Portland, ME July 2026

The Explore Issue

LIFE + CULTURE

RARE BIRDS, LOCAL BREWERIES, AND MAINE ADVENTURES CLOSE TO HOME

Rediscovering Home

Have you ever truly explored your hometown? I mean, have you really gotten out there and experienced it with a tourist mindset for a day or two?

For me, hometown pride is real, but I’ve realized it’s mostly because my true Portland favorites keep calling my name, and I keep going back. I’ll never stop walking around Back Cove, eating at the bar at J’s, or taking the ferry to Peaks in the summer.

But every time our Explore issue comes around, I feel a twinge of guilt for not being more adventurous with what’s offered right here on our little peninsula and beyond.

For example, if you love Maine birds and local beer, why not join Portland Explorer for its Birds on Tap road trip tour? Or if art is more your thing, take a stroll through the West End to visit two iconic inns currently showcasing works in collaboration with Casco Bay Artisans. You can learn more about both of these local adventures in the following pages.

I, for one, am vowing to do better. Who’s with me? Instead of hopping on a plane to experience a new city when I could be discovering something new right here in my own backyard, I’m prioritizing local fun for the rest of the summer. Heck, maybe even on a Tuesday. Get outside, try something new, and make the memories right here at home. The season is short, but the opportunities are endless.

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rebecca Abramson

rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Maritza Hyland | maritza.hyland@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

Birds

How

Tap

Cruise Control

Set

The Spirit of the Coast

The

city scene

1: Savannah Wise, Kristianna Eremita, Qiana Santiago, and Gabrielle Cody at btone Out of Office: TONE & Brunch at Live at Madrid’s. 2: Women founders spark connection with BOSS, the Business Owner Sisterhood Society, at Portland Beer Hub. 3: Designer Apphia Kamanda Mpay, Common Threads founder Dori Waxman, and designer Josiane Mutangana at the 3rd annual Maker’s Way show. 4: Sips & Stories pairs good books and great drinks at Five of Clubs. 5: PSO members perform at the Forte spring gala. 6: A Taste of Nations multicultural food festival at Mayo St. Arts. 7: Isabelle Hallagan of Restore Hyper Wellness and Blake Hayes from Coast 93.1 celebrate Restore’s third anniversary.

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Luke's Lobster Food Truck Rolls into Fort Williams Park

Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth is getting even tastier this summer. Luke’s Lobster has launched a seasonal food truck in the Ship Cove picnic area, serving its signature sustainably sourced lobster and crab rolls just steps from the ocean and Portland Head Light. In addition to classic Luke’s Way rolls, visitors can try new Hot Honey, Truffle, and Chili Crisp variations. The truck will operate daily, weather permitting, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Springer's Jewelers Announces Old Port Relocation

After more than a century on the peninsula, Springer’s Jewelers is preparing for its next chapter in the Old Port. The family-owned jeweler announced plans to relocate its Portland store from Congress Street to a new flagship location at 455 Fore St., expected to open in 2027. Led by fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen, the move reflects a continued investment in downtown Portland while blending the company’s historic roots with a contemporary luxury retail experience inspired by Maine design.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital Joins Rock Row Health Campus

Northern Light Mercy Hospital announced plans to open a new outpatient location at the Rock Row Health Campus in Westbrook, bringing primary care and cardiovascular services, including echocardiography and cardiac stress testing, to the mixed-use development. The hospital has leased more than 10,000 square feet for the project, which is expected to open in 2027 and aims to improve access to coordinated care in one of southern Maine’s fastest-growing regions.

Reef's Real Fruit Ice Cream: From Maui to Maine

Reef’s Real Fruit Ice Cream, a new food truck from entrepreneur Abby Alvin, will serve made-to-order soft serve blended with real fruit, including strawberry, mango, raspberry, and Maine blueberries. The truck plans to open at Rising Tide Brewing Company this summer, bringing the popular New Zealand-style treat that was first launched by Alvin in Maui to Maine’s thriving food truck scene.

Maine Makes a Splash at the 2026 World Beer Cup®

Maine breweries earned international recognition at this year’s prestigious World Beer Cup®, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a craft beer destination. Allagash Brewing Company took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Witbier category for its iconic Allagash White, along with a bronze for Ski House in the Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale category. Portland's Orange Bike Brewing Company also earned a bronze medal in the Gluten-Free Beer category for its Guava Sour beer.

