Category: Reviews

Malcolm Bedell over at From Away has penned a story for Serious Eats entitled “Fast-Food Lobster Rolls: Can They Be Any Good?”

In the 1990s, McDonald’s captured attention with their “McLobster,” a fast-food version of a Maine lobster roll that was only available in select markets in New England and Canada. My recollection of the sandwich was that it wasn’t half bad, and a bargain at just $7.99. But it’s been MIA in recent years in coastal Maine (anyone seen it?).

So which other chains are serving up mass-market lobster rolls? And are they anywhere close to the version served at our favorite roadside Maine seafood shacks?

In addition to the main article and it’s recommendations, see this slide show for detailed commentary for each of the 8 rolls Malcolm considered.

For more on Malcolm and wife Jillian focus on Maine food watch this video on Visit Maine.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of East End Cupcakes,

So I’ve come around and now enjoy stopping into the shop to marvel over the beautiful display of cupcakes, picking out my favorite one (most definitely the vanilla with coconut cream cheese frosting), and having a bite-sized sweet treat to satisfy my small sweet tooth.

Map & Menu has published a brunch review of Blue Spoon,

It’s no secret that the East End’s Blue Spoon restaurant is one of Meredith and my absolute favorites in Portland – I’m pretty sure that it was the first place we covered on Map & Menu – and I don’t try to hide the fact that brunch is probably my favorite meal of the day, so by mixing the two, you’re pretty much guaranteeing a recipe for Map & Menu success.

and Happy Mouth has published a review of J’s Oyster Bar.

I however seem to have developed an aversion to any meat paired with bacon. I love bacon. I love crab. I did not like the flavour combination. I believe though that the fault lies with me. The garlic bread was however, amazing. BEST EVER. A white hot dog bun split, spread with garlic butter and chives, then toasted on the flat top. Chewy, steamy, garlicky. Cheese on garlic bread only complicates things.

The Press Herald has published reviews of Three Dollar Deweys,

Dubbed Portland’s original alehouse, it’s a casual place to gather with friends for a pint, enjoy a game or watch the passers-by on Commercial Street.

and of Local Buzz in Cape Elizabeth.

The Local Buzz opened its doors in 2010, and I’ve been sporadically hanging out there ever since. Cape Elizabeth was lacking a spot like this — one where you can chill out with your book alone; get caught up with friends over some local brews; hop on their wi-fi and actually get work done with a mug of coffee and a bagel; or meet friends for lunch or dinner. It also hosts live music performances and even tarot card readings.

Connecticut blogger Leeanne Griffin and friends made their way from J’s to Duckfat to Fore Street to Pai Men and wrapped up with a visit to MDI Ice Cream. Read all about it on her blog Fun with Carbs.

High spirits, empty stomachs, smartphone GPS systems and cameras were all we needed for our afternoon-into-evening food crawl in Portland, Maine. We’d all received enthusiastic recommendations from various friends and Internet followers, with some must-stops on our own lists. Somehow, we timed it all perfectly.

Eat Maine has published a review of Figa.

I am able muster up the space for one last savory offering: pan-seared duck breast garnished with what is basically a romesco sauce that has been deconstructed into a salsa fresca of sorts. The acidity in the salsa provides the perfect foil for the richness of the duck confit and asparagus hash, riddled with small cubes of nicely browned home fries. Once again, the level of seasoning is spot-on.

Hilary Naigle at Maine Food Maven has posted a trio of Portland area dining recommendations: Local 188, Caiola’s and the Sea Glass in Cape Elizabeth.

Chef/owner Abby Harmon gets everything right at this West End neighborhood restaurant. Our party of three split two appetizers. The salt cod dumplings with red pepper coulis and tartar sauce ($8.95) comprised two plump cod fritters separated by the tartar and drizzled with the sauce: crispy on the outside, delectably soft inside, simply delicious.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of LFK,

Also on the menu are several versions of a baked sandwich called a “pasty” — a British baked good akin to empanadas and Hot Pockets. In LFK’s take on the traditional Cornish version, the crust was terrific — flaky and buttery. The beef brisket inside offered more richness than meaty flavor. The root vegetables had been caramelized to bring out the sugars. LFK’s version of carnitas tacos gives the slow-braised pork an unusual sweetness, like it had cooked with brown sugar. There was plenty of tender meat, a nice sour slaw, and chive-y crema, all on tortillas that had a fresh char.

as have the gang at Burger Meister Meister.

I like the menu, and I’d like to return to try more than just the burger.  But, yes, I like the burger.  They offered a cheese I’d never heard of (exciting!), the most amazingly delicious buttery bun, and a good-sized, well-cooked burger.  Instead of fries, they went with a smallish portion of really good potato salad.  It was definitely enough food, but I wouldn’t mind a side-salad next time.  Something about this burger makes me want a full course here.

Burger Meister Meister has also posted reviews of 51 Wharf, Flask, and the Muddy Rudder in Freeport.

If you’re looking to try LFK, checkout this 2-for-1 deal at Living Social.

And, if all the BMM photos of cooked cow aren’t your thing, then head over to eat | food | yum for her photos from a visit to Green Elephant.

The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association recently recognized Maine magazine and chef David Turin in the quarterly Culinary Excellence Awards.

Nadine Fownes, food writer for the Halifax Chronicle Herald, visited Portland and has written about her dining experiences around the city. J’s Oyster Bar, Crema, East End Cupcakes, Two Fat Cats, Standard, Gritty’s, Shipyard, Sebago, Duckfat, Gorgeous Gelato, Five Fifty-Five, Fore Street and Emilitsa are all mentioned.

The list that follows is just a small taste of places to see and eat around Portland, and it is by no means complete. The Old Port is easily walkable, so leave your car at the hotel and slip on a comfortable pair of deck shoes. Oh, and — how to put this delicately? — shorts, skirts or trousers with loose-fitting waistbands are advisable.

Life on Food has published a review of Walter’s.

I had the twin filets of beef.  Everything about this meal was good. The steak was nice and tender.  The taquitos were filled with cheesy, hot peppery greatness. It melted in your mouth.