theater (MSMT) rely on donations and sponsors to keep themselves funded, and when MSMT’s director approached board member Will Johnson with a new fundraising idea—a fashion show—Johnson knew he could pull it off. “I’ve always been a fashionista,” Johnson laughs. “My grandmothers sewed and made...

August 2024

Home + Design

There's No Place Like Home

Centerline Design & Build's thoughtful renovation gives new life to a 1950s Colonial Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Darren Setlow The team at Yarmouth-based Centerline Design and Build understands that homes these days must evolve with the people that inhabit them—just because a room worked well a decade ago doesn’t mean it still fits a family’s needs. When the owners of a 1950s Colonial home in Portland called the firm to remodel their kitchen and two bathrooms, it quickly became...

August 2024

Local Services

Looking Fresh

Busy schedule? No worries—Furry Land Mobile Grooming brings the pet salon right to your door Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Andrea Cahill Animal lover and entrepreneur Andrea Cahill is on a mission to make dog grooming convenient for the pet owners of southern Maine. No longer will you need to wrangle your dog into the car, drive to the groomer, drop your pet off, and wait hours before returning to pick them up: Furry Land Mobile Grooming of Southern Maine, Cahill’s...

July 2024

Local Services

Even Keel

The pets of Casco Bay are in good hands with Dr. Kate Domenico Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear It’s a sunny late spring day when I meet Dr. Kate Domenico and her crew at Aspasia Marina in South Portland to board the 27-foot converted lobster boat known as Rita Joan . Though it may look like we’re getting ready to spend a leisurely day cruising around Casco Bay, our agenda is a bit different. Dr. Domenico, who works a full-time job in the Emergency and Critical Care...

July 2024