Spirit Quest 2024

Maine Restaurant Week
Spirit Quest 2024
Presented by Maine Spirits
March 3, 2024

The Judges:
Angie Bryan - from 2018 to 2023, Angie wrote the Maine Today Bar Guide. Since retiring from the diplomatic service and moving to Maine, she has written for various publications, served on the board at Portland Stage, been a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association in Maine, taught at Portland Adult Education, and operated a virtual mixology business. She currently runs a book club that offers cocktail pairings for each book and works part-time for the U.S. State Department, reuniting Afghan refugee children with their families.

Maine native Maggie Knowles is the editor-in-chief of edible MAINE magazine, where she helps spread inspiring stories from our state’s unique food space. When not writing, she and her husband, Chef Josh Berry, host private culinary events, laugh at their chickens, and insist on nightly family dinners with their two moody teenagers.

Katie Sampson is the morning anchor for Good Day Maine on CBS13/WGME. She is not only a wife and cat mom, but she’s also a total foodie who is always searching for a new restaurant, brewery, or cocktail bar to check out in Portland!

2024 Competitors:

The Armory @ The Regency
Bite: Fontina Gougère - braised Pine Ridge Acres beef, slaw, caramelized onions
Sip: Far East Bound and Down - Jalapeño infused tequila, yuzu, lemongrass, tajin rim

Broken Arrow
Bite: Brussels sprout, coconut green curry, crispy shallots
Sip: SPIRIT RESURRECTOR - Mezcal ensbamle, chartreuse, strega, dry curacao, lemon

David’s Monument Square
Bite: Mini cider doughnut (Calvados banyols de vent) with maple bourbon BBQ pulled pork and apple cabbage slaw
Sip: “Smoked Kentucky Apple” Old Crow Bourbon, Maine Apple Cider, Fresh Lemon, Honey Simple Syrup, Lapsang Souchong Black Tea, Angostura Bitters

Harbor Bistro @ Portland Harbor Hotel
Bite: “Coastal Clam Chowder,” as featured in the children’s book Chowder Rules! Local Clams, Red Bliss Potatoes, Brown Butter Roux
Sip: “Sea Cucumber” Gin, Honey, Cucumber, Peppercorn, Lemon, & Coconut

Henry’s Public House
Bite: Juniper spiced shepherd’s pie vol au vent with mint chutney
Sip: Paint the town pink vodka, lime leaf, yuzu sake, coconut, orange blossom, cranberry foam

Liquid Riot
Bite: Halibut Ceviche - Cucumber, Chiles, Pickled Ginger, Corn, Radish & Herbs
Sip: Paradise Daisy - Liquid Riot Gin, Yuzu Curacao, Lime, Lemongrass, Cocchi Rosso

Luke’s Lobster
Bite: Fried haddock bite
Sip: Blueberry mojito

Papi (Professionally Judged Winner for 2024)
Bite: Street Taco - Braised Pork, Tomatillo, Pineapple, Onion, Cilantro
Sip: Atrévete-te-te Mojito - Don Q Cristal Rum, Fresh Passionfruit, Red Bell Pepper, Mint, Lime, Seltzer

Ri Ra
Bite: Crab Wonton- crab salad, arugula, spicy soy molasses, sweet drops, green onion, served on crispy wonton
Sip: Ginger Nama Genshu - Sake, ginger liqueur, lime juice, ginger beer

Rigby Yard
Bite: Pork Belly Skewers with espresso rub and aioli
Sip: Espresso Martini

Salt Yard
Bite: Local Monkfish Tandoori - Red Onion and Herb Salad, Sumac, Nigella, Labne, Lemon, Blackened Grapefruit Royale
Sip: Curried Away - Three of Strong Brightwater rum, mango, pineapple, coconut, lime, curry, fluffy lemon sugar

Thistle & Grouse (People's Choice Winner for 2024)
Bite: Cubano Pork Belly Wellington - Citrus Cured Pork Belly, Swiss Cheese, Whole Grain Mustard, Puff Pastry, Mojo Relish
Sip: "Elote Fresca" - Tamarind, Bitter Orange & Rum Agua Fresca, Roasted Corn & Cojita Whip

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