Author: PFM

Review of Petite Jacqueline

| Posted in Reviews

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.

Petit Jacqueline focuses on French classics- without a twist, just straight-up. I heard someone describe the menu as entry level culinary school ‘French Cooking 101,’ which, to me, is not a detraction. In Portland, there are very few ‘classics’ in the new restaurant category- everyone is reaching for something new. But Steve and Michelle Correy (of five-fifty five) are turning out classics that are simple and good, and can be unexpected if you (like me) are not too familiar with well-executed French classics.

Under Construction: Gingko Blue, Wild Burgers, Cobblestone’s, East End Cupcakes, Taco Trio and Bathras

| Posted in Under Construction

Here’s a few under construction updates:

  • The soup and sandwich cafe taking the place of Henry VIII’s on Monument Square is slated to be called Cobblestone’s.
  • The cupcakery under construction on Fore Street has changed its name from Buttercup to East End Cupcakes.
  • Gingko Blue is getting set to open. Portland Daily Photo has posted a nice pic of the entrance. If you happen to be in the Old Port at night stop by and look in the window. The bar literally glows blue and white.
  • The eatery replacing Stir Crazy on Congress Street will be called Wild Burgers and Burritos. Presumably it’s the new location and concept for Wild Burritos.
  • Taco Trio at 119 Ocean Street in South Portland is scheduled to open on Monday at 11 am.
  • After a 22 year hiatus, the Bathras Market reopened this past week in South Portland’s Willard Square.

Review of The Salt Exchange

| Posted in Reviews

The Golden Dish has published a review of The Salt Exchange.

I won’t keep you in suspense.. The food is exceptional.  Small-plate madness aside, the fare at the Salt Exchange is not as strictly diminutive as other trendy strongholds. Only five courses are offered: Small Bites, Soups, Cold Plates, Hot Plates, plus a dessert list.

Yet there is the option, if one must, to eat lightly and less expensively by ordering, for instance, two cold plates, a few Bites, and a sweet.

But who wants to give an inventive menu short shrift?

Review of The SoPo

| Posted in Reviews

From Away has published a review of The SoPo.

The entire experience ended up being fairly underwhelming. “Maine ‘Q” was what was advertised, and it’s what we got. It certainly wasn’t the worst barbecue from recent memory, served by an energetic, caring staff, in a family-friendly setting. But as Jillian and I sat in the car afterward, digesting silently, we knew we wouldn’t ever feel the urge to come back.

Review of Spartan Grill

| Posted in Reviews

The Press Herald has published a review of Spartan Grill and Coffee.

I opted for the falafel sandwich ($6.25) in a grilled pita with a tahinni sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. But the stars of this sandwich are the plump, golden-fried falafel nuggets made with ground chickpeas and spices. Just a little crunchy on the outside, warm and creamy on the inside. They satisfy several different cravings all at the same time.

What to Drink with Oysters

| Posted in General News

This week’s Portland Phoenix offers advice on what to drink with oysters.

Oysters are the ocean’s own raw bar. You slurp them, and their taste is wonderfully funky, as unique as any on the planet. As easy little food it doesn’t get a lot better. But what to drink? You don’t need to have wine as the perfect accompaniment. I like Allagash White Ale; its zesty flavor is a perfect foil with oysters. Gin is sublime with them, and vodka works remarkably well too. Perchance someone will come up with an oyster-flavored vodka. If you’re looking for wines, here are a few solid suggestions…

Great Lost Bear on MSN Local

| Posted in Beer

MSN included The Great Lost Bear in an article on bars with “dozens and dozens” of beers on tap.

The GLB features Maine and other Northeast microbreweries and–get this–four hand-pumped, cask-conditioned drafts like Geary’s HSA and Sheepscot Boothbay Bitter. This untouristy tavern’s taps draw from kegs like the Belgian Delirium Tremens, John John Dead Guy (a Maibock), and Gritty McDuff’s Black Fly Stout, a local favorite. What’s to eat? “Hearty, spicy junk food” and related thirsty-making fare. The Bear is about serious beer people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

GLB’s bar manager Mike Dickson was interviewed for the intro.

Coastal Maine Popcorn

| Posted in Profiles

Today’s Portland Daily Sun includes a profile of Coastal Maine Popcorn on Exchange Street.

Offering off-beat flavors from root beer and toffee to wasabi soy and buffalo wing, Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. offers over 60 varieties of flavored popcorn both sweet and savory.

“It’s a cross between an ice cream and Jelly Belly jelly beans,” said Paul Roberts, who along with his wife, Julie, owns Coastal Maine Popcorn Co.