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    You hold in your hands our inaugural issue, and I couldn't be more excited for you to dive in. Portland is one-of-a-kind, with an energy that runs through our restaurants, art, architecture, and melting pot of cultures. Each month, we'll be bringing the best of the city right to your mailbox with a community-focused publication like no other. Flip through our pages to find out what's new, what's happening, and what makes living and working in Portland so special.
To start, is there anything more "Portland" than great food? Eating our way through the city is our favorite pastime, which is why the cover story for this issue features Nonglack Thanephonesy of Dok Mali, a recent addition to the Old Port's bustling restaurant scene that has quickly become my go-to for elevated, authentic Thai cuisine. (Her salmon curry is the stuff dreams are made of!)
We'll also be showcasing some of greater Portland's most captivating homes and properties, and for this issue we asked interior designer Robin Davis to share her top tips for reimagining your favorite at-home spaces for spring.
    And that's just the beginning. I've called this city home for more than 20 years, and I'm so proud of what we're doing at Portland City Lifestyle to bring the people and places of Portland right to you—in print, online, and on social media.
I'm committed to making Portland City Lifestyle something you look forward to reading each month—and something so beautiful you’ll want to keep it on your coffee table. So pour yourself a glass of wine or cup of tea, curl up on the couch, and spend some time with us. We're thrilled to be here with you.
May 2023
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Becca Abramson | rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
    
    Becca Abramson, Emily Harradon
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Congdon Photography, Lauren Lear, Peter G. Morneau
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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    Tag your Instagram photos with @portland.citylifestyle
    1: The Papi team celebrates after being crowned the 2023 Spirit Quest People’s Choice Winner. 2: Led by Eckart Preu, the Portland Symphony Orchestra performs Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” 3: Wine and Design Night at Alaina Marie with beverages provided by Old Port Wine.
          4: Guests enjoy breakfast at Lenora during the neighborhood taco bar’s opening week. 5: Performers at the Cabinet of Wonder benefit for Mechanics’ Hall’s arts and humanities programming. 6: Attendees dressed to the nines at the Portland Museum of Art’s 2023 Winter Bash.
          Academy Mortgage Corporation academymortgage.com
Age Management Center of New England agemanagementcenter.com
Capozza Floor Covering Center capozzaflooring.com
Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England cecofne.com
CycleBar Portland cyclebar.com/location/portland
Dragonflower Ranch dragonflowerplaces.com
The DripBar Westbrook thedripbar.com/westbrook-rock-row
The Form Lab formlabfitness.com
Greener Postures Yoga greenerposturesyoga.com
Lucy Tucker, Keller Williams Realty yoursouthernmainemove.com
Old Port Specialty Tile oldporttile.com
Old Port Wine Merchants oldportwineandcigar.com
The Photo Kitchen photokitchenmaine.com
Rytualist rytualist.com
StretchLab Oak Hill stretchlab.com/location/oakhill
The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage of Southern Maine tailoredcloset.com premiergarage.com
Two Lights Settlement Services tlsettlement.com
Wildwood Health Center wildwoodmedicine.com
    Looking for a gentle and effective way to combat the signs of aging? Facial rejuvenation acupuncture can erase years from your face without the risks associated with surgery or injections. Each session with Dr. Sasha Rose includes acupuncture, facial cupping, facial gua sha, and LED light therapy to release muscle tension and stimulate your skin.
Scan to read more.
    If you’ve ever thought of dabbling in equine affairs, now’s the time to take the proverbial leap! Beginning May 29 at Dragonflower in Yarmouth, the Ranch Riding Program is designed for beginners and beyond interested in working with the ranch’s resident horses and mini-horses. If you’re considering lessons, training, or horse therapy, submit an inquiry to learn more.
Scan to read more.
Yearning for that hoppy taste without the hangover? Maine’s first non-alcoholic craft brewery has several options to suit your fancy. The tropical and juicy Here We Go Hazy IPA, Kit NA’s newest brew, features Idaho 7, Simcoe, and El Dorado hops. Clocking in at just 0.5% ABV, it’s a great choice for anyone exploring their relationship with alcohol.
    Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/PortlandME
    Spring is finally here, and what better way to ring in the season than by reviving your interior and exterior spaces? After holing up for the winter, we Mainers certainly know how to appreciate a warm spring day, and interior designer Robin Davis of South Portland’s Robin Davis Interiors is here to show us how to bring that sunny feeling into our homes. By using whimsy tile patterns in the bathroom and kitchen, adding a splash of color outside, and incorporating textural elements in the bedroom, you can elevate your home from drab to fab this season.
When you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen without undergoing a complete renovation, consider a simple backsplash update. “This is something that anyone can do to
change the look and feel of their kitchen,” says Davis. “If you don’t have the time or funds for a remodel, changing out the backsplash can refresh your space.” Davis loves to play up Maine’s coastal vibes with three-dimensional tiles from Old Port Specialty Tile Co. Make a modern statement with a soft blue color and add some acrylic floating shelves to create a special moment. After you’ve given your backsplash a stylish boost, “try switching out your planters or adding a small, clear glass vase on the windowsill with a single bloom. It adds a happy touch to any space,” Davis notes.
Bathroom tiles offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate your favorite colors and play with a small room layout. For a recent Portland project, Davis used tiles from Old
    
