Review of the East Ender

The Golden Dish has published a review of the East Ender.

For main a course my friend had to have the Swedish meatballs served over American-style house-made wide noodles. What a sixties dish, perhaps  better served as a first course in a smaller portion.  Even so, they were beautifully presented and the flavor was intensely rich, the noodles  al dente and the spinach leaves a nice touch.

Bard Coffee in the New Yorker

Bard Coffee got a shout out in a New Yorker article about the specialty coffee conference that took place last weekend in Boston.

“This is what coffee tasted like in nineteenth century!” Peter Giuliano exclaimed, holding a cup of Bard coffee’s Sumatra Wahana Natural as we talked at a small stand near the entrance of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, where the Specialty Coffee Association of America was holding its twenty-fifth annual exposition this past weekend. “I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

First Review of The North Point

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of The North Point.

It’s a menu that says: my kitchen is tiny but I care about food — an experience familiar to many New Yorkers. There are lots of cold meats in the form of patés and charcuterie, and a nice selection of cheeses. A pheasant paté was quite good — sweet but peppery with some gaminess, with a texture more meaty than creamy. Even better was a trio of juicy sausages — a spicy-smoky andouille, a sweet and fatty kielbasa, and a peppery rabbit — served with four sauces.

Review of Eventide

Lobster Gal has published a review of the lobster roll at Eventide.

Even fresh picked, tasty lobster on a perfectly grilled grocery hot dog bun can start to seem, dare I say, ho-hum.  Creativity can go wildly wrong with lobster rolls.  I can see why the chef at Eventide is considered a culinary genius.  Don’t question brilliance, just go with it, it just might blow you away.  My only regret is that I didn’t summon up the stomach space to try the warm, rum butter option.  Mmm, can anything be wrong that involves the words “rum butter”?

Best Oyster Bars in America: Eventide

Imbibe magazine has included Eventide in their list of the Best Oyster Bars in America.

In as much as there is such a thing, Eventide’s cocktail list is as “classic oyster bar” as they come. It veers towards the savory, with tequila Bloody Marias, a Dirty Dirty Martini made with oyster brine, and even a Bubbly Mary with bloody mix and cava. And for the diehards? Oyster shooters served ”naked” with just frozen vodka or ”spicy” with a jolt of jalapeno tequila and salsa verde.

Review of Kim’s Sandwich & Cafe

Dispatch has published a review of Kim’s, the banh mi shop on Saint John Street.

When I was finally alone with my sandwich I could really take the time to savior it. The French baguette roll was just crispy enough on the outside with a soft, chewy interior. Inside the baguette was coated with a creamy and mild pork pate and a small amount of mayonnaise creating a delicious spread. The ham and bologna cold cuts were piled high and topped with crunchy pickled carrots, daikon and cucumber. The sub was finished with a couple sprigs of fresh cilantro. The bread, meat and veggie combo was perfectly balanced and allowed each flavor to come through while working together to create a killer sandwich. I will definitely be back for more Bahn Mi’s, especially for this price!

Three Sheets Bar Recommendations

Three Sheets Manufacturing has put together a set of recommendations selected from among the more established cocktail destinations in town.

I’m often asked where to go for a great cocktail in Portland, or where I go for drinks. I realize that the answer is increasingly varied depending on the fix I’m after. We thought it would be a good exercise to start cataloging those locations and what to get while you’re there. So, to start, Portland Comfort Classics… The places that I’ve had on my radar for at least a few years for whatever it is they do well.

They plan on posting another set recommendations that highlight best bets among the newer spots in town.

First Review of Enio’s & a Review of Duckfat

The Golden Dish has published the first review of Enio’s, the new Italian restaurant in Willard’s Square.

Greater Portland is seeing many new—and good—restaurants open, instantly crowded and popular. Enio’s, however, is a long-term keeper, one which should not be missed.

Serious Eats has published a review of Duckfat which focused on the newer items on the menu.

That’s not to say fried food is all the Old Port cafe offers, but it’s what they take most seriously and what they’ve always done best. Lately, however, the menu’s grown, attracting patrons looking for both guilty and (relatively) guiltless pleasures alike. I went in for the latter.