Category: Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Elsmere BBQ.

The results are quite good. The pulled pork has a touch of maple sweetness over a rich just-smoky flavor. The brisket has a peppery rub and earthy flavor that works especially well with the mustard-based barbecue sauce. The chicken was, unusually, the smokiest of the meats — utterly infused with the flavor of the wood. The danger of a long smoke without sauce is that things get a bit dry, and the chicken at Elsmere did lean a bit in that direction.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Hot Suppa.

Hot Suppa has a surprisingly great happy hour scene. Who knew? Equipped with food and drink specials, it’d be easy to stay on a budget here.

Booze, Fish & Coffee has published a review of Piccolo.

Overall, great flavors, extremely well done. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere welcoming. Thumbs up from us, definitely. Be sure to order the melanzane appetizer.

Map & Menu has published a review of Bresca and the Honey Bee.

We treated ourselves to a sampling of a few different things – apple and cranberry pie, peanut butter o’s, and a berry and almond boo cake (think pain perdu with seasonal toppings) – and quickly polished off the entire spread (I even ordered a pear tart for the road). We chased it all with Tandem coffee…If you’re in the area or looking for a delightfully Maine way to spend some time one weekend, make sure to swing by Bresca and the Honey Bee, you definitely won’t regret the decision.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Urban Sugar.

The maple frosting piped on top of the hot donuts quickly started melting and mixing with the bacon jam – which I assumed was just like candied bacon or something. But a few bites revealed that the jam also contained onions, creating a sweet and savory mix. The hot crunchy donuts, cool maple frosting, and salty bacon all mixed together was pretty fantastic.

The Golden Dish reports that Frederick Eliot has left Spread to lead the kitchen at Petite Jacqueline.

A significant chef’s shuffle occurred this week–namely, that Frederick Eliot–Portland’s Frenchman chef–who dazzled diners from his kitchen at Spread has been whisked away to preside at Petite Jacqueline where he will commandeer the stove in true Gallic fashion.

Last week he also posted his choice for the top 3 restaurants in Portland.

My picks will not be a surprise to many of you. They are Five Fifty-Five, Back Bay Grill and Fore Street. The uber-superb Hugo’s should have been on the list but their menu is strictly prix fixe, without a la carte offerings; that wouldn’t fit into this plan.

The 207 Foodie has published a review of Little Tap House.

Although I’m a little bit late jumping on the bandwagon and their six month anniversary is right around the corner, Little Tap House is worth a try for food that is not at all pretentious, but instead local and fresh. Lovingly prepared, from the honey butter to the exquisite flavor combinations, I’m sure that your mouth will be happy.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has published a review of Outliers Eatery.

I’ll be curious to see how it goes for Outliers. It’s not any secret that Portland is a food town and a huge challenge for anyone who wants to be successful in the restaurant industry – as though it’s not hard enough anywhere. Outliers would be the best restaurant in most Maine towns, but in Portland, only time will tell.

The Press Herald has published a review of El Tipico, the new Dominican restaurant on Deering Ave,

The rice and beans – a mixture of pinto and red kidney beans – were stellar and seasoned well, as were the chicken and cheese empanadas. The ladies called them something different, but when I didn’t understand they smiled and said they were their version of empanadas. They were crispy and hot on the outside, and the chicken was still nice and moist on the inside.

and a bar review of the Portland Hunt and Alpine Club.

Hunt & Alpine Club is the new star on Market Street in Portland. Open daily at 4 p.m., it’s the place to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail before dinner, or because of its late hours, stop in for a drink after a big meal. While the menu isn’t necessarily meant for dinner, you’ll want to try a little bit of everything, such as the green chili popcorn or the Scandinavian-style open-faced sandwiches.

Booze, Fish & Coffee has published a review of Empire Chinese Kitchen.

Once the site of Portland’s “first deluxe Chinese restaurant” (also named Empire, 1916-1953), this new spot mixes dim sum with a few familiar favorites. Best items on the menu:  pastrami egg roll, green beans, spinach dumplings. 575 Congress St. in Portland.

They also delve into the history of Chinese restaurants in Portland and a quick overview of the different types of Chinese cuisine. They also make an impassioned plea for restaurants to invest more time on keeping their staff well informed about the menu items they’re serving.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Babylon.

Babylon is one of very few restaurants in Maine that serves halal meat, important to devout Muslims. The atmosphere is a bit shabby, but the judicious use of unusual and traditional spices keeps the meal interesting. Prices are low, and a couple of deceptively simple dishes, such as the fowul, are quite good.