    
    Port Specialty Tile Co. to create a star pattern that inadvertently included white circles, a fun surprise that ended up visually enlarging the small space. Pairing playful wallpaper with colorful tiles can make a coastal Maine home feel more modern, explains Davis. “Rather than paint the walls, I wanted to add a whimsical take on ferns or wildflower stems blowing in the wind, and the cornflower blue added a unique contrast,” she says. Don’t be afraid to bring in a statement color, but make sure to balance it out so it’s not overwhelming. “We added a natural wood cabinet with a modern, fluted door front for extra storage and brought in a natural wood-toned mirror for the vanity to carry the grounding effect elsewhere,” adds Davis.
    BEDROOM BLISS
Another easy way to rejuvenate your home is by making minor changes to the bedroom. Davis, who prefers installing hardwood floors in the bedroom instead of traditional carpet, encourages homeowners to add textural elements like an area rug to soften the floors. “Adding your own area rugs in the bedroom is simple and can be inexpensive,” she says. When it comes to the walls, consider textured wallpaper rather than paint. “I like to add a woven wallpaper in a durable and cost-effective vinyl, which is meant to mimic more expensive grasscloth,” notes Davis. “It adds a lot of dimension and envelopes the space with coziness and warmth.”
    It’s time to clear off your deck or patio space and gear up for alfresco entertaining! Get rid of any cheap outdoor furniture and opt for heavy-duty teak, which can withstand the wild weather we’re all too familiar with this time of year. Davis suggests creating various zones for different use, like a lounge chair or sectional seating for enjoying your morning coffee (or mid-afternoon cocktail) separate from your outdoor dining and entertaining space. For throw pillows and outdoor rugs, keep the colors simple, Davis says. “We aren’t in a tropical beach location, so nix the palm tree pillows, but add some pops of color where you can to make a truly one-of-a-kind spot in which to enjoy spring and summer in Maine.”
We sat down with the chef and owner of Dok Mali, Portland’s hottest Thai restaurant
I love that Portland is a growing city. I remember going to the Nickelodeon theater with my siblings when tickets were just 99 cents. We would also hang out at Deering Oaks Park at night to watch the fountain and look at the city lights. Portland today is so much more diverse than it was back when I was growing up. I’m seeing more small, immigrant-owned businesses open up across town.
WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?
I started making ramen and eggs when I was nine years old. My family loves to cook, and they work in the industry, so I would watch how they made dishes and then put my own twist on things.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR CULINARY INFLUENCES?
Certainly my family, as I would always watch them cook and try to help them in the kitchen. Another one of my culinary influences is Thai street food chef Jay Fai. In 2018, she received a Michelin star for her famous crab omelet, and since then I’ve been inspired to gain recognition for perfecting my own signature dish some day.
    “Portland today is so much more diverse than it was back when I was growing up. I’m seeing more small, immigrant-owned businesses open up across town.”ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN LEAR
WHAT SETS YOUR COOKING APART?
I think what sets me apart from other chefs is that I’m not afraid to use new ingredients that I’m not familiar with. This goes hand and hand with my philosophy to not let fear drive you, especially in the kitchen.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A CHEF IN MAINE?
    Although the regions are different, both Thailand and Maine are bordered by water, so there’s plenty of access to seafood from local vendors. In addition to getting fresh seafood from our fishermen, I love to support Maine farmers by buying fresh produce and flowers from the farmers’ market.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
By going to new places and visiting other Thai restaurants. I’m currently planning a trip to Asia—with stops in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand— and my goal is to explore and learn various styles of cooking. In Thailand, I’m especially looking forward to visiting the night market.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INGREDIENT TO COOK WITH?
My favorite ingredient is coconut because it’s super versatile. You can make so many different dishes, from mango with sweet sticky rice to curries, or even my auntie’s famous mee ka te noodle soup.
WHAT MAKES DOK MALI SPECIAL?
At Dok Mali, we highlight the best food from back home. For instance, our nam khao tod (crispy curry rice with pork) and mee ka te (spicy rice noodles with pork and curry broth) are dishes that we typically eat during family gatherings.
    I’m most proud of our Lion King dish because of how we braise the short rib, which takes lots of precision and patience. It took a fair amount of trial and error for me to figure out how to perfect that recipe!
Since I work in the kitchen most days, I like to treat myself by dining in other restaurants on my days off. I love Portland’s Vietnamese restaurants—like Huong’s Vietnamese, Thanh Thanh 2, Sun Vietnamese, and Saigon—because pho is one of my go-to comfort foods. I also enjoy going to Scales on Commercial Street for special occasions or if I’m in the mood for a great seafood dish.
I would go back in time and prepare larb moo for my late father. He used to make this minced pork salad for me as a child, so I would want to show him my own interpretation of the dish.
My biggest supporters are my daughter, Phonsavahn, and my dear friend Robert Fong. They have been with me from the start of this journey and have helped me overcome the obstacles that come along with being a business owner.
I have done my research and seen various practitioners for aesthetic procedures over the years; I can definitively say that Cosmetic Enhancement Center is the best place I have been. They have an amazing staff who really know what they are talking about and will point you in the right direction!
    
