Review of Local 188

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Local 188.

Local 188’s menu is thoughtful, balanced and keyed in to the unique desires of Portland foodie types — and has been true to this concept since 1999. Its hipster reputation is not a mandate, just a nod to the area’s upwardly mobile young culture. The restaurant serves excellent food in a gallery atmosphere that features work by local artists. With this mix of art and cuisine, it is a terrific neighborhood spot for a drink, a snack or a full-on dinner date. Meat-free options are plentiful.

Review of Zen Chinese Bistro

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Zen Chinese Bistro.

Zen the concept is not about transcendence, but rather about deepening the quality of our worldly presence. Zen the Chinese Bistro is not exactly transcendent, but it does enhance the quality of Chinese cuisine in Portland. The menu does not veer far from the beaten path of Americanized-Chinese, but it executes those classic dishes well, with fresh ingredients. That is enough to put Zen among the upper tier of Chinese restaurants in town.

Review of Three Buoys

The Press Herald has published a review of Three Buoys.

Let me get the location comments out of the way, and I truly say this with respect. The corner of Cumberland and Washington avenues in Portland is not where I expected to find a wonderful haven — a diamond in the rough, if you will — of delicious dining. But guess what? That’s exactly what I found, and shame on me for having that attitude in the first place.

Review of Tandem Coffee

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Map & Menu has published a review of Tandem Coffee.

And then, a little over a week ago, I saw the light – literally and figuratively – from a barstool in a small, well lit coffee shop in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. At Tandem Coffee Roasters, owners Will and Kathleen Pratt have set up something special. Taking years of passion and experience in the realm of all things coffee (and some pretty handy carpentry and vision), they’ve turned a small building into an excellent coffee haven, roasting in-house, and serving from the clean, minimal cafe in the next room.

Photo courtesy of Map & Menu.