Introducing Halo at the Lakefront

Salud Portland is bringing a new kind of wellness retreat to Maine’s lakefront. Halo, an upcoming immersive retreat experience, is designed as a place to slow down, reconnect, and recharge through a philosophy centered on “Regulate. Elevate. Integrate.” Rooted in nature and community, the retreat aims to help guests return to everyday life feeling more grounded and connected, with ongoing support through Salud extending the experience beyond the lake.

Scan to read more

Finally. Relief That Actually Lasts

There's a reason patients from all over Southern Maine are making their way to Active Chiropractic in Saco. We're Maine's first clinical provider of SoftWave Therapy — a non-invasive, FDA-cleared technology that triggers your body's natural healing at the source. No needles, no surgery, no downtime. Patients nationwide are reporting relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, and reclaimed active lifestyles. Could you be a candidate?

Don't let pain win. Contact Active Chiropractic and ask about SoftWave Therapy. Your relief could be one appointment away.

SoftWave reaches deep into damaged tissue using acoustic waves — stimulating healing at the cellular level with no injections and no downtime.

Take Back the Outdoors

Or

it’s

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Best Ice Cream Parlor

Beals Ice Cream bealsicecream.com

Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream fearlessflavor.com

Gelato Fiasco gelatofiasco.com

Willard Scoops willardscoops.com

Gorgeous Gelato gorgeousgelato.com

Best Farmstand

Broadturn Farm broadturnfarm.com

Highland Farm highland.farm

Winslow Farm winslow-farm.com

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Windy Hill Farm windyhill-restoration.com/windyhillfarm/index.htm

Jordan's Farm jordansfarm.com

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PORTLAND EXPLORER

BIRDS ON TAP

HOW AN UNLIKELY PAIRING BECAME ONE OF PORTLAND EXPLORER’S MOST BELOVED LOCAL EXPERIENCES

For more than a decade, Portland Explorer (formerly the Maine Brew Bus) has built its reputation on showing people a different side of Maine. This version of the state is rooted less in bucket-list tourism and more in curiosity, connection, and local discovery. Even by Portland standards, though, combining birding with brewery hopping might sound like a stretch at first.

“I wasn’t confident,” admits Portland Explorer owner Zach Poole about the company’s now wildly popular Birds on Tap tours. “My thing is that I always will say yes. I’m a yes guy. So I said, let’s give it a shot.”

The idea came from Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply, a nationally respected birder who had been giving talks at breweries before imagining something more immersive: a tour that paired birdwatching with visits to Maine breweries. Twelve years later, what began as an experiment has become one of Portland Explorer’s most distinctive recurring experiences—and one that resonates surprisingly strongly with locals.

“We ended up with something like six sold-out tours,” Poole says of the early days. “People that enjoyed beer were like, ‘Oh,

I’ve never birded before.’ On the other side, there were people who thought, ‘I like birding, but let’s go check out some breweries while we’re at it.’”

That crossover appeal is exactly what makes the tours feel so right for Portland, a city where craft beer culture and outdoor recreation are equally embedded into daily life. Birds on Tap offers a new lens through familiar territory: participants might spend the morning spotting migrating warblers before unwinding at a neighborhood brewery they’ve somehow never visited. “On all of our tours, you’ll learn something new about Portland or the area, even if you lived here your whole life, but these are definitely tailored more toward locals,” says Poole.

The tours remain intentionally intimate, capped at around 12 guests, which creates something that feels less like a traditional tour and more like a shared outing among curious friends. Lovitch handles the birding side, selecting locations based on seasonal migration patterns and habitat conditions, while Poole chooses nearby breweries that fit naturally into the route. Even for people who can’t tell a sparrow from a finch, the experience works.

“ON ALL OF OUR TOURS, YOU’LL LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT PORTLAND OR THE AREA, EVEN IF YOU LIVED HERE YOUR WHOLE LIFE.”

“Derek is amazing,” Poole says. “When he is out there, he can hear a bird and know what it is and have you looking for it. He is excited about seeing the birds, so you get excited about seeing the birds.” Lovitch’s enthusiasm helps bridge the gap between serious birders and complete beginners. Some guests come for the breweries and discover a new appreciation for birding; others arrive with binoculars already in hand and leave with a new favorite beer.

