Category: Reviews

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.

The Golden Dish has published a review of Otto Pizza.

Instead of eating a re-heated slice that’s been sitting on the counter, Otto’s whole pie freshly baked was a treat.  I loved the texture of the crust—very thin, firm, crackly almost.  As for the toppings, the tomato and salami version was the clear winner for both of us whereas the mushroom-bacon seemed muddled.

MaineToday host posted a survey of 7 Portland sandwiches from  Petite, Zapoteca, Tandoor, Micucci, Kim’s, Pai Men and Hunt & Alpine.

The Press Herald has published a review of Bayside Bowl.

You don’t have to be a bowler to enjoy Bayside Bowl. Go for a drink, stay for some food, or catch some live music. But there’s always the chance you’ll be lured to the lanes.

Booze, Fish & Coffee has published a review of Oscar’s New American.

Chef Nick Krunkkala just opened this farm-to-table place on Route 1, where Seagrass Bistro used to be, and he’s done a great job crafting small plates with bold and creative flavors…We definitely recommend Oscar’s. If you’re looking for upscale bar food, this is the place. Our top 3: (1) pan seared scallops, (2) butter poached lobster sliders, and (3) wild mushroom and truffle popcorn. Yep, that’s right: popcorn.

Living, Eating and Aging has published a review of Bite into Maine.

Finally, if I’m in the mood for a great lobster roll, maybe something different from the basic mayo on a grilled roll, complete with a second-to-none view and a very reasonable price, I head over to the Bite-Into-Maine lobster roll food truck located at Fort Williams Park…