Review of Green Elephant

Will Travel for Vegan Food has published a review of Green Elephant.

Hold onto your hats because at this very moment, this is the best vegan dessert I’ve ever, ever, ever had. I AM already a chocolate lover. So that might have something to do with it. But we’re talkin’ rich, creamy, melty-in-your-mouthy moussey goodness that I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing until this day. I actually needed to take a time out so that my taste buds could catch up. Wow.

4 Stars for Zapoteca

Zapoteca received 4 stars from today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.

At Zapoteca, you’ll find fabulous cocktails, varied appetizers from chipotle pork tacos to mussels with a Mexican twist, and substantial and delicious entrees that bring gourmet flair to south-of-the-border cuisine. The restaurant boasts excellent service in a chic and thematic atmosphere that’s uncluttered and comfortable.

Cheap Eats in Portland & Wild Blueberries

This Week’s edition of the Portland Phoenix includes a guide to cheap eats in Portland for the newspaper’s annual student guide,

We know you’re dirt poor. Those textbooks are outrageously expensive and you’re forced to divvy out your remaining dollars on cheap beer and illegal substances. We’ve all been there. However, we wanted to remind you that there are places you can afford to eat in Portland that won’t bankrupt you (any more than those student loans will when you graduate). We even helped you with the math and organized it by how many dollars you have in your pocket. So, give up your tray and check out these places.

and a feature article about Maine’s wild blueberry industry.

Whether scooped by hand-held rakes or gathered mechanically by tractors, Maine’s blueberry crop is expected to be down a bit from the recent annual average of 83 million pounds. All told, Maine accounts for nearly all of America’s wild blueberry production, and is second to Michigan (which grows cultivated varieties) in terms of overall blueberry production in America. The US grows more blueberries than any other country in the world; Canada ranks second.

 

Review of the Cafe at Pat’s

Chubby Werewolf has published a review of the newly reopened Cafe at Pat’s.

As for me, I hit the proverbial jackpot with my entree. Despite feeling a bit guilty about ordering mostly seafood at a restaurant with strong ties to red meat, I opted for something called the “Portuguese Shrimp Saute.” Somewhat evocative of a cioppino stew, the dish featured several large shrimp over a generous helping of fettucini, and accompanied by sweet Italian sausage, Mahogany clams, Jonah crab claws, mussels, lemon, garlic, tomato and saffron. (As with Ilsa’s scallop dish, it came with asparagus, that day’s vegetable offering.) It is a lot of ingredients, but they all worked together in unison to produce the perfect meal: one that is balanced and flavorful enough to be eaten on a breezy summer evening, and yet hearty enough to be savored on some cold night in mid-November.

Review of Nosh

The Golden Dish has published a review of Nosh.

Then consider the Nosh burger. For me a great burger is a thick 8-ounce mound of beef that’s simply seasoned and charred over a grill. Here  the ultimate choice is the extravagantly conceived Apocalypse Now Burger, a summit of  multi layers of meat patties each topped with bacon, deep fried pork belly, foie gras, mayo, cherry jam and glued together with melted cheese.
Outrageous? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.

Review of Boda

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Boda.

The Miang Kum Som-oh is not to be missed though.  The “bite-sized pummelo fruit salad [is served] on betel leaves w/ toasted coconut, peanut, lime, ginger, shrimp & shallots in a palm sugar dressing ($5).”  As you can see, these fruit salad bites include a lot of great Thai flavors, and it comes together nicely in a mix of bitter, crunchy, sweet, and herby.

Review of Little Lad’s

Will Travel for Vegan Food has published a review of Little Lad’s.

What is lesser known about Little Lad’s is that they also have a wonderful bunch of cafes. Our trip in Portland, ME  included a stop on Congress Street at Little Lad’s Basket, a quaint eatery which features a menu and a buffet as well as takeaway items like bags of popcorn, pints of frozen vegan desserts, whole grain breads and more.

Review of Petite Jacqueline

From Away has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.

Our dinners, they were very fine. Extremely well-crafted, best examples of basic fare. Each cube of tuna was seared immaculately; our only desire was that they were a little more integrated into the the salad, composed of olives, egg, potatoes, string beans and the rest. My medium-rare steak was dead on, seared well and melt-in-the-mouth. Oh, but then. That best portion of a good woman’s meal. Frites so lithe and narrow to call them shoestring would be an insult, crisped, crackling, and lightly drizzled with aioli.

Review of The Thirsty Pig

Appetite Portland has published a review of The Thirsty Pig.

The Exchange street purveyor of tasty pig parts slings a Sweet Italian that fairly bursts with fennel flavor. Slapped into a hot-pressed Italian roll and piled high with caramelized red peppers – it truly doesn’t get much better than this juicy, herbed-up sausage. A side of cole slaw also satisfies. Crisp strings of carrot and cabbage float in a light mayo puddle – a gaggle of poppy seeds swimming freely.

Reviews of Green Elephant and 13th Cookie

Eat Here, Go There has published a review of Green Elephant,

Each time I dine at Green Elephant I find even more reasons to return. Their food is inventive and packed with flavor, the prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is great. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone—from carnivore extraordinaire to vegan lettuce lovers there really is something for every appetite.

and The Spiced Plate has published a review of 13th Cookie.

My favorite, however, was the Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie.  It was like a little bit of cookie with a load of almond butter and the perfect balance of chocolate.  I felt like I was getting the right balance of protein, energy, and sweetness.  I really liked that it wasn’t too sweet (they don’t use white sugar, corn syrup, margarine or shortening, either!), and that they weren’t shy about the almond butter.  It was a delight to enjoy, and held me over until lunch time.