Over the years, the tours themselves have evolved. Early itineraries involved long drives across southern Maine, but Poole noticed guests cared less about cramming in destinations and more about the overall experience. “We realized people wanted the activity," he says. “They didn’t need a long ride in the van with a guy talking to them.” Now, the focus stays closer to Portland, highlighting how much there is to explore within the region itself—from marshes and migration corridors to tucked-away breweries locals may drive past every day without stopping in.

That same spirit of rediscovery inspired Portland Explorer’s newest offering: Forts & Feathers. Launching this year, the tour combines coastal birding with Maine military history, bringing guests to sites like Fort Scammel on House Island, Peaks Island, and Fort Williams. The idea grew organically after previous outings to House Island revealed guests were just as fascinated by the setting itself as they were by the beer tastings initially included in the experience. “We realized there’s so much history of the fort, and then some incredible birds out there,” Poole says. “We didn’t even need the beer.”

For many Mainers, the access alone is a revelation. Portland Explorer is currently the only tour company permitted to bring guests to Fort Scammel on House Island, an often-overlooked landmark sitting just off Portland’s waterfront. “A lot of locals have never been on that island,” Poole says. “So that would probably be my pick for the most unique experience we offer.”

Portland Explorer also offers the Rarity Roundup, perhaps the most unpredictable of its three birding experiences. Offered just once each year, the tour operates almost entirely around real-time bird activity. “Derek decides where he thinks the birds are going to be, and we go there,” Poole says. “It’s kind of spur of the moment.” Depending on migration reports and sightings, the day could lead participants anywhere from Scarborough Marsh to Brunswick in pursuit of unusual species and once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

Birding, Poole explains, has a surprisingly passionate culture behind it—something he understands more than most. His

mother worked as a bird guide, and although he originally saw himself more as “the beer guy,” the birding world has slowly become part of his own story too.

For Poole, the success of these tours ultimately comes down to perspective. Whether guests are spotting a migratory bird for the first time, stepping onto House Island after years of seeing it from shore, or discovering a brewery tucked into a neighborhood they thought they already knew, the experience encourages people to slow down and look closer. Portland Explorer’s birding tours offer something increasingly valuable: the chance to feel surprised by Maine again.

PORTLAND EXPLORER

Beyond its birding experiences, Portland Explorer has built a reputation for helping locals and visitors experience the city from a different perspective. The company offers everything from working waterfront tours and hidden history excursions to food-focused outings and sports experiences with the Sea Dogs and Mariners. Guests can step inside the Portland Fish Exchange, explore Fort Scammel on House Island, or discover new restaurants and breweries through guided tastings. The common thread is an immersive, small-group experience designed to reveal sides of Maine many locals haven’t explored yet.

CRUISE CONTROL

Set sail, haul traps, and soak up summer across southern Maine with these excursions that offer a fresh perspective on some of the state’s most iconic scenery

LUCKY CATCH LOBSTER CRUISES

luckycatch.com

For a quintessentially Maine adventure, hop aboard a working lobster boat with Lucky Catch Cruises. The 80- to 90-minute excursion takes passengers through Casco Bay while crews haul traps and share insight into the state’s storied lobster industry. Along the way, expect views of lighthouses, seals, and historic forts. It’s equal parts sightseeing and hands-on education—the kind of outing that reminds locals why visitors fall in love with Maine every summer.

SONGO RIVER QUEEN SCENIC CRUISES

songoriverqueen2.com

A ride aboard the Songo River Queen II, docked at the Naples Causeway, feels like stepping into another era. The replica paddle-wheel boat glides through Long Lake and the winding Songo River, offering a laid-back way to soak in western Maine’s summer beauty. From pine-lined shorelines to sparkling water views, the cruise captures the nostalgic charm of a Maine lakes region getaway.

