Category: Reviews

Map & Menu has published a review of The Well.

…Meredith followed with the vegetarian dinner of pumpkin agnolotti, wilted spinach, and sage cream, and I settled on the lamb dish, with potato gratin and cider braised red cabbage (which I’m pretty sure I saw growing just outside the door). Our meals were delicious, and we were both filled with immense regret that we’d only have the opportunity to eat there just once this season. No worries though, you can guarantee that we’ll be there shortly after they reopen next June!

Photo Credit: Map & Menu

Diningsense has published a review of Emilitsa.

Emilitsa is certainly one of my favorite Maine restaurants and from a taste standpoint, I would say that only Arrows, Primo, and Five Fifty-Five on a good night can match their protein preparations. However, the restaurant still has a couple of detracting attributes, namely that the interior doesn’t contribute any excitement and that the pastry program is so mediocre. As a result, they place a burden on themselves to deliver with the main dishes, and it’s to their credit that they are so strong in that regard…It’s easy to get excited for their duck and whole fish, so even though the atmosphere isn’t very exciting, I will definitely return to Emilitsa.

Portland Magazine has published the first review of Zen Chinese Bistro.

But the Peking Duck ($25), plenty enough for a satisfying dinner for two, is what knocks us out. A half duck deftly sliced comes on a gorgeous platter with fresh moo shu pancakes, delicious plum sauce, sliced cucumbers, and scallions. Theatrically, one of the servers shows up at our table and carefully creates the wraps for us–a welcome touch!

Eat Maine has published a review of Kushiya Benkay.

Equally satisfying is the panko encrusted Kushikatsu, because, honestly, what is better than delicious fried chicken on a skewer? These, as well as the fried pork with onions, are made even more delicious when dipped in the creamy, pungent wasabi mayo served as an accompaniment. As with the yakitori, there are many, many options of meat to choose from here.

Kushiya Benkay opened August 23 in Longfellow Square. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s the sibling of Benkay on India Street.

From Away recommended The Cheese Iron for inclusion in Gourmet Live’s list of Standout Cheese Shops.

The Cheese Iron has exposed beams, a farmhouse table, and all the good things in life: wine, salami, pasta, tomato sauces, pressed oils, baked goods, and, of course, cheese. While you may come for the cheese, you won’t want to miss the Cuban sandwich, which layers smoky ham, thick slices of Taleggio, sweet chutney, and fresh basil atop a crusty baguette that’s grilled until golden.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of The Great Lost Bear.

I don’t remember how many beers were on the list at the time, but now The Great Lost Bear boasts a total of 69 taps featuring mostly craft beers from the Northeast and 15 Maine microbreweries.

At some point, a list of beers that long can make it hard to choose what brew you’d like to sip. However, with such a long list, you are sure to find something you like.

Map & Menu has published a review of the Sea Glass restaurant in Cape Elizabeth.

It’s ok however, because I returned the favor with my Baked Fig & Manchego Strudel, a herb ricotta and smoked almond-stuffed phyllo pastry, drizzled in a spiced honey (man, do I love honey) that was so delicious that I devoured it in almost record time. By the time our entrées arrived, we were well on our way to realizing just how special of an evening we were sharing, and the main course just sent us over the top.

Photo Credit: Map & Menu

The Blueberry Files  has published a review of a happy hour visit to The Grill Room.

So while we enjoyed our happy hour, this place will never be one of the restaurants that comes to mind when people ask me where they should eat. I think the entrees are pricy ($19 to $31, ordered a la carte), and there are so many places in town to get consistently good food for less.

Food Coma has published a review of Pocket Brunch #2.

Kimchi and aged cheddar croissants, a combination that works surprisingly well, are served alongside the usual thick slices of “Pocket Bacon.” As I start into my second cocktail, someone points out that I have dressed more appropriately for night time, as I am wearing almost all black. I explain that I am paying homage to two different recording artists, and that they are welcome to refer to me as Johnny Ke$ha from here on out.

Tickets are on sale for Pocket Brunch #3 but you’ll need to move fast, there are only 2 left.