Audrey Ruth has published a review of Fez.
Despite its unassuming (to say the least) ambiance, and casually-dressed staff, and relative emptiness (the three of us were dining simultaneously with a couple, also on their first trip, though a few other parties trickled in as the nine o’clock hour ticked nearer), the food was unparalleled. As the first Moroccan place in Portland that I know of, there’s no bar to speak of, but Fez is setting it high for any successors.
The Bollard has published a review of the lobster takeout at Three Sons,
There’s nothing quaint about Three Sons. You can get fancier fare in a more stylish setting almost anywhere else in town, but there’s nowhere more affordable and authentic.
Summer is tourist season in Maine, food bloggers from away that make a trip to our state often write about their eating adventures.
Recently two Boston area food bloggers, Delicious Dishing and A Slice of Earthly Delight, have been posting write ups on their eating experiences in Portland at: Bar of Chocolate Cafe, Boda, Brian Boru, District, Duckfat, The Corner Room, The Lobster Shack, and Walter’s.
From Away has published a 3-day eating itinerary for Portland in response to request from one of their readers,
It got us thinking about what we would do if we were limited to eating every single meal out, during a long weekend visiting Portland. We’re going to assume just four things: That you have access to a car (because frankly, we’re not sure how you would get from the bridge in Kittery to Portland without one), that you’ve got plenty of time to get from one restaurant to the next, that you want to stick close to Portland (though this limits your lobster roll options somewhat), and finally, that you have a very healthy appetite.
The Portland Maine Gazette has published a review of the Exchange Street Cafe.
Our impression is that the owners have managed to capture the ambiance and essence of a good little North End Italian style eatery, and coupled it with Portland’s culinary sense and style.
From Away has published a review of Zapoteca.
The inevitable success of Zapoteca spells the end of careless, cartoonish, bottomless-margarita kid-friendly Mexican cuisine in Maine. Each dish we tried included an unexpectedly sophisticated, delicious surprise, whether it was in the use of additional ingredients, or in the different way those ingredients were assembled and presented. Ultimately, where Zapoteca succeeds most completely is in its dedication to authentic ingredients, with clever twists and spins that don’t take each dish outside the realm of what it essentially is.
The Bollard has published a review of The Wine Bar in its guise as an afternoon summertime taco bar.
Comfy and cool, sophisticated yet unpretentious, The Wine Bar has been a refuge from the bachelorette madness of Wharf Street for many years. Earlier this summer, the nocturnal lounge began opening most weekdays for cheap lunch, providing refuge from the factory-burger madness of Five Guys. Tuesday through Friday afternoons, The Wine Bar effectively becomes The Taco Bar.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.
A salad with cod and hake was terrific. The smokiness of the fish infused the whole dish and gave it a slightly Scandinavian feel. The light dressing added a dash of tarragon without overwhelming the greens. A dish of soft braised leeks eschewed the usual hint of mustard for a dash of oil and dusting of red French peppers that reminded us of paprika.
The Golden Dish has published a review of Zapoteca.
For the enchiladas we had the pork, which is roasted in the oven and made with caramelized onions and a mild tomato habanera sauce. It was gorgeously flavorful as were the chicken enchilada with a richly ethereal mole poblano sauce and a stuffed poblano chile with mushrooms, and very assertive herb flavors.
Appetite Portland has published a review of Petite Jacqueline.
Granted, it’s no Au Pied du Cochon (Montreal) or Au Vieux Comptior (Paris) – two places embroiled in my brain and heart (not to mention my thighs) for all-time top French dishes (guinea hen liver mousse and sweet breads with morels, asparagus and a river of cream – respectively).
But, I’m just delighted to have a solid French bistro in Portland. One that makes a tasty Nicoise Salad, an appealing Steak Frites and a lovely Fluke Meuniere.