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON

“To know Maine is to understand that its waters are as much a part of life as the land itself.” —inspired by the writings of Rachel Carson

WINE WISE SAILS

winewiseevents.com/sails

Trade crowded patios for open water with a Wine Wise sail aboard the tall ship Frances. Departing from Portland, these curated cruises pair Casco Bay scenery with guided wine tastings led by sommelier Erica Archer. As the boat passes islands, lighthouses, and working waterfronts, guests sip thoughtfully selected wines and settle into a slower pace. It’s an elevated yet approachable way to experience the coast that’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, or simply seeing Portland from a different angle.

THE SPIRIT OF the Coast

THE MAKERS OF MARINE 01 ARE BRINGING A DISTINCTLY COASTAL FLAVOR TO MAINE COCKTAILS

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN KALMAN

There’s something undeniably Maine about a spirit shaped by the sea. With the launch of Marine 01, Portland-based Bold Coast Spirits is bottling that coastal connection in a way that feels both inventive and deeply local.

The new small-batch vodka, created by co-founders Jay Lombard and Stuart Littlefield, is the first release in the brand’s Marine series, a collection inspired by ingredients sourced from Maine’s waters and shoreline. What makes Marine 01 especially distinctive is its resting process: the vodka is rested on cracked oyster shells from Nor’Easter Oyster Company, giving the spirit a subtle mineral quality and silky texture.

“Terroir is a word people use for wine to describe how a place expresses itself in what you taste. There’s an equivalent concept in the oyster world called merroir,” Lombard said. “Marine 01 lives at the intersection of both.”

According to Lombard, the calcium carbonate and natural tannins in the oyster shells slowly work into the spirit during the resting process, creating “a coastal mineral character you can’t replicate through conventional production.” He also points to Maine’s oyster farmers and western Maine’s glacial watershed as essential ingredients in the final product.

“We’re fortunate to work with Maine’s oyster farming community, people who know their waters intimately and take extraordinary care of the resource,” Lombard said. “Vodka is 60 percent water, and western Maine sits on a glacial watershed that produces some of the cleanest water in the country. We’re in the right place to make this product, and we don’t take that lightly.”

Only 600 bottles are included in the first release, which will be available exclusively in Maine this summer at select bars, restaurants, and retailers including Douro, Magnus on Water, and Bow Street Beverage.

For Bold Coast Spirits, this is only the beginning. “Marine 01 is the first expression in a series,” Lombard said. “The coast has more to offer.”

ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CASCO BAY ARTISANS

A STAY WORTH FRAMING

INSIDE PORTLAND’S NEWEST “LIVING GALLERY” AT THE WEST END COLLECTION

As Portland’s hospitality scene continues to evolve, one West End property is entering a new era without losing sight of the artistic spirit that made it memorable in the first place. This spring, the West End Collection unveiled a year-long renovation of the former Pomegranate Inn, pairing elevated boutique accommodations with a new partnership alongside waterfront gallery Casco Bay Artisans.

“The arts brought our two businesses together,” Swarts says of the latest collaboration between Casco Bay Artisans and the West End Collection.

“Great art stops you in your tracks. When you actually live with it for a few days, you start seeing it as part of your daily life.”

The collaboration transforms the Neal and Pine Street properties into what owners are calling a “living gallery,” where museum-quality contemporary artwork fills guest suites and common spaces, blurring the line between hospitality and art experience.

For Jennifer Swarts, owner of Casco Bay Artisans, the partnership felt like a natural fit for Portland, a place where creativity and community often intersect in unexpected ways. “The arts brought our two businesses together,” Swarts says, explaining that the collaboration began through a connection made by gallery manager Jess Lauren while serving on the Portland Museum of Art Contemporaries Steering Committee.

“We want you to fall in love with the inns, the art, the imagery, and the techniques as much as we have. Our art should bring you joy, inspire your mind, and refresh your soul.”

Rather than treating artwork as simple decor, the goal was to create an immersive experience that encourages guests to live with the art during their stay. According to Swarts, there’s something transformative about encountering contemporary work outside the traditional white-wall gallery setting. “Great art stops you in your tracks,” she says. “When you actually live with it for a few days in the beautiful West End Collection Inns, you start seeing it as part of your daily life.”

That philosophy shaped the curation process throughout the renovated properties. Swarts and her team worked closely with owner Stephen Simonds and staff members to capture what she describes as the “vibes of Portland and Maine” through art that feels locally grounded and globally inspired. The resulting spaces pair contemporary seascapes, regional imagery, and international works with the restored historic character of the buildings themselves. Guest rooms now feature premium finishes and modern comforts while maintaining the architectural charm longtime Portlanders remember from the property’s previous life.

