Friday Food Insider: Women in the restaurant industry

Photo / Jim Neuger Marisa Lewiecki and Jordan Rubin at Bar Futo, their Japanese-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar at 425 Fore St. They also own Mr. Tuna and are co-owners of Crispy Gai.

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By Alexis Wells

So since this week was our Women to Watch issue, we're treating ourselves to dishes from our favorite women-owned restaurants. And since Maine is a foodie hot spot, there's no better time to highlight some of these restaurants in the state — and let me tell you, there are a lot.

File photo / Tim Greenway

Krista Cole

Whether it's female ownership, the chef cooking your food, or the server bringing it out to your table, we know that women have power in this industry.

“I feel empowered being a female, sole proprietor of two restaurants,” said Krista Cole, owner of Sur Lie in Portland and Gather in Yarmouth. “I take being a leader very seriously, and being an empathetic female, I'm invested in creating a collaborative work environment and inspiring my staff to create change and achieve their own dreams in life.”

Southern Maine

While you should be supporting women-owned restaurants all year round, here are some local hot spots you should check out. These businesses are a mixture of women-owned restaurants and women partners in the business.

Let’s start in southern Maine, shall we?

The Maker’s Galley, at 5 Commercial St. in Portland, serves up a breakfast and lunch menu in its beautiful art-filled space. Don't forget to stop in for Sunday pajama brunch. The owner is Rachel Sagiroglu.

LB Kitchen, at 255 Congress St. in Portland, is a mini-mart and cafe. The spot serves up a health-centric breakfast and lunch menu as well as fun Sunday brunch dishes. The avocado toast with truffle oil is one of my favorites, and I will be thinking about this for the rest of the day because come on anything with truffle oil is amazing. The owner is Lee Farrington.

The Sinful Kitchen, at 952 Brighton Ave. in Portland, is a cozy spot where guests can see their food prepared fresh to order. For my gluten-free friends, this restaurant is a must for brunch. Everything can be made with gluten-free ingredients. The owners are Denae and Dave Mallari.

Alexis Wells

Pictured here is one of Sur Lie's amazing cocktails.

Sur Lie, at 1 Free St. in Portland, is a cozy, contemporary restaurant and bar specializing in small plates, with locally sourced ingredients. The tart and popover are delectable and the Blood Sweat & Tears cocktail is refreshing. The restaurant is owned by Krista Cole.

Oga Suya — Nigerian BBQ, at 41 Fox St. in Portland, brings authentic Nigerian food to Maine. The restaurant offers Suya, otherwise known as Nigerian barbecue. It has Chicken Suya, Beef Suya, Veggie Suya and many other Nigerian favorites. This spot is co-owned by the husband-and-wife team of Young Francis and Rose Barboza.

Bar Futo, at 425 Fore St. in Portland, is a Japanese-inspired restaurant. Seasonal ingredients guide Bar Futo’s menu of yakitori-style skewers, cuts of meat and whole fish grilled over Japanese charcoal (binchotan), and kakigori (Japanese shaved ice). The partners are Marisa Lewiecki and Jordan Rubin. They also own Mr. Tuna and are co-owners of Crispy Gai.

Chaval, at 58 Pine St. in Portland, offers seasonal French and Spanish-influenced cuisine and craft cocktails. Co-owned by Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti.

Alexis Wells

Pictured here is Regards Caledonia shrimp tacos.

Regards, at 547 Congress St. in Portland, is one of my favorite spots right now for small plates. The cozy dining area is perfect for hanging with friends or a cute date night spot. The tamale, Caledonia shrimp tacos and ceviche are my favorites. The owners are Neil Zabriskie, Cameron Lewin and Kimberly Lund Zabriskie.

Thirsty Pig, at 37 Exchange St. Portland, serves up house-made sausages, casual eats and craft brews. This spot is owned by Allison Stevens.

Chez Rosa, at Cross Street in Kennebunkport, is an independent and locally owned French bistro by a husband and wife team, Kyle Robinson and Yazmin Saraya Jean. It is a dinner-only restaurant offering locally sourced French specialties in a stylish, cozy atmosphere. The ratatouille and steak frites are calling my name.

Central Maine and midcoast areas

File photo / Jim Neuger

Kate McAleer is the founder and owner of Bixby Chocolate, which is based in Rockland but also has a shop in Waterville, shown here.

Bixby Chocolate Cafe, at 93 Main St. in Waterville, is owned by a 2022 Mainebiz Women to Watch Kate McAleer. The spot opened in December in the Paul J Schupf Art Center. When you stop in you must try their signature drink which is the liquid ganache. It is a chocolate lovers dream.

The Lost Kitchen, at 22 Mill St. in Freedom, is well known for its postcard system used to get a reservation and for owner Erin French's innovative cuisine.

In Good Company, at 415 Main St. in Rockland, serves up contemporary American fare with a strong wine focus. This restaurant is located in a former bank and still has eight walk-in vaults showcasing the bank's history. The chef and owner is Melody Wolfertz.

Primo Restaurant, at 2 Main St. in Rockland, is an upscale eatery that serves Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes with local twists. This space is owned and operated by a two-time James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly.

Archers on the Pier, at 58 Ocean St. in Rockland, is a seafood-centric cafe on the waterfront and owned by Lynn Archer.

Alexis Wells

Utopia Restaurant & Bar

Aragosta at Goose Cove, at 300 Goose Cove Road on Deer Isle, is a farm-to-table waterfront restaurant. It is owned by Devin Finigan.

Utopia, at 96 Hammond St. in Bangor, is a pan-Mediterranean restaurant with Moroccan, French, Italian and Egyptian dishes. This is a cute spot in downtown Bangor and next door to a local cheese shop. The chef and owner of this spot is Rachel Moyes.

There are many other women-owned or co-owned restaurants in Maine. Be sure to check them out.

What is your favorite women-owned spot? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to know! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.