Portland Takeout Wine Pairings: The Start of a Maine Summer
It’s (almost) officially summer, and as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to grab some takeout from your favorite local spots and pair it with your go-to eighteen twenty wine. We know the most popular restaurants fill up fast this time of year, so skip the wait - we actually encourage you to bring your takeout to the tasting room and enjoy it here with a glass of wine..
For the ultimate at-home summer vibe, crack a window, queue up your favorite playlist, and if you're feeling social, invite a few friends over for good conversation - and maybe a board game or two. We’re spotlighting three great options for Portland-area takeout this week - from oysters to small plates to authentic Greek fare, there’s something delicious for everyone.
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
Eventide is a Portland classic, especially if you’re looking for Maine seafood. Whether you grew up here or you’re trying to impress your family and friends from out of town, Eventide surely won’t disappoint. Eventide Oyster Co. describes themselves as “A revival of the great American oyster bar, Eventide offers pristine oysters and shellfish, the famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and a James Beard Award-winning take on classic New England fare.”
If you’re planning to order Oysters on the Half Shell, Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and Coleslaw we recommend to pair that with a bottle of victoria, as it is simultaneously tart but sweet with that rhubarb zing! It nicely complements the flavors of the seafood, and balances the saltiness of the oysters and clams too! Additionally, if you are far from Maine you can get the Brown Butter Lobster Roll shipped via Goldbelly with a bottle of victoria for a real Maine experience. We have shipped these to our family in North Carolina through Goldbelly and they loved it. It was a huge amount of lobster and and was quite the treat.
182 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Tipo is a Portland classic, and is a great option if you’re looking for something simple, but still delicious. Tipo describes themselves as “A neighborhood spot featuring a creative and ever-changing menu of Italian-inspired plates on Portland’s Back Cove.”
Some recommendations we have from the dinner menu is the Gnocco Frito, a Margherita Pizza, and of course for dessert, Tiramisu. We think that a bottle of fête would be a perfect addition to this order, as it has a slight sweetness but is ultimately refreshing. It pairs well with the cheese from the Gnocco Frito, and doesn’t overpower the Tiramisu.
Magissa Portland
91 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Just down the street from eighteen-twenty wines, Magissa Portland, is a newer restaurant here in Portland, but just as incredible as the wonderful restaurants that have been here for 20+ years. Magissa describes themselves as “A taverna style Greek restaurant combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine.”
It might just be me (though it definitely isn’t), but Greek food is one of my favorites especially in the summertime, as it can be so refreshing, but tangy! Some recommendations on the dinner menu are the Greek Salad, a Gyro with Chicken, and Spanakopita. A wine pairing that aligns with this menu would be a bottle of bloom. bloom’s light, aromatic profile plays well with these fresh flavors, enhancing them rather than clashing. A perfect staple for a picnic, or dinner party!
If any of these delicious options spark your interest, tag us on our Instagram @eighteentwentywines and show off your summer takeout and wine set up! Furry friends are highly encouraged to be in the background! Let us know in the comments your favorite song of the summer (past or present!) and a favorite Portland dish, as it might be featured in our next summer blog post!