For travelers, the experience offers more than just a stylish place to stay. Every piece of artwork throughout the inns is available for purchase, giving visitors the opportunity to bring home a tangible reminder of their time in Portland. “We want them to fall in love with the Inns, the art, the imagery, and the techniques as much as we have,” Swarts says. “Our art should bring you joy, inspire your mind, and refresh your soul.”

The project also arrives at a meaningful moment for Casco Bay Artisans, which is celebrating 15 years in Portland this year. Swarts sees the collaboration as an opportunity to introduce more people to collecting contemporary art while expanding the gallery’s role within the local community. “Our longevity speaks to our artists and collectors,” she says. “We are happy to share our collection with broader audiences at the beautiful West End Collection properties, and we hope the works inspire even more people to start their own art collections.”

Nonglack Thanephonesy Owner & Head Chef

The Intervale Extension Table

New Standard in Hair Care & Wellness

246 Eastern Promenade

Where Casco Bay Meets Your Front Door

The first address of its kind in over fifty years— perched above the bay on Portland’s most iconic stretch of coastline. Thirteen residences conceived for those who demand the exceptional. Only six remain.

TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR

YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.

Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:

1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET

A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offers effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.

2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE

A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.

3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL

Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.

4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE

Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.

5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.

6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL

A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.

7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE

Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.

8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY

A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

JULY 10TH

Next Stop Comedy

Root Wild Kombucha | 7:00 PM

Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter. Whether you need an exciting date night, you're a die-hard comedy fan, or you're just looking for a fun night out, Next Stop Comedy guarantees big laughs, great vibes, and an experience you won't want to miss.

JULY 11TH

Cheese 101

107 Washington Avenue | 7:00 PM

Taste the world's best cheeses and learn about cheesemaking, cheese history, and perfect pairings from Sissle & Daughters' expert cheesemongers. For cheese newbies to the upmost connoisseur, the Cheese 101 evenings are a fun-filled and informative way to learn the basics of cheesemaking, cheese care, tasting, and beverage pairings, all within an intimate space.

JULY 11TH

Our Experienced Medical Professionals offer advanced skincare and wellness services including PDO Threads, Botox, Daxxify, HA Dermal Fillers, Laser treatments, Facials, Chemical peels, DiamondGlow, Wellness Programs like GLP-1 & Hormone replacement therapy , Memberships, ZO Skinhealth, Valmont Swiss Cellular Skincare, Flamingo Estate Home Goods, and More!

Secret Gardens of the Kennebunks

Kennebunkport Consolidated School | 10:00 AM

For one day only, seven gracious property owners will open their private gardens—normally hidden behind stone walls, seaside cottages, and privacy hedges—to guests eager to explore the Kennebunks' most enchanting and diverse landscapes. Ticket holders will enjoy a variety of garden styles and plant collections, all while supporting the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library.

CONTINUED

JULY 11TH

WCLZ Presents

The Mallett Brothers

Live at Madrid's | 8:00 PM

Founded in 2009 in Portland by brothers Luke and Will Mallett, the band carries forward the songwriting tradition of their father, folk artist David Mallett. Over the past 15 years, their working-band ethos and a dedicated fan base have carried them across countless tours, shows, and festivals, proving that you don't need Nashville or Austin to create authentic American music that resonates far and wide.

JULY 16TH

Third Thursdays at PMA

Portland Museum of Art | 10:00 AM

On the third Thursday of every month, the Portland Museum of Art offers free admission all day and evening for all. Explore the galleries, enjoy family-friendly art-making and activities, and experience a dynamic lineup of rotating music, food trucks, films, performances, and programs.

JULY 16TH

Live + Local on the Terrace: Summer Music Series

Harbor Bistro + Terrace | 6:00 PM

All season long, experience a rotating lineup of talented local musicians and evenings that feel easy, social, and unmistakably summer. Think great music, coastal-inspired food and drinks, and the kind of nights that naturally stretch a little longer than planned. From soulful acoustic sets to upbeat favorites, every week offers something different. Grab a table, meet up with friends, and settle in.