Category: Reviews

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.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Schulte & Herr.

Ordered once at the owner’s urging, I knew the pan-fried potato raisin bread served with maple syrup ($5) was a must have. The crunchy bread, softened by maple syrup, tastes like a hearty French toast.

Photo Credit: The Blueberry Files

The Munjoy Hill Observer has published a review of Chiang Mai.

Everything was brought out hot, freshly prepared, and crispy where crispy was desired. The spring rolls were delightful., and it was all prepared to please the eye as well as the palate. As we finished, we were served chilled slices of orange,  a very civilized end to a satisfying meal.

According to the review, Chiang Mai is under new ownership by Sokunthim Nou and Rotnak Huot.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of The Well in Cape Elizabeth.

The setting is special and the food is a locavore’s delight, almost all of it sourced from Jordan’s Farm or nearby. This freshly harvested flavor translates to splendid entrees and sides that are prepared simply to let the ingredients shine, which they do. Seasonal, memorable al fresco dining — the kind of spot we are lucky to have in our rural state.

The Pretty Pauper has published a review of Grace.

Our meals presentation and flavors were spot on and Grace is a meal that I would recommend to anyone. It’s an experience and a fantastic restaurant.

Eat Maine has published a review of Grace.

My personal favorite of the evening is my next course: New Zealand cockles, sausage, brioche croutons, and butter-poached razor clams in a pool of romesco broth. The razor clams, which have been removed from the shell, impart the sensation of eating a sweet lobster tail dripping with warm drawn butter. A showering of parsley brightens the flavor and tightens the warmly spiced dish as a whole.