I’m Jake Newman. The Portland Logbook is my love letter to this city: the food worth hunting down, the history that refuses to die, the corners you only find if you’re paying attention.

A Small Gap Closes on Vaughan Street

For a long time, the West End has been a bit of a food desert.
Great streets. Beautiful old buildings. People out walking dogs at all hours. And still, not many places you can pop into for something quick and good without crossing half the peninsula.

So the opening of LB. MINI-MART in the West End feels like a small gap finally closing.

It just opened at 235 Vaughan Street, in the old Vaughan Street Variety space. If you remember that store, you know how long it’s been since there was anything like this here. The team behind LB. Kitchen has been growing the Mini-Mart idea around town, but this one feels especially right for the neighborhood.

Inside, it’s simple and well organized. Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch. Coffee and smoothies. Snacks. A small mix of everyday items. There are also newspapers and cookbooks, which I didn’t realize I missed until I saw them.

The space was designed by Mey & Co, and you notice it immediately. It looks sharp and still reads as a neighborhood spot. Easy to pop into. Easy to stay a minute longer than planned.

It’s also a real win for the nurses and doctors at Maine Medical Center. Having a place like this within walking distance for coffee or lunch matters when your shifts are long and time is tight.

Do you wish the West End had its own version of Washington Ave?

Just wanted to wish you a happy holiday. This started small, and it still feels best to think about it as one person reading at a time. On a walk. At the kitchen table. With a coffee that’s getting cold.

Thanks for showing up, reading along, and caring about this city. All of you make the Logbook what it is.

Grateful you’re here. Truly.

Jake

❝

P.S.
Quick heads up that there’s a citywide parking ban tonight. I dropped the city map and garage list below so you’re not circling the block at the last minute. Speaking as someone who parks on the street and always pushes it, I feel this one.

Snow Ban Parking Map

Interactive Snow Ban Map

THIS WEEKS CONDITIONS
☀️ SUNRISE: 7:13 AM
🌅 SUNSET: 4:08 PM.
🌊 SEA TEMP: 43.8 °F (Casco Bay,)
✨ Local Favorite Shop of the Week: Sun Market
✨ Local Artist of the Week: Glass Fare

🏡 I write the Logbook, and I’m also a Portland-based Realtor. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home around here, I’m always happy to talk it through. Just hit reply.

🐾 Adoptable Buddies of the Week! 🐾

🐶 Sassy – 7 months
Sassy is a sweet, floppy-eared puppy who sticks close and makes herself at home fast. Friendly with people and other dogs, gentle, affectionate, and happy to be by your side. She’ll need training and patience, but if you’re looking for a loving shadow who brings real joy into the day, Sassy’s ready to meet you.

🐶 Nylo – 5 yrs
Pure joy in a big black dog. Nylo is affectionate, energetic, and ready to be your everyday adventure buddy. Best with kids eight and up. Dog-friendly, playful, and full of life. He’ll thrive with structure, movement, and someone who wants a best friend, not just a pet.

🐱 Rocky – 5 yrs
A sweet-and-spicy guy who bonds deeply with his person. Rocky takes a little time, then turns into a snuggly, playful, loyal companion. Loves interactive play. Knows what he wants. Perfect for someone who appreciates a cat with personality and heart.

🐕 Interested? Check them out here

If the link doesn’t open anymore, it means they’ve already been adopted!

A Community Night in Support of Palaver Strings

Palaver Strings is hosting a ticketed evening on Tuesday, January 13, from 6–10 PM at Halo at the Point, with live music, food, drinks, and guided conversation with Portland organizations and leaders from all over the community. It’s for people who want to meet people doing amazing work around town, have real conversations, and get out of the house for something that actually feels worth a winter night.

Your ticket supports Palaver’s work in Maine and helps keep nights like this happening. A night out that brings people together and supports something good in Portland.

Get Tickets, See you there.

“Please go support the people who are supporting the logbook!” -Jake