Author: PFM

Joe Ricchio has written a review of the new Miyake for Maine magazine’s new blog.

After personally spending some of the best years of my restaurant career happily employed at the old location, I have to admit that I didn’t want to like the new concept. Though I, and many others, will always miss Spring Street, I can safely say that Miyake has grown up and is moving in a positive new direction.

This is one of the greatest dining experiences in Maine.

Maine Travel Maven has posted a review of Fez.

One taste, and I was planning my return. In a former life, I pursued a graduate degree in Middle Eastern studies, and during that time, I learned what falafel should taste like. This was it. Falafel at it’s most basic is deep-fried chickpeas, but getting the seasoning and textures right can be a challenge. All too often it’s dry and virtually tasteless. No so Fez’s version, which is served on a salad of greens with tomatoes dressed with an herbed tahini dressing that enhanced the flavors. Hands down, this was the best falafel I’ve had in Maine.

The Bollard has posted a review of Cobblestones.

By the end of our lunch the three of us were grateful there aren’t any dessert options. We were stuffed. Cobblestones doesn’t presume to be anything more than it is, and succeeds at what it does offer. It’s perfect for the simple workday lunch.

Eat Here, Go There has published a review of Paciarino.

All in all, great food with great friends on a great night! All the dishes were rich, flavorful and authentically fresh. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for Italian food made from farm fresh ingredients at a reasonable price. Seriously, just make a reservation already!

Chubby Werewolf has posted a review of the White Cap Grille.

Luckily my #5 burger was much better than the soup. Big and juicy, and accompanied by enough french fries to build a small house with, it looked quite good. Lifting off the top bun, I could see that the kitchen had not skimped on any of the toppings. A layer of melted swiss cheese covered much of the patty, providing a gooey canvas for a robust offering of sautéed mushrooms and onions. At the top of the heap sat two strips of thick-cut bacon. As I cut my dense burger patty in half, I was delighted to see that it was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of pink inside. That said, I did find that the meat—while wonderfully succulent—was a little bit underseasoned, though the bacon (and a little help from my salt shaker) helped to remedy that.

Little Lad’s received 3½ stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

The place’s speciality is a vegetarian/vegan buffet, where you can get your fill of soup, bread, vegetables and entrees for just $4.99. And because it’s a ready-to-eat buffet, it’s also an extremely quick place for lunch.

The Examiner has published a review of East End Cupcakes.

But please, don’t just take the baker’s (or this reporter’s) word for it…taste these tesori (treasures!) and find out for yourself. You’ll be hooked. First time at the shop? Try the Chocolate with Salted Caramel Frosting…you will be transported.  Which cupcakes have the Italian Buttercream frosting? If in doubt, you could always ask the nice lady behind the counter, right? Otherwise, if you’re the shy type, the Italian Buttercream is the default frosting (except for the Red Velvet and the Smore’s varieties) for the baker.

Down East has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.

And then there’s the food, which ranges from deceptively simple dishes featuring one star ingredient to classic French preparations including escargots, terrine of foie gras, charcuterie, coq au vin, and moules frites. If your French is rusty, you may need help deciphering a few menu items. Fortunately, Petite Jacqueline’s friendly, knowledgeable servers — wearing the long white aprons of their Parisian counterparts — are happy to provide translation services for those unaware that, say, poireaux is a delicately flavored pool of braised leeks draped in vinaigrette. The wait staff is also up to speed on the heavily French wine list, which includes both house wines by the carafe and an extensive list by the glass and bottle.