Gifford’s Ice Cream dishes out a trio of new pint flavors, while the team behind Mr. Tuna gets ready to roll out a pop-up seafood eatery in Portland’s Old Port.
From a trio of new ice cream flavors hitting grocery store shelves to a pop-up seafood eatery coming to Portland’s Old Port, there’s a lot on the Maine food scene to look forward to this spring.
Even before the season officially kicks off, Gifford's Ice Cream has started distributing Cereal and Cream, I Scream for Cake and White Pistachio at participating Hannaford Supermarkets and select independent grocers throughout Maine and New England.
I Scream for Cake features cake batter ice cream layered with pieces of cake, rainbow sprinkles and blue buttercream frosting, while White Pistachio promises "real pistachios in very bite."
All are made at the company's new state-of-the-art production facility in Skowhegan, built after a fire in 2023. The upgraded facility allows the company to boost capacity and efficiency.
“With our new production facility fully operational, we’re excited to continue growing,” said Lindsay Skilling, CEO of Gifford’s Ice Cream.
“Expanding our pint lineup allows us to bring even more of our flavors to our fans across New England, while staying true to the quality, creativity and family traditions that have defined Gifford’s for generations," she added. "We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our customers, and these new flavors are a fun reflection of that.”
Ice cream stands are another key part of the business, with Gifford-owned locations set to open in Bangor today, Skowhegan on March 20 and Waterville on April 3.
Pop-up seafood eatery
The owners of Mr. Tuna announced plans to open a seasonal seafood pop-up restaurant in the Old Port this May.
Ladyfish will be open from May to October at 425 Fore St., at the former location of Bar Futo. Jordan and Marisa Rubin closed Bar Futo in November.
James Beard-nominated chef Christine Lau will be the chef of Ladyfish. Lau's Japanese-Italian restaurant in New York City, Kimika, was a semifinalist for the 2022 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. In July 2023, Christine created the menu at Brooklyn’s Chino Grande. She will be moving to Portland for Ladyfish.
Jordan Rubin FILE PHOTO / CATHERINE DZILENSKI
The menu will include specialty dishes like lobster frites, little neck clams roasted on the half shell, as well as Maine seafood staples like oysters, chowders and lobster rolls.
“Ladyfish is about celebrating Maine seafood in its most joyful, unfussy form,” said Jordan Rubin. “It’s the kind of food you want to eat all summer long — thoughtful sourcing, simple execution and a great place to gather."
Restaurant Week
Now that another Maine Restaurant Week has come and gone, Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week is about to kick off. It will run from March 15-22.
Around 22 businesses are participating, from breweries and bakeries to coffee shops and restaurants. Each location will serve up specials or prix-fixe menus.
Organized by the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street, the annual event also features special events and a free Restaurant Week Passport to unlock deals and the chance to win prizes.
Reader feedback
What food festivals or other events do you plan to check out this spring? The Friday Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.
