Category: Reviews

The Press Herald has published a bar review of In’finiti,

Not feeling too adventurous to delve into a house cocktail, I flipped to the beer section of the drink menu. In’Finiti features eight house brews on tap and another eight “guest taps.”

I had recently seen a post on the bar’s Facebook page about E=mc2 IPA, and decided to try it…

and Lauren Loves to Eat has published a review of Duckfat.

Poutine, $6.50 (with farm fresh egg, + $2): The best, and I mean best snack/side dish I’ve experienced this year. I was excited to try this after reading all the reviews, but was still taken by surprise at how incredible this poutine was. Props to the bf for totally going against my wish of not adding an egg (fries with gravy and cheese sounds like a very complete dish already), and requesting the addition anyway. The Belgian fries are topped with house made duck gravy, Vermont cheddar, and fresh chives. With all the deliciously strong flavors, this dish managed to never taste too salty. 

The Holy Donut is top of the list of Eater National’s list of the Hottest Doughnut Shops in America.

Portland has a few solid doughnut options, but The Holy Donut is the newcomer that has gotten a lot of buzz. Even Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree let Tom Colicchio try a doughnut when he was lobbying in DC. These are Maine potato doughnuts and flavors include things like bacon and cheddar stuffed doughnuts, tart cherry and more.

The Bollard has published a review of The North Point.

I settled on the Cucumber Gin Martini. The North Point uses fresh basil, rather than mint, in this libation, and Bulldog Gin, often described as brutish or more flavorful than fellow premium gins. I’ve never considered Bulldog heavy-handed, so was not surprised it meshed well with the pressed cucumber in this refreshing cocktail. The thick slice of cucumber garnish echoes the healthy portion in the mix. I definitely recommend this one.

The Golden Dish has published a review of Outliers.

My entrée, described simply as beef shoulder tender, was another kitchen triumph.  The beef was rendered absolutely soft and succulent by its sous vide process, producing intense flavor while keeping it buttery soft, juicy and lean.  Served in a wine reduction, with fingerling potatoes, this was another very satisfying dish.

Eat Maine has published a lunch review of Bresca.

Lunch at Bresca is a treat. The space is welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is friendly. While it’s possible to come for a salad and head back to work, it’s also a place where you can slow down, meet a few friends, and share an afternoon of amazing food and delicious wine.

Down East has published a review of Gather,

Even that dish, however, couldn’t compare with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with Worcestershire butter and fried onions. Ordered impetuously, it seemed like overkill alongside a crisp-crusted pizza with shaved Brussels sprouts and parsley pesto. But where the pizza was subtle and delicate, the side was dark, complex, and utterly addictive.

and Maine has published a review of El Rayo Cantina.

For me, the tlayuda—a Mexican version of a flatbread pizza—is the show stopper. Cut into fours, it can be an appetizer or a meal of its own. A spicy black bean paste is spread on a large corn tortilla, then layered with crunchy shredded cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, Oaxacan string cheese, and a creamy avocado sauce. Finally, the tortilla is finished with chorizo, beef, chicken, or mushrooms.

Never Ending Hunger has published a belated review of Hugo’s.

I strongly recommend to anyone  to take a trip up/or down to Portland, Maine to partake in the unmistakably brilliant food that is Hugo’s. The other wonderful thing about this place is that if you ate this food in New York  City, it would be 20-30% more expensive. To me that translates into 2-3 more dishes I can order… so to me it’s well worth the drive.

Additionally, both Serious Eats and Easy Food & Wine have paid recent visits to Portland.

The Golden Dish has published some initial impressions from his first visit to Outliers Eatery,

It was served on an attractive earthenware plate, not commonly used in restaurants.  [The fried pigs ears] were deep fried and had a delicious sweet and spicy coating, probably chili powder and sugar.  The rich hoisin-based dipping sauce was a good touch.

and a report from this past weekend’s Deering Oaks Farmer’s Market.

Eat Maine has published a review of Duckfat.

With a devoted following, Duckfat is one of Portland’s most deserving favorites. The friendly staff and lively atmosphere make it the ultimate spot for a quick bite with friends or co-workers…Whether new to the duck fat phenomenon, or a loyal Duckfat patron, this is a definite crowd pleaser for anyone who happens to find himself or herself in Portland.