              
    
    
    CECofNE is Maine’s largest and most trusted medical aesthetics practice and has been serving clients under the direction of Maria Atkins, D.O. since 1996. Today, CECofNE is the number one provider of Botox in Maine/Northern New England and specializes in a variety of medical aesthetic treatments including dermal fillers, body sculpting, skin tightening and rejuvenation, microneedling, laser treatments, medical grade skincare and much more!
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    Portland | Falmouth | Waterville | Foley’s Fitness Scarborough
    
    
    
    
    Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.
• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.
• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
    • Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.
    
    Yield: 6 servings
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin
• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.
4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.
9. Serve and enjoy!
CHEF NOTES:
• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.
• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
    Yield: 6-10 servings
• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
6. Enjoy.
Yields 4 cups
• 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup cranberry juice, sweetened
• 1 piece orange peel
• 1 each orange for zesting
• ½ cup orange juice, freshly juiced
• 3 each cinnamon stick
• ¼ teaspoon clove, ground
• ¼ teaspoon allspice, ground
• ½ cup sugar
• Pinch salt
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. In medium saucepot on high heat, add everything except orange peel and orange zest. Bring ingredients to boil, then reduce to a simmer with lid.
2. While simmering, stir occasionally with rubber spatula ensuring bottom does not burn. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.
3. Remove lid and add orange peel and season to taste. Can add more sugar or spice if needed.
4. Once sauce is thickened and most liquid has evaporated, remove orange peel and cinnamon sticks and remove pot from heat.
5. With hand-held blender, puree sauce, keeping some texture.
6. Freshly grate in orange zest, stir and season to taste.
7. Transfer sauce to jar and place in refrigerator to cool overnight.
8. Enjoy!
CHEF NOTES:
• Enjoy with all types of poultry and game birds.
    • Do not use ground cinnamon.
• Can puree with blender if you do not have hand-held blender.
• Consistency should be thick sauce and not a jelly.
The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.
This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.
    Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!
Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.
DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.
Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.
For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.
Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!
If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.
Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.
Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.
There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.
Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.
Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!
    
    
    
    Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.
Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!
Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.
Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.
    Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.
So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.
For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816
ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
    SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
Portland Farmers’ Market
DEERING OAKS PARK | 7:00 AM
Stock up on fresh produce, flowers, and more at one of the longest running markets in the country. Your local connection to Maine’s farming community, this classic market features nearly 40 vendors offering a range of goods from vegetables to oysters—and everything in between. portlandmainefarmersmarket.org
MAY 14TH
Maker’s Market at the Point
BRICK SOUTH AT THOMPSON’S POINT | 10:00 AM
Support your favorite local creators, farmers, and small businesses at this curated community market. Bring your friends, grab a mimosa or Bloody Mary from the bar, and shop some of Maine’s best handmade items, vintage pieces, jewelry, and crafts. thompsonspoint.com/makersmarket
    MAY 20TH
Maine’s First Responders
Casino Night
368 FORE ST., PORTLAND | 5:30 PM
Academy Mortgage is proud to be a sponsor of Casino Night to benefit the Portland Fire Department’s Children’s Burn Foundation. All first responders get free entry to the event and chips to play at the tables. There will be a DJ, great food, dancing, casino tables, a fantastic silent auction, and a cash bar. meg.faulkner@ academymortgage.com
JUNE 2ND
YARMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL |
    6:00 PM
Cue the nostalgia and join Full Plates Full Potential for a one-of-akind immersive school meal experience supporting the organization’s mission to end childhood food insecurity in Maine. Enjoy an elevated, locally sourced meal developed and prepared by school nutrition staff, plus a live auction and a musical performance by a high school jazz group. fullplates.org/events/ haute-lunch-special
JUNE 2ND
PORTLAND | 5:00 PM
Savor the fresh spring air and explore Portland’s thriving Arts District during this monthly cultural event. Listen to street performers, purchase art from local makers, and stroll the streets with friends, or join in a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, studios, museums, and venues. creativeportland.com/ first-friday-art-walk
JUNE 4TH
CYCLEBAR PORTLAND | 4:00 PM
Join hundreds of fierce women from across the state who are training to participate in this summer’s Tri for a Cure sprint triathlon. Begin with a thirty minute low-impact/high-intensity cycle class followed by thirty minutes of strength training. All money raised from the clinic will be donated to the Maine Cancer Foundation. portland.cyclebar.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/PortlandME
    
    
              
    
    
    ARTICLE BY EMILY HARRADON
          
          
    
    01 Sure, the frozen treats are sublime at Gorgeous Gelato, but don’t overlook this Fore Street nook for the best cup of coffee in town. The Italians do it best! // 02 Suger is my go-to Commercial Street boutique for easy, sustainable apparel that transitions from season to season and holds up like new for years. // 03 J’s Oyster Bar is a Portland icon with the coldest beer and the best fish sandwich in town. // 04 Some like it hot (raises hand), and for me, nothing beats a heated vinyasa sweat sesh with my fellow yogis at Greener Postures Yoga in SoPo. // 05 I lived on Commercial Street for years, and a huge perk was the ability to get from my living room to Peaks Island in less than half an hour. Pro tip: Walk the island, then cap it off with a sunset dinner at Cockeyed Gull. // 06 D. Cole Jewelers has the best bling in town. Handcrafting beautiful pieces since 1981, this Exchange Street classic was a no-brainer when my husband proposed and let me choose the ring (wink).