Casey Watson digs clams on the Midcoast by day and plays comedy clubs at night.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inDo This
Winter spots to eat outdoors in southern Maine – and still stay warm
The trend toward outdoor dining in the cold months continues, with places offering heated patios, decks, shacks or igloos.
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Posted inDo This, Food
Chicago Italian beef, as seen on ‘The Bear,’ now in Portland
Say ‘yes chef!’ to Roasty’s on Congress Street, which is serving up a version of the signature sandwich featured on the hit FX series.
Posted inDo This
Maine humorist Gary Crocker’s perfect day starts at the top
It starts at Cadillac Mountain and then encompasses the rest of Acadia National Park.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books
The best books in 2024? These Mainers should know.
Stephen King, Tess Gerritsen, Richard Ford and Monica Wood are among those who shared their favorite books of the year.
Posted inDo This
On New Year’s Eve, party like a Mainer
Dance parties, live music, kids’ celebrations and a blueberry drop are among the options for ringing in 2025 around southern Maine.
Posted inDo This
How a Portland DJ gears up for New Year’s Eve
Jason Conti — who performs as DJ Jay-C — will be spinning the tunes at the NYE 2025 party at Aura in Portland.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Local & State, News
Hallmark Christmas movies love Maine
At least 8 of the popular films have Maine-set stories, including this year’s ‘A Novel Noel.’
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local & State
David Mallett, iconic Maine singer-songwriter, dies at 73
With a career spanning 4 decades, his songs were performed by artists like Pete Seeger, Emmylou Harris and John Denver and his ‘Garden Song’ became a folk standard.
Posted inDo This
Victoria Mansion’s director of education finds perfection in Maine summer
My Perfect Day: Staci P. Hanscom would have breakfast at Portland’s Sinful Kitchen, walk around Prouts Neck and watch the sun set at Falmouth Town Landing.