The Golden Dish has published a review of Bar Lola.
My lamb was delicious, especially the mushroom gastrique. There were two chops that were pan roasted. I thought the lamb, however, was tough, something that I’ve noticed before with this farm’s lamb. Otherwise it was another very well devised offering.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of Salvage BBQ,
The ribs were everyone’s favorite – nice and tender, with a spicy, smoky dry rub. I also sampled the sausage, which was very smoky, and the spicy chili which contained shredded pork, creating a great unexpected consistency. Everyone in my party was very happy with their experience at Salvage BBQ. The prices may seem high for one, but splitting trays worked out perfectly. I spent about $25 for 2 local beers and half a tray of meat and sides with leftovers.
the Portland Phoenix has published a review of Boone’s,
Boone’s is Smith’s fourth restaurant in town, and probably the best since his first, the Front Room. In seeking to balance the touristic appeal of a place like Gilbert’s or J’s with some of the seafood sophistication of Street and Co. or Eventide, he has developed a place that is distinctive. Portlanders will figure out an affordable way to pass some time on the deck — maybe split a big order of fried scallops with some beers? And they will think of Boone’s when their guests want to sample New England cuisine — especially when those visitors are the type to pick up the bill.
and The 207 Foodie has published a review of the Bar of Chocolate Cafe.
Dessert is the best meal of the day to me, and The Bar of Chocolate in the Old Port deserves some recognition. As a chocoholic, I’ve never found a place that quenches my endless thirst for chocolate and dessert quite like they do. From alcoholic beverages to the perfect dessert to end your night, The Bar of Chocolate means business.
From Away blogger Jillian Bedell served as guest co-host of this episode of Tastemade. Bedell and the show’s host Byron Talbott paid a visit to both Eventide and Bite into Maine to enjoy Portland’s two best lobster rolls.
Tastemade was one of three TV crews filming in Portland in early September.
Eat Maine has published a review of the Portland Hunt and Club.
White Noise is the best beverage you’ll have this month, maybe even this year. Made with St. Germain (quite possibly my favorite liquor of all time), Cocchi Americano, and grapefruit zest, it’s light and effervescent. It’s fruity without being sweet, and strong without being overpowering.
The Press Herald has published a review of Tu Casa,
In fact, it’s best not to worry about geographic origins altogether and focus on the real strength of Tu Casa — namely, that everything tastes fresh and homemade.
and a bar review of Grace.
Grace’s impressive ambiance could easily be seen as a distraction. After all, it’s not every day that you get to drink beer and eat a swanky burger in a church. However, the food, the drinks and the service live up to the restaurant’s charm. First timers will likely become devout patrons, returning again and again.
Maine magazine has published (not online yet) a review of Hugo’s.
While the precision of the fare is a novelty, and the beautiful plating a visual treat, these s’mores still taste like childhood camping trips and liicking my fingers in the smoky, dark woods. Forward-thinking yet rich with history—this is the new Hugo’s.
and Living, Eating and Aging has published a review of Yordprom Coffee.
I don’t know if I’d walk past some of the other really good coffee shops just to grab a cup at Yordprom but I certainly wouldn’t pass by Yordprom to go anywhere else either. Basically, it’s a really nice coffee shop with excellent coffee, free parking and a great garden.
Pig Trip has published a review of Buck’s Naked BBQ.
With its silly looking mascot and family-friendly atmosphere, Buck’s Naked might not have the same hipster cred that some of the sexy new barbecue joints in Portland do, but what matters more is taste and texture. For my money Buck’s is still the best bet among all of them to deliver both in the same bite.
Booze, Fish & Coffee has published an audio review of Small Axe Truck.
The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Boone’s.
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room is a great addition to Portland’s list of seafood restaurant options. With (limited) on-site parking, two outside decks and a cavernous interior that manages to feel intimate despite its depth, this is the place to go for downtown seafood.
The Guardian has tapped a set of Maine-based bloggers to weigh-in on the best places to eat, drink and stay in the state:
Wines; Tasted! and The Golden Dish have both published a reviews of Piccolo.
I’m really excited about Piccolo, not just because it’s southern Italian cuisine is a new addition to Portland and different from the northern and Tuscan Italian we already have. Damian and Ilma both seem to be technically talented chefs; however, what made the food memorable to me is that it tasted like they were really passionate about it and excited to finally be able to share it with people. That’s what I love about food and wine: the connections, emotions, history, and culture that’s bound up in it. [Wines; Tasted!]
The couple who joined me for dinner had, however, mixed feelings about the food as we progressed. Portlanders, they also live in Tuscany and are well versed in the cuisines of Italy. The husband thought the cooking could have been more robust while his wife, as did I, disagreed completely, loving every bite and morsel. It’s subtle, it’s elegant but passionate cooking. [The Golden Dish]
The new episode of Booze, Fish & Coffee is a review of Boone’s.