The Golden Dish has published a review of Ruski’s.
Dinner at this neighborhood bar was quick, easy and inexpensive, and I’ll be sure to try their breakfasts, which get high marks from regulars. But what I’m looking forward to on my next visit is to order my very own burger, especially if it does turn out to be the best in town.
Instant Portland has published a review of Port Bean on Commercial Street.
My first surprise was how large, sunny, and comfortable the space was. With free Wifi, their seating area is designed for either a quick bite or a longer work session. (They even have high chairs!) The high ceilings, white walls, and coastal art makes the space feel a bit like a gallery rather than a coffee shop.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Little Seoul.
The durp-bop, which sounds a bit like a K-pop phenom, lacks the colors of its cousin bi bim bop, with soft egg mingled with multigrain rice, onion, and pieces of chicken. Spotted throughout were interesting little sesame seeds that were dense and chewy. Its many interesting textures benefited from a dollop of thick, hot red chili sauce.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of Pai Men Miyake.
While it may seem odd to review the noodle bar without trying the noodles, here, a bowl of Ramen is quite the commitment for your appetite. So Pai men Miyake is also a great place to have a few small bites in a casual environment.
Two new food blogs have been added to the Food Map:
The Portsmouth Herald has published a review of Zapoteca and Taco Escobarr.
Mexican cuisine is just like any other — you can dress it up or dress it down and both can be delicious, which is why I wanted to give an overview of two Mexican/Southwestern spots, yes, up in Portland, Maine, and both worth telling you about.
I’ll start with a more refined Mexican restaurant and end with the one that you might find yourself in after you hit a few bars or before hitting them for a late night.
Eat Here. Go There. has published a review of Duckfat.
Overall, I think this is great high brow pub grub in Portland. Its ever-so-slightly off the beaten path location only adds to the charm of it. The laid back vibe of both the staff and the patrons is contagious, and no one seems to be in a hurry for anything here (though I will say food comes out fast and hot). The exposed brick walls are lined with magnet boards to come up with your own magnetic poem or phrase to just while away the hours drinking and eating great food.
Edible Obsessions has published a review of Artemisia Cafe.
So, when you’re looking for a spot to pop out to brunch this weekend, consider forgoing the usual haunts and take a trip to my neighborhood and stop in to Artemesia Cafe and, for the love of God, someone try the Sausage and Biscuits.
Today’s Press Herald includes a Eat & Run review of Borealis Bistro,
The panini comes on your choice of bread, and you’ll have a large variety of choices, because all the bread is made right on the premises. The sandwich we tried consisted of a couple of slices of rosemary bread filled with real scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese (your choice of cheese) and sausage links (meat costs extra) that had been sliced in half and grilled. The sandwich stayed piping hot all the way to the office, and was large enough to share.
and a What Ales You column about the honey-based beers for sale at The Honey Exchange.
The favorite honey beer among my tasters — and they varied over the past month from a crowd of seven to just me — was Brooklyn Local 2, a strong, dark Belgian ale with 9 percent alcohol that cost about $8.50 for a 750-milliliter bottle.
The honey was just a background in this fruity, spicy and complex beer with a wonderfully thick body. The Belgian dark candy sugar combines with the wildflower honey. Seven people tasted this one, and they all loved it.
The Bollard has published a survey of neighborhood bars.
Let’s start out at Mama’s Crowbar (189 Congress St.), a little hole in the wall about a block above Washington Ave. It’s a mother-and-daughter-run joint that specializes in American craft beers. Common tap selections include stouts and ales from the likes of Allagash, Dogfish Head, and Oxbow, the brewery in Newcastle established last year. You won’t find liquor at Mama’s, but you will find nearly three dozen bottled and canned beer options priced between $3 and $7. PBR is not among them, because Mama doesn’t approve of their high fructose corn syrup.