Review of Fore Street

From Away has published a review of Fore Street.

…I think we chose safely and well, and on our next visit, I very much want to be more bold. Here is a place to try things you’ve never had before. Or revel in the best version of a dish you’ve had all your life. Fore Street feels like unadulterated pleasure, the experience of adulthood I always longed to have. It proffers respite from life’s harsher realities, a most pleasing place to dine well, when you can.

Review of Whaddapita

From Away has published a review of WhaddaPita.

And that’s when the clouds parted, and I felt like I finally understood what Whaddapita was doing, with all of that fast-food styling, that green paint, and the army of cheery yellow tee shirt-clad employees. These are the same flavors that I have always associated with Greek food, the garlic, the parsley, the thyme, the rosemary, the feta, the olives, the yogurt, and the cucumber. Unlike some classic Greek dishes, however, Whaddapita manages to brighten all of these flavors up, and make them incredibly accessible.

Falmouth Kitchen & Tasting Tour

Today’s Press Herald includes a preview of the Falmouth Kitchen & Tasting Tour.

The kitchen proper is not so large that it is overwhelming, and it includes top-of-the-line appliances and interesting woodwork. There’s a custom-carved wood sunburst over the stove, and a wood arch hangs gracefully over the center of the room. The arch is perfect for hanging pots, but Preston decorated it with greenery and ornaments during the holidays.

The kitchen has four ovens, two dishwashers, two warming drawers, an island with a sink, and cherry cabinets.

The tour is taking place May 6 and 7. Tickets are available online.

Review of Boda

From Away has published a review of Boda.

As it turns out, I am not yet finished with Boda. I want to dig into Boda the way so many others who’ve reviewed it have. That night, it missed the mark for me. Maybe in the future. For now, I feel neutral, and cautiously optimistic.

Reviews of Bull Feeney’s and Seagrass Bistro

The Seagrass Bistro in Yarmouth received 4 stars from a review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Eight pan-seared scallops, nicely crusted outside and tender inside, surround braised fennel, all placed atop a piquant tomato sauce ($24). It’s a simple dish that’s beautifully prepared.

Eat Here. Go There. has published a review of Bull Feeney’s.

Overall, we thought the food/atmosphere at Feeney’s was great! We escaped with a $40 tab. It would have been relatively cheap had it not been for our $6 beers, so I think it’s worth giving a try. Though it’s far from authentic Irish food, it can satisfy one’s banger craving. It’s a cool place to grab some pub grub, have a good beer (because life’s too short to drink crap beer), and people watch. So, sometime do yourself a favor, go to Bull Feeney’s order an O’hara’s and some bangers…I feel pretty confident you’ll be glad you did.

Review of Bar Lola

The Golden Dish has published a review of Bar Lola.

Why I never cottoned to the place in the past is a mystery. I think I felt the ambiance too dull and the room uncomfortable. This time the experience worked on all levels. The service is thoughtful and the kitchen keeps up to speed. I’m glad to add it to my list of five or six Portland restaurants that I go to regularly for pure gustatory indulgence.

Reviews of District and Otto’s

The Blueberry Files has published a brunch review of District,

But for brunch in Portland?  District.  Go to District.  I ordered a Bloody Mary to start and perused their short-ish menu, which has a mix of breakfast and lunch items.  Was tempted by the Soft Shell Crab Benedict special (until I saw the big X through it), but then landed on All You Can Eat Chicken and Waffles.

I’ll let that sink in for a minute.

and John Golden has revisited Otto’s and posted an updated review. Golden’s first review was critical of Otto’s and a revisit seems to have attenuated his opinion somewhat but not to the degree that he’d agree with the result of the Phoenix readership poll which rated Otto’s the Best Pizza in Portland.

Yesriree,  I’ve concluded that Otto’s pizza is good—not extraordinary—and definitely worth a pit stop. Some of my picks and pans of single slices so far go like this:
The potato, bacon, and scallions just doesn’t cut it for me—too gloppy and heavy. As the filling for a baked potato, it’s perfection.
The eggplant, ricotta, and basil works well, though I’d prefer to have the shredded basil added after the pie has baked rather than shriveling up in the baking or reheating process…

 

Review of Figa

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Figa.

An entrée of seared cod was served with funny, chewy little bits of beet and watercress spaetzle that shined and curled like a veggie organ-meat. The fish was firm but moist, and the sauce both buttery and bright with lemon. The meat of the braised rabbit was very mild, without a hint of gameyness. This bunny really chilled on the farm, I suspect. It was served with a simple red wine sauce, and sat on a profoundly creamy puddle of polenta.

Review of Gogi

The Portland Daily Sun has published a review of Gogi.

Both the BBQ pulled pork and the Marinated Shiitake Mushroom tacos were nicely seasoned, and meaty each in their own way. Tacos are dressed with tomato, red onions, a lettuce/cabbage mix, pickled cucumber and pickled bean sprouts. Good innards but the tortillas were lackluster. It might be their supplier or a reluctance to put those little disks on a griddle.

Reviews of Gogi and Brunch at Caiola’s

Where is Jenner’s Mind has published a brief review of Gogi,

given the affordability and uniqueness of gogi in portland, i think this establishment is a great addition to the portland food scene.  what is really cool is that gogi is open late night so if you need some korean/mexican fusion at 1 am, and who of us hasn’t, you have a great option.

and Vin et Grub has published a review of brunch at Caiola’s.

The Bird’s Nest consisted of