Category: Reviews

The Blueberry Files has published a review of happy hour at The North Point,

So maybe the food is a little pricey for what it is and the vibe they’re going for. But the drink specials at happy hour may ease the pain, and the place is fun with friendly staff.

and Peter Peter Portland Eater has published a review of The Corner Room.

My wife and I were happy and full. The meal came to just over $50. It was a seriously pricey breakfast, but a strong offering from the Corner Room and the least I could give my readers upon my return. If you go for brunch, save up your sheckles and get the antipasti. Oh, and tell ‘em Peterpeterportlandeater sent ya.

Portland Magazine has published a review of JP’s Bistro.

My partner’s chicken and eggplant parmigiana, with layers of gently fried chicken filet and eggplant slices baked with rich sauce and mozzarella, is a well-prepared casserole dish that comes with a side of pasta topped with tasty marinara and earns audible plaudits all around ($17).

This issue also includes articles about Maine chefs, Portland’ s happy hour options and lobster bakes which are not available online.

Bon Appetit calls the meal prepared by Aurora Provision’s Leslie Oster the standout dinner at the Kennebunk Festival.

But it was the cooked dishes that proved chef Oster’s skill. Anyone can give you fresh-from-the-dirt produce and you’ll love it, but Oster followed through, sending out nice seared duck and, later, a slab of pork belly (equally fatty, salty, and sweet) that was as good as I’ve had in a long time. The farm-to-table conceit was cute, but it wasn’t just a stunt. This was a real meal. I can’t wait to see what she (and everyone else) does next year.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Little Tap House.

The burger is a good one, the bun a soft sweet brioche with a good dark crust. The juicy burger, ground in-house, had been loosely packed just to that right spot where it holds together but does not get too dense. The terrific Maine potato fries seemed double-fried, and come with a choice of sauces — both in the style now familiar from Duckfat. An entrée of roast chicken was juicy and herby, with a just-crisp skin. The accompanying mashed potatoes and snap peas were quite good, unmarred by a compulsion to jazz up their classic appeal.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Dishcrawl and the food the group had at The Porthole, The Thirsty Pig, Blue Rooster and The Salt Exchange.

I enjoyed my experience, and heard from a lot of participants that they were in places they’d never been or never would have thought to try. So Mary is accomplishing the mission of Dishcrawls to connect locals with new restaurants. These tours are aimed at locals, with Dishcrawls being offered more frequently in the winter when the restaurants aren’t as busy.

More Broke 207 has published a bar review of Forest Gardens.

When our food arrived, it arrived unadorned on paper plates, exactly like a $2 grilled cheese should.  With all the fennel infused, grass fed, handcrafted, small farm, artisanal food that Portland is so famous for… sometimes it’s just nice to have a grilled cheese on crappy white bread hiding under a mountain of deep fried onions.

The Golden Dish has published reviews of The Well,

The pasta choice that evening was potato gnocchi made with Norland potatoes (Jason’s favorite) and served with spinach, roasted parsnips, carrots, braised radishes and tomato puree. It was a beautiful looking dish.

as well as the Saltwater Grille and Sea Glass Restaurant.

I opted for the Maine haddock, a delicious piece of fish with a Parmesan crust and served over a creamy mash of Yukon gold potatoes. The accompanying string beans were cooked al dente, though the kitchen might have opted for local, seasonal asparagus, which would have been more appropriate.

Food & Wine included Bite into Maine on their list of America’s Best Lobster Rolls.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a brunch review of Artemisia Cafe.

If salmon hash ($10.50) is on the menu, order it. One of many hash selections, this version includes roasted salmon with a Dijon sauce, sautéed onions, capers and dill creme fraiche. Two eggs any style are included in the order, and the salmon combination of flaky filet and fried potato make for a tasty variation on a familiar standard. Dill is fresh and not overpowering, and the creme fraiche on potatoes tasted lovely.