Showing posts with label by Amy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label by Amy. Show all posts

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Sandwiched between two foodie cities; a little history and our staff's favorite local restaurants

Zachs_Farm_Fall_ 2011_50

Portland, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, home to two of Stonewall Kitchen’s Company Stores, were recently included in Foodsnall.com’s Eight of the Best American Small Towns for Foodies. We were delighted, but not at all surprised, to hear the news. Thousands of food-loving tourists and loyal locals visit our stores in these cities each year, and the York, Maine company headquarters and flagship store is sandwiched (pun intended!) right in between. We love being part of the food culture in the New Hampshire seacoast area and Southern coast of Maine!


In honor of this recognition, we thought you’d enjoy learning more about our Portland and Portsmouth stores and some of our staff's favorite restaurants in these fabulous foodie towns.

Portland, Maine
Portland_Store_017

Portland, Maine is often cited on those "Best Towns to Live in Now" lists and rightfully so. An eclectic and charming mix of a busy fishing port (New England's third largest) and art galleries, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and modern boutiques. The Stonewall Kitchen Company Store is located in the Old Port on Middle Street, in the middle of Exchange Street; a bustling quaint area of shops, galleries, and amazing restaurants.

A few of our staff favorite restaurants in Portland include;

  • The Salt Exchange - Offers seasonal plates using local suppliers
  • Havana South Restaurant - American Fine Dining with a Latin Flair
  • Grace - a restaurant created in an old church, great menu and atmosphere
  • Fore Street - A favorite for after work appetizers and drinks
  • Otto - a casual pizzeria with fun toppings such as White Bean, Sausage, Herb & Red Flake
Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth_Store4

Portsmouth, NH is one of the oldest settlements in the United States. This historical fishing community has had its share of colonial upheaval and a modern revival to make it one of the most desirable cities on the Seacoast. Maintaining much of its early historic charm, Portsmouth is full of enchanting shops and great restaurants (leading contender for the U.S. city with the most restaurants per capita). The Stonewall Kitchen Company Store at 10 Pleasant St. in downtown Portsmouth offers a unique shopping experience.


In Portsmouth, you can usually find our staff enjoying these local restaurants;


We would love to know what your favorite restaurants are in Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH are!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Savoring Summer with Good Food and Friends

Shrimp_tacos_with_Peach_Salsa


Another Maine summer is coming to an end, and with that we say goodbye to evening bike rides, visits to the Farmers Market and long, lazy days by the shore. School is already back in session for many kids and with that comes the challenge of scheduling leisurely get-togethers with friends and family.

As a last hurrah to the season, I recently hosted a casual dinner party using a variety of Stonewall Kitchen salsas and dips. Taking stock of my pantry for inspiration, I found jars of Peach Salsa, White Bean Dip and Spicy Corn Relish. These delicious toppings combined with locally grown tomatoes (near perfect this time of year) would make the perfect accompaniments to a crowd-pleasing taco bar. Catering to the tastes of everyone would be no problem, offering both grilled shrimp and seasoned ground turkey with various cheeses, veggies and tortillas. A side of black beans sautéed with fresh cilantro and lime rounded out our end-of-summer celebration, with just enough spice to keep us warm through the Maine winter.

Even the most inexperienced cook can look to Stonewall Kitchen for inspiration in the kitchen. Our products pair perfectly with meats, cheeses, breads and seasonal vegetables, and a quick glance at the jar’s label will feed your creativity. This last weekend of summer, take it easy and let our products take the lead.

Peach Salsa Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:
  • 2 Tbsp. light olive oil
  • 1 Pound large (21-30 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 6 corn taco shells
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Stonewall Kitchen Peach Salsa
  • 1/3 cup Manchego or Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add shrimp, salt and pepper and cook until shrimp are pink and become firm, about 1-2 minutes per side
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add chili powder, lime juice and garlic.  Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  4. Bake taco shells on baking sheet 4-5 minutes
  5. Layer lettuce, shrimp, Peach Salsa, cheese and cilantro in the taco shells.  Serve immediately 
*************************

What’s in your cupboard? How will your menu keep the relaxed summer vibe all year long?