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.

How Did Subaru Become the State Car of Maine?

At some point, I became a Subaru person, and I feel like it can’t just be me.

I remember driving my orange Crosstrek off the lot. First car I’ve ever owned. I never thought I’d be the type to drive one, but my logic was pretty simple. I don’t know how to drive in the snow, so I might as well get the car that everyone else in Portland seems to trust.

Then you start driving around town, and you notice it. Entire parking lots where every third car is a Subaru.

Whole Foods is basically a Subaru dealership some days, and after a while, it stops feeling random. It feels like everyone just came to the same conclusion.

And the more you pay attention, the more it makes sense. This isn’t a place for flashy cars. With the amount of salt on the roads, no one cares what you drive as long as it works. You need something that can handle snow, something you don’t have to think twice about, something that won’t stress you out pulling onto a dirt road or parking half in a snowbank.

Subaru just sits right in the middle of that.

I went down a rabbit hole trying to figure out why this is the car here, and it turns out it wasn’t random. Back in the 90s, they leaned into the people who were already buying them. Outdoorsy, practical, didn’t really care about status. The ads felt like inside jokes. Which lines up pretty well with Maine.

And then at some point you realize you’re part of it. You’re driving the same car, parking next to five others that look almost identical, all with their own set of stickers, and you’re not even thinking twice about it.

Did you become a Subaru person?

You Always Run Into Someone at Gill’s

Every time I go to Gill’s, I run into someone I know. Neighbors, friends, clients, it doesn’t really matter. It’s never planned and within a few minutes you’re running into friends on a random Wednesday night

It kind of feels like a meeting spot for everyone around here.

It wasn’t like that at first though. When it first opened everyone was trying to get in, so it could be a bit of a wait. It still can be sometimes. You might have to wait 20 or 30 minutes, but they don’t take reservations so you know you’ll get in eventually. If you go right when they open, you can usually get in pretty easily.

The space is small, dark, a little moody, and there’s that Anthony Bourdain photo that makes me happy every time I see it. I’ve been there so many times now, and it somehow always feels the same.

That’s what makes it different. It actually feels like a neighborhood spot.

Also, if you go early, they have this lamb neck shawarma with pickled vegetables, yogurt, and pita. They only make a few each night. I really love it. It’s definitely a little gamier, so if that’s not your thing I wouldn’t go for it, but if you’re into that kind of flavor it’s really, really good.

There are a lot of great spots in Portland, but most of them you go to on purpose. You make a plan.

Gill’s is just somewhere you end up.

I love a small neighborhood spot like that. I wish there were even more of them around the city.

Find Gill’s

THIS WEEKS CONDITIONS
☀️ SUNRISE: 6:12 AM
🌅 SUNSET: 7:15 PM
✨ Local Openings : Makoto
✨ Local Favorite “Shop” of the Week: Forest Gardens
✨ Local Artist of the Week: Fran Woolson

Portside Real Estate Group

Thinking of Moving?

🏡 I write The Portland Logbook, and I also help people buy and sell homes in and around Portland.

If a move is on your mind, I’m always happy to help you think it through.

Work With Me

🐾 Adoptable Buddies of the Week! 🐾

🐱 Rufus – 10 yrs
A gentle, sensitive guy who takes a minute but turns into a full lovebug. Loves scratches, snuggles, and quiet time at home. Best with older kids and slow intros to other animals.

🐶 Stewie – 8 months
A fluffy, playful pup with big energy and an easy charm. Loves other dogs and would do well with a buddy. Fine with cats but still learning to play gently.

🐶 Brady – 9 yrs
A quiet, tender-hearted dog who needs time to feel safe. Best in a calm home as the only dog. Once he trusts you, he’s deeply loyal and just wants steady companionship.

🐕 Interested? Check them out here

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