Friday Food Insider: ’50s-inspired cannabis bakery opens in Portland

Portland will soon be home to a very different type of candy store.

Pot + Pan Kitchen, maker of THC-infused baked goods and treats, will host the grand opening of its first store, at 646 Forest Ave., on Saturday.

Founded as an edible cannabis manufacturer in 2015 by Keri-Jon Wilson, now Managing Director, and Dunia Khudairi, CEO, Pot + Pan is an “edgy” yet retro-style brand specializing in infused edible confections at low doses. They include chocolate and creatively flavored pastries from executive chef Tara Cannaday, who recently competed on the Food Network’s Summer Baking Championship.

“From your favorite picnic as a child to a delicious flavor of ice cream you may have shared with your grandmother, each product is meant to evoke a shared experience we can all relate to or a great memory,” Cannaday said.

“These are the things that inspire me to make these amazing THC-infused treats. I can’t wait to share my favorite products with in-store exclusives, fresh seasonal produce, and a whole world of fun. I’m just getting started!

Pot + Pan will offer a range of THC-infused baked goods, chocolate bars, candies and gummies in varying doses. Wilson told Mainebiz that Pot + Pan products are suitable for a variety of uses: a birthday or hostess gift, the alternative “last drink” at a dinner party, the 21 and over version of a s’more by the summer fire or a happy hour. to treat.

“When you walk into our store, it will be a unique space of cooking, gadgets, lodging and retail,” Wilson said. “There will be a traditional bakery counter and behind the counter there will be exclusively Pot + Pan products.

“Our biggest launch when we open is that we are going to be offering a line of infused filled Bundt cakes. The brand is all about American nostalgia and all of our flavors are based on food experiences that Tara has had or that we have had or things that we love that a parent may have made when we were growing up.

“So we’re really leaning into this cake pan, which is a huge piece of Pot + Pan. We’re going to be launching a line of five edible cakes infused in a variety of flavors. These will be available exclusively in our store. We will also be launching products throughout the summer.

Photo / Courtesy of Ruby Jean Photography

Pot + Pan will offer a variety of THC-infused Bundt Cakes.

Customers will not be allowed to consume on site. Wilson told Mainebiz the store’s hours will be announced on social media after its grand opening.

What else is happening in the food world?

Bar Publica, a new bar, kitchen and nightspot located at 82 Hanover St. in Portland’s West Bayside neighborhood, opens its doors and roof on Saturday. The bar program will highlight fresh cocktails and an extensive mezcal collection, as well as a rotating and seasonal craft beer and wine list. There will also be a street food menu, rotating seasonally, that captures Latin American flavors.

Bar Publica will be open daily from noon to 1 a.m., and the kitchen will be open daily until 10 p.m. Guest DJs are planned for the weekend.

Cafe Buzz, at 19 Exchange St. in Portland, officially reopened last week after being closed since December. Check it out and see the space reorganized.

It’s almost officially summer, and what better way to enjoy Maine than through its vibrant culinary scene? Which outdoor cocktail and dining venues will you try? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at [email protected].