Author: PFM

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of the Museum Cafe.

They do specialize in dishes that allow patrons to get a little sculptural — charcuterie and pâtés, for example, that you can assemble on toasted bread with various accoutrements. One version featured salmon two ways — smoked and as a pâté (served in a little goblet) that mixed the smoked and the poached. It was a handsome plate, and pleasant to eat. In the pâté the sweet flavor of poached fish was mellowed and deepened by the smokier notes. Bitter little sunflower sprouts were an interesting touch.

The Press Herald has published a review of the FortiFem Martini Lounge.

At FortiFem, all cocktails fall under the “martini” header on the drink menu, and there are some delicious ones from which to choose. With the seasons changing to the crisper autumn air, I was excited to see a Manhattan made with Maker’s Mark at the top of the list ($12).

The Golden Dish has published a review of the Miss Portland Diner.

On another occasion the hamburger platter was excellent: A half-pound of Angus beef grilled just right. But it was marred by a tomato slice that came from one of those warehouse-ripened varieties. 

Breakfast, served all day, is classic stuff. All manner of eggs, decent home-fries, excellent corned beef hash, and respectable pancakes and French toast are well made.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Zapoteca.

At $17 a dish, the enchiladas drew all of us in for our entrees.  Above is the one I ordered, a Maine crab and chipotle shrimp with a creamy green chile sauce.  The refried black beans were also tasty and the arugula and pickled red onions were a bold garnish.

Mainely Eating has published a review of the Veranda Noodle Bar.

Located on 14 Veranda Street in Portland, ME, Veranda Noodle Bar is tucked out of the way next to a Beal’s Ice Cream, and across the street from Veranda Thai (owned by the same family). It doesn’t invest in flashy advertising, and it’s hard to spot from the main road. But, if you do happen to stumble upon this gem, you won’t be disappointed. Each time we’ve been in, the restaurant has been comfortably full of local regulars who order their favorites confidently, spending little time having to contemplate the menu.