After many years of working in kitchens in New York, Jay Villani moved to Maine and opened Local 188, which has been in business since 1999. His latest venture, Sonny’s, is located in the heart of the Old Port, serving local fare with a new world twist.
 

Jay's Farm to Table Philosophy
 

If you thought the robust flavors of Mediterranean or New World cuisine couldn't achieve greatness with ingredients local to these Northern hinterlands, Jay Villani, the brains and brawn behind Local 188 and Sonny's, has been proving you wrong since 1999.

Since day one, Jay has nurtured relationships with Maine farmers beyond business transactions. Dan from Freedom Farm grows Poblanos for Sonny’s and roasts them outside the restaurant. Meg from South Paw Farm provides Local 188’s black salsify, which Chef de Cuisine Nicholas Nappi uses in poaching liquids. Bob from Uncle Bob’s Garden of Eden’s tiny cucumbers are pickled into cornichons for Local 188’s charcuterie. Pastry Chefs Gabrielle and Liz pack Maxwell’s Farm berries into tarts, cobblers, and shortcakes.  

The bartenders are also in on the farm-to-table action. Jon at Sonny’s infuses Dandelion Spring Farm rhubarb into vodka, the base of signature cocktail “The Back Nine.” Local 188’s Nathaniel infuses gin with Uncle Bob’s Spilanthes—the flower’s natural analgesic briefly numbs the tongue. Jay is starting Bunker Brewery with house baker Chresten Sorensen; craft brews with locally-sourced hops and grains will be available at both restaurants.

Villani's commitment to “local” doesn’t stop with his menus. Sonny's occupies the historic Portland Savings Bank building. Local craftsmen designed and renovated the restaurant, preserving the historical integrity of the space.  Local 188 doubles as an art gallery; nearly every inch of wall space is dedicated to showcasing local art and artists.

Borne of Villani and wife Allison’s dream of combining their loves for cooking, art, and community, Local 188 and Sonny’s has achieved enviable status as go-to hot spots, hometown-favorite eateries, and late-night watering holes among Portland locavores.

Local 188
685 Congress St
Portland, ME
phone: 207-761-7909
http://www.local188.com/

Sonny's
83 Exchange St
Portland, ME
phone: 207-772-7774
http://www.sonnysportland.com/