Category: Reviews

Bloomberg has published a pair of articles on where to eat and stay in Maine and Portland.

Over these delicacies we talk about how, as native Mainers, it’s taken us years to appreciate just how special our state is. Its plain style and aversion to pretension, the traditional small scale of its towns—these things are blended with an urban creativity and world-class food and drinks. The humor is as dry as a pine needle that’s spent years on the forest floor. (Tourist to Mainer: “Lived here your whole life?” Mainer: “Not yet.”) It’s also refreshing for a state to ban highway billboards, as ours has done for 40 years.

The articles mention: The Danforth, Luke’s, Twelve, Evo, Bar Futo, Terlingua, Leeward, Eventide, Aragosta, Dennet’s Wharf, Harbor Cafe, Pentagoet Inn, Wolfpeach, Oxbow, Duckfat, Luna, Minato, Chaval, PAlace Diner, Sweetcream Dairy.

The Taste Bud Travel Guide has posted an eating guide to kid-friendly dining destinations in Portland.

Rocky and beautiful, this city by the sea is ready to roll. More than just lobster (although don’t miss that either) the tide is rolling in on Portland, which was named Restaurant City of the Year in 2018. We’re rounded up the top eats, bakeries and fine dining in Forest City for Food Adventures that will delight Taste Buds big and small.

More photos on instagram.

A pair of Portland bars were recognized by Tales of the Cocktail in their 2023 Regional Spirit Awards:

• The Portland Hunt + Alpine Club in the Best Cocktail Bar – East category
• The Danforth in the Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar – East Category

Congratulations to all seven Maine winners at last night’s Good Food Awards ceremony held in Portland, Oregon.

• Hot Fudge Sauce from Dean’s Sweets
• Tinned Bluefin Tuna from Gulf of Maine Conservas
• Blushing Star and Old Port Oak Whiskey from Liquid Riot Bottling Co.
• Little Whaleboat IPA from Maine Beer Company
• Maine Coast Monkfish Stew from the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from Ragged Coast Chocolates
• Seaweed Sprinkle from Smithereen Farm

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Taco Trio.

Owner and original chef Manny Peña’s family recipes still form the basis for most of the menu’s dishes, like puffy sopes, soft tacos and well-balanced aguas frescas (cantaloupe and hibiscus, in particular). In its new home, Taco Trio makes more of a feature of its Mexican liquors without losing a step in the kitchen. The space can get noisy on weekends, but takeout meals are nearly as good as dine-in meals at Taco Trio. Just down that Tequila Honey Bee before you head home with your designated driver.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Twelve.

…Wyatt is a true expert at preparing proteins like New York strip steak, grilled scallops and skin-on chicken breast to their optimal juiciness and flavor. Some of the sauces and marinades, on the other hand, are off-kilter: either too sweet or unremittingly savory. Macon’s breads and desserts, especially her gingerbread, are standouts and deserve much more attention…

Thrillist has published a guide to eating and drinking in Biddeford.

The longtime mill town is blossoming as a food-lover’s haven, with higher-end gems going toe-to-toe with quality lunch spots, cocktail lairs, and breweries galore. Small wonder that the city got its first boutique hotel last year, and even smaller wonder that out-of-town diners are now mixing it up with locals and students from the nearby University of New England.