Two Thumbs Up

Last night, my husband and I attended a movie premier.  No, not the ‘get all dolled up in an expensive gown and walk down the red carpet kind’ (darn), but a premier, nonetheless.  The event took place in downtown Portland’s contemporary art museum SPACE Gallery.  We blundered onto this unique space while attending last weeks First Friday Art Walk.  Intrigued by the unconventional pieces displayed in the windows, we were taken aback by the retro paintings on the wall, not to mention the bar in the entrance and the crowd of people doing yoga to “trance” style music while everyone watched. A place we knew we would certainly have to visit again.  My husband was researching online and came across this weekend’s events, one being this premier of “Blackfish,” a movie we were both anxious to see.

We first heard about the movie “Blackfish” while listening to NPR one afternoon.  (Same place we heard about La Boheme.  If you’re not listening to NPR, you’re missing out!)  This movie was originally an independent film shown at the Sundance Film Festival in January and was later picked up by Magnolia Pictures.  It depicts the pitfalls of capturing and training orca whales, specifically the role Sea World plays in this.  The film interviewed several past trainers and employees regarding practices and procedures used with the whales, everything from how they were captured to the pools they are placed in during non-showtimes, etc.  Just a heads up, this movie is not for the faint of heart.  If you have a passion for animals, this will truly make you sick to your stomach when you see what these animals are put through for the purpose of entertainment.

After we were stunned by the film, we were fortunate enough to participate in a live Q & A session with former Sea World trainer, John Hargrove.  Several audience members had the opportunity to speak with him and ask questions regarding his time spent as a trainer and his knowledge of the whales.  Listening to him speak offered more insight into this obscene form of entertainment and his outlook on the subject.

Upon leaving the premier, my husband and I crossed the street to grab a bite at a trendy night-time hotspot, Nosh.  This place is known for their bacon dusted french fries. (Sorry, Kitty, not a fan.)  While we waited for our yummy dishes, we were entertained by what had to have been someone’s mixed tape from the early 90’s.  Discussing the film and toe-tapping to the likes of Vanilla Ice, Naughty By Nature, and Dr. Dre really made for an exceptional evening.  We wet our pallete with some lip-smacking libations and cured our growling stomachs with some savory sandwiches.  We then finished the evening with a nice walk into downtown South Portland with our sweet puppies.

Starving and Saved by Grace

I wouldn’t consider myself a religious person.  Actually, the thought of going to church frightens me and therefore I avoid it at all costs.  So I found it incredibly strange and contradictory that I found this restaurant when I googled “date restaurants, Portland, ME.”

Grace is, or should I say was, a Methodist Church which has been completely refurbished and redesigned as a contemporary, urban restaurant.  Built in 1775 and nestled beside the Portland City Hall in Portland’s Art District, this is certainly a site to see.  When we arrived, I was taken aback by the fact that not a chard of the exterior appeared to be anything but a church.  The enormous red doors opened up into a modest church foyer where staircases on either side led us to the main dining hall and cocktail lounge.  The stained glass depicting the Holy Trinity and the church foundation plaque on the wall offered an eery elegance.  As we walked into the sanctuary, I was taken aback my the grandeur of this place.  True cathedral ceilings, original woodwork, stained glass, even the piping where the organ once stood were just a few of the details still in tact.  The bar stood as the restaurants’ centerpiece while the completely open kitchen stood behind, in blazing glory.

The host seated us and handed us the starter menu.  I giggled as I noted the signature cocktails with the fitting names.  I enjoyed the Holier Than Thou, my husband’s a dedicated fan of the Manhattan, which I might add, was delicious.

We both ordered and continued to take in the artwork we were seated within.  I was more than thrilled as we poked through the appetizers when my husband found Iberico jamon on the menu.  For those of you who don’t know, this form of Spanish cured ham wasn’t allowed in the US until recently due to FDA regulations.  My husband and I were lucky enough to experience this pork sensation while on a visit to Spain four years ago.  If you’ve never had it, I would encourage you to save lots of money, fly to Spain, and gorge yourself on jamon and manchego for a week.  Other than the rapid weight gain, you will not be displeased…  Moving on, we ordered and enjoyed yummy appetizers, holy drinks, and continued the wonderful conversation.

Now anytime my husband and I try a restaurant for the first time, we always work together when we order our main course so as to experience as much of the cuisine as possible.  In this case, I ordered the grilled Maine farm pork chop and my husband, the pan roasted Atlantic bluefish.  Both of us were more than thrilled as each dish was delightful.  We did end up switching dishes as I’m much more of a fish than pork chop kind of girl.  Halfway through our meal, the baby grand was fired up and we were musically entertained by the likes of Frank Sinatra and other classics.  It was truly a wonderful “first date” in our new hometown.

So, next time you’re in town and would like a unique religious experience in an architectural mecca, I recommend Grace.  I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed.

Other incredible pictures…