Category: Reviews

The Bangor Daily News visited a cross-section of Portland cupcake bakeries and published their eating notes on East End Cupcakes, Two Fat Cats, Bam Bam Bakery and Bakery on the Hill.

Full disclosure: I think this was my personal favorite, though I cannot speak for my cohorts. A fluffy but moist spice cake, topped with some of the fluffiest icing I’ve ever had, flavored with cinnamon. This cupcake defied gravity. Bakery on the Hill is a new addition to Portland — only open since June — but it’s clear they’re already a major contender.

James Bear Foundation blog Delights & Prejudices has posted a set of 5 must visit locations in the Portland area: Eventide, Pai Men Miyake, Gelato Fiasco, Standard Baking and Rabelais. (via Maine Eater)

Eat Maine, authored by Joe Ricchio, has published a review of Sea Grass Bistro in Yarmouth.

The second wave of appetizers begins with a lobster tortellini , and though this dish appears on countless restaurant menus, it is the quality of Brown’s pasta dough that sets it above most. For the sauce, the essence of the lobster itself is captured beautifully by reducing stock with tomatoes, which is quite effective with earthy, sautéed brown alba mushrooms and the slightest hint of aromatic white truffle oil.

Map & Menu has published a review of lunch at Petite Jacqueline.

Petite Jacqueline does a lot of things very well, but possibly one of our favorites is their selection of cheeses. Michael and I are by no means cheese aficionados, but when we select a few from the options at Petite, it’s as if we’ve magically transformed into seasoned fromage veterans – making the perfect choices every time. In reality, it’s just that Petite Jacqueline simply serves a fool-proof well curated list, and one could just blind-folded toss darts at it and hit a home run with every selection.

Photo Credit: Map & Menu

As wonderful as the Portland food scene it’s not the only place in Maine to get a great meal. With heretical thought in mind, the goal for this month’s for the collaborative food blogging project was to leave our little food heaven and try out some restaurants elsewhere in Maine.

Edible Obsessions – Conway & Burlington

Apparently 3 1/2 hours of eating nothing but cheese just wasn’t enough for me because I felt compelled to order a ham and cheese crepe from The Skinny Pancake, a hip little creperie near the water. It was named ‘The Lumberjack’ and really should have tipped me off to how massive this was going to be. It was good, but it was so heavy that I got physically tired just trying to mow through it.… read the full article

From Away – Long Grain

The conclusion? This is eight tables (plus bar stools) of communal space, a place I want to go every chance I can, to eat everything I can and try to plan what is essentially the unknown path of my destiny. And you should, too.… read the full article

The Blueberry Files – The Ramp

Barring the miss on the fish and chips, we loved The Ramp for it’s funky atmosphere, lively bar, and creative but familiar menu. This place is worth seeking out – while you won’t necessarily avoid the crowds of Kennebunkport, the cluster of Adirondack chairs outside the busy restaurant encourage you to take a moment to have a drink and admire the harbor. … read the full article

Vin et Grub – The Lost Kitchen

There been a slight delay but we’ll add Vin et Grub’s review of The Lost Kitchen as soon as it’s published

While I do spend the vast majority of my Maine eating budget here in Portland I do get of town from time to time. My favorite spot so far is Francine Bistro in Camden. Chef/owner Brian Hill plates up some excellent creative dishes in a lively atmosphere. Also I had the chance earlier this Summer to sample the menu at Chase’s Daily in Belfast and am definitely looking forward to returning for a second act.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of the Cockeyed Gull on Peaks Island.

Chief asset is its waterfront location, with indoor and outside deck seating affording a spectacular view of Portland’s cityscape. For those wanting an easy evening (or brunch) adventure year-round, the trip to Peaks is fun — with the right attitude and the right company. Approach the menu with caution, and know that the results can be uneven.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Portland’s newest coffee shops, Speckled Ax and Tandem Coffee Roasters.

The Speckled Ax is run by Maine’s longest tenured new-wave coffee freak: Matt Bolinder of Matt’s wood roasted coffee. The café is named for a fable mentioned in Ben Franklin’s autobiography about the dangers of perfectionism — a fable Franklin mentions only to reject. Bolinder’s café strikes a balance between Franklin and the fabulist, since his café offers all the trappings of the new trends, but does so with a light touch.