Review of Otto Pizza

The 207 Foodie has published a review of Otto Pizza.

I have to commend Otto for great, if not awe inspiring, artisan pizza. There is a reason, ladies and gentleman, that Otto is known in all of Portland for being the BEST. Who else puts mashed potatoes on a pizza and makes it taste good?

Reviews: Portland & Rochester, Cia

The Press Herald has published a bar review of the Portland & Rochester Public House,

A couple of flower vases adorn the bar and dim lights help to feature the well-stocked spirits that are neatly presented on a stadium shelf with polished glasses on either side. At the far end, the bartender sorts and writes tickets under a vintage banker’s lamp. It would seem that, in this otherwise muted part of town, P&R has struck a balance between pub, bistro and somewhat of a Prohibition-era speakeasy.…This new Bayside treat is indeed the place to be. Everyone. Everywhere. Drop what you’re doing and head to Portland & Rochester.

and a review of a new coffee shop in South Portland called Cia.

The food is mostly grab-and-go fare in a pastry case; think bagels, muffins, cookies, scones and croissants. They had blueberry hand pies on the day I visited that looked flaky and delicious. The cafe touts its homemade brownies, and the clerk will ask you if you want a middle or a side piece…The cafe recently started offering a small assortment of classic sandwiches such as chicken salad; tuna salad with celery, dill, pepper and mayo; egg salad with dill, mayo, mustard and pepper; and a veggie wrap.

Shrub Cocktails & Casco Bay Organics

The Food & Dining section in today’s Press Herald includes an article about shrubs and shrub-based cocktails (see article for recipes),

Shrubs an old-fashioned drinks that date to Colonial times, but they are on their way back, thanks to the folks behind the bar who are discovering that a shrub’s bright, slightly tart, complex flavors make for a stand-out cocktail. Bartenders are doing lots of experimenting by replacing the fruit in the shrub with vegetables and herbs, trying out different kinds of vinegar, and otherwise tweaking the classic shrub formula.

and an article about Casco Bay Organics.

Time-crunched healthy eaters have a new way to get their hands on fresh fruits and vegetables. In April, Casco Bay Organics, a southern Maine grocery home delivery service, launched with a full array of organic and locally-sourced produce.

First Look at Boone’s

The Golden Dish has shared some initial impressions of Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room.

The prices at Harding’s fourth “room” are reasonable, the ambiance enticingly cool and the kitchen is making a compelling statement already.  While the restaurant may still be going through a modest spurt of growing pains, it should emerge like the other rooms in Smith’s dining empire: reliably excellent fare that’s served in a stylish setting to a discerning dining public.

Reviews: Vignola & The Grill Room

Peter Peter Portland Eater has published a review of The Grill Room,

Regardless of your financial situation, you’ll definitely want to go to The Grill Room for the wood-grilled brie. The brie was out-of-this-world delicious and was only $9 by itself. It is very much worth that. Double your bill by having a signature drink and you’ll have an outstanding start to a great night without spending all your dough. If you’ve got more cash to spend and are looking for a special treat, they’ll serve you up a multiple course, tasty meal that will leave you happy and full.

and the Press Herald has published a bar review of Vignola/Cinque Terre.

The expression “you get what you pay for” rings true for Vignola Cinque Terre — but in a good way. Yes, it’s more upscale, and maybe the typical cheaper beer options or happy hour deals aren’t available, but the extra dollars will be spent on service, atmosphere and overall attention to ingredients and detail.

Reviews: Bresca and the Honey Bee, Vignola, Pai Men

The Golden Dish has published a review of Bresca and the Honey Bee.

If you’re looking for that little slice of heaven (the way life used to be?) — and exceptional food — then head over to the shores of the sweetest little bathing hole called Outlet Beach where the inimitable Bresca and the Honey Bee has set up shop.

The 207 Foodie has posted reviews of Vignola,

If you’re looking for fresh pasta, with ingredients served straight from the farm (some of the farms used: Olivia’s Garden, Stone Heart Farms, Grand View Farms, among many more) then Vignola is the place to try. I intend to come back for the cheese page, and the Prosecco! Also, come in for their brunch, available Saturdays and Sundays!

and of Pai Men Miyake.

I only wish I had ordered something a little bit more filling. I ordered a Soba dish, with chicken dumplings, egg cured in miso, seaweed and noodles. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my dish, because I did. I’ve never had a noodle dish quite like it. Obviously Miyake is all about being unique. And perhaps I’d be more satisfied if I tried Miyake on Fore Street, both owned by Chef Masa Miyake.