The Portland Logbook #8

This Week in Portland Maine

Jake Newman
March 25, 2025

Wolves of the Portland Peninsula: A Forgotten Legacy

Today, Portland, Maine is known for its lobster rolls, craft beer, and picturesque streets. But long before the food scene, and even before the native peoples of the Portland Peninsula were here like we talked about in last week's newsletter, this land was wild, a land where wolves roamed freely, hunting and howling in the dense forests and marshlands that once dominated the peninsula.

In the 1700s, Portland was a wilderness. The salty air of Casco Bay mixed with the scent of dense woods. The city streets we know today were little more than trails, winding through thick forests where wolves stalked deer and smaller game. Their haunting howls echoed off the cliffs and across the bay, a sound that carried through the land like a ghost of the wild. Even before anyone had a name for this place, wolves were already here, making their mark on the landscape.

But as Portland began to grow, the wolves’ grip on the land weakened. Early settlers cleared the forests for farming and timber while trappers hunted the wolves for their valuable pelts. By the mid-1800s, the wolves that once dominated this wild place were gone. The last confirmed wolf in Maine was killed in 1880, and by the early 1900s, the species had disappeared from the state altogether. As the wilderness was replaced by a bustling city, the wolves faded into memory.

The decline of the wolves marked a larger shift in Maine’s ecosystems. Without these apex predators, the balance of nature began to shift. Deer populations grew unchecked, and the landscape was forever changed. The wolves were gone, but their absence was felt—by the land, the animals, and the people who followed.

Today, Portland is a far cry from the wilderness it once was. The streets are lined with shops and cafes, and the forests have long been replaced by neighborhoods. But when you’re near the water or walking through the older parts of the city, take a moment to reflect on the land’s wild history. The echo of those early days is still part of Portland’s story, even if the wolves are no longer here.

Want to help preserve Maine's wildlife for future generations? Consider volunteering at the Wolves of Maine Sanctuary or Maine Audubon right here in Portland. Whether it’s assisting with habitat restoration, helping with wildlife monitoring, or guiding educational tours, your time can make a real difference. Join us in continuing the legacy of Maine’s wild places.

Crispy Gai: The Thai Fried Chicken You Can Smell from a Block Away

There’s a specific kind of hunger that hits you when you catch the smell of fried chicken on cold city air. It’s primal. You stop mid-stride, scan the street like an animal, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. In Portland, that trail tends to lead you to Crispy Gai.

The night I walked in, the place was packed. Shoulder-to-shoulder with friends and strangers, all sharing in the chaos. And you know what? This place delivered. But fair warning: Crispy Gai is loud. Not just the crowd, but the kitchen, the cocktails, the food. It hums with energy. It’s the kind of place where you’re shouting to be heard, but you’re too busy diving into plate after plate to care. If you’re bringing your parents and one of them has trouble hearing, take them somewhere quieter. But if you’re here for the experience? Lean in. This place doesn’t do subtle.

We didn’t hold back. When you’re here, you order like you’ve been waiting for this moment. First up—the Hat Yai Fried Chicken (4 pieces for $21). Yeah, it’s crispy. But it’s not the sad, dry kind of crispy that makes you reach for a drink after one bite. No, this chicken is golden, thick, crispy enough to make a sound, but the inside, it’s so juicy, it might as well be a fountain. And those fried shallots on top!

Then came the Moo Ping ($13). Sweet, smoky pork skewers paired with peanut sauce so good, you’ll catch yourself dipping everything in sight. Somewhere in between, we tried the Cabbage Salad ($11)—a fresh mix of bird’s eye chili, peanuts, and nam jim khao man gai that resets your palate between heavier bites. And don’t overlook the Fried Rice ($15). It’s not just a side dish; it’s a damn star. Sweet Chinese sausage folded into sticky, savory goodness. And the Kanom Gui Chai ($9)? Crispy little chive cakes that hit that sweet spot—crunchy on the outside, soft and packed with flavor on the inside.

The Sichuan Wings ($16). A full reset for your senses. Numbing spice, face-warming heat, the kind of wings that make you look around mid-bite, wondering if anyone else is feeling that moment. They’re the kind of wings that make you rethink everything you’ve ever known about wings.

Then there’s the Sauce Party ($8). Exactly what it sounds like, a flight of sauces you’ll want to steal and take home. If you’re someone who likes options, this is for you. But let’s be honest, and I don’t want to admit this but the NJS Ranch is the best. Don’t even try to deny it.

Crispy Gai isn’t about being quiet or refined. It’s loud, fast-moving, and unapologetic. You’re sitting elbow to elbow with your friends, shouting across plates piled high with sticky rice, cabbage salad, and wings that slap you in the face. You’re waiting for the next dish to land like it’s a knockout punch. And that’s exactly what makes it great.

Where should I go next?

My server was quick to name three favorites, and I’m torn. Where should I go next? Help me decide by picking one below.

Why stop at just one bakery?

Click the image below to plan a dozen delicious Saturdays around Portland’s best pastry spots.
Bonus: there’s even more food, art, and Portland finds on my site if you haven’t explored it yet.

The Best Bakeries in Portland: A Delicious Local's Guide

Explore Portland, Maine’s best bakeries, from iconic croissants to legendary sourdough. A local’s guide to must-visit spots for pastries, bread, and morning treats—plus four bakeries worth the trip outside the city.

🐾 Adoptable Buddies of the Week! 🐾

🐕 Rhubarb – Sweet as her name implies, Rhubarb is a young, cuddly pup who loves nothing more than being with her people—preferably while also napping. She’s smart, potty-trained, and even treadmill-trained (seriously). Rhubarb would thrive in a quieter home without young kids, and she’s open to meeting a doggy roommate with a proper introduction. Not her thing. Cozy couch snuggles? Absolutely.

🐕 Bourbon – A goofy, high-energy guy with a huge heart and an even bigger personality. Bourbon is all about zoomies, agility games, and then crashing hard on the couch beside you. He’s best suited to a home with adults or teens, and while he might be cool with another dog, he prefers to be the main event. No small kids, cats, or critters, but if you’re looking for laughs, loyalty, and a built-in workout buddy—he’s your guy.

No cats, birds, or bunnies this week! If you know a local rescue I should feature, let me know.

🐕 Interested? Check them out here