Local dining coverage
Portland-area publications and food writers have highlighted Ugly Duckling's breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakery case, and West End neighborhood presence. Watch our Instagram for the newest write-ups and features.
Press & Recognition
People keep writing nice things
Here's what's been said about Ugly Duckling, plus the well-earned recognition of our owners, chefs Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti — the same hands baking your English muffins.
Ugly Duckling in the press
About the Duck
Ugly Duckling has been featured in Portland-area dining coverage for its house-made English muffin sandwiches, playful bakery case and neighborhood events. We've also turned up in local "Best of" reader polls. Follow @uglyducklingmaine for the latest features and shout-outs.
"Best of" reader polls
Ugly Duckling has been named in local "Best of" reader polls — a nod from our neighbors that means the world to a small West End bakery. We're grateful for every vote.
Chef recognition
About Ilma & Damian
The honors below belong to our owners and their restaurant Chaval (and, earlier, Piccolo) — not to Ugly Duckling itself. We're proud to share them because they're the same hands baking your muffins, but we won't pretend awards landed on the Duck that didn't.
Ilma Lopez
Pastry chef and co-owner. Two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef (2017 and 2018), recognized for her pastry work at Piccolo and Chaval. Named a StarChefs Rising Star Pastry Chef (Coastal New England) in 2014.
Damian Sansonetti
Chef and co-owner. A 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist and finalist for Best Chef: Northeast, recognized for his cooking at Chaval. A veteran of acclaimed kitchens including Bar Boulud in New York.
Recognition timeline
Awards and nominations earned by our owners for their work at Chaval and Piccolo.
- 2022 — James Beard Award · Semifinalist & finalist, Best Chef: Northeast — Damian Sansonetti, Chaval
- 2018 — James Beard Award · Semifinalist, Outstanding Pastry Chef — Ilma Lopez
- 2017 — James Beard Award · Semifinalist, Outstanding Pastry Chef — Ilma Lopez
- 2017 — Portland Press Herald · Best New Restaurant — Chaval
- 2014 — StarChefs · Rising Star Pastry Chef, Coastal New England — Ilma Lopez
Chaval in the press
Chaval's seasonal cooking, Paella Mondays and Vermouth Hour have been featured in Bon Appétit, Down East Magazine, Boston Magazine and the Portland Press Herald, and noted among the James Beard Award semifinalists. Coverage of Chaval — not Ugly Duckling — but the same team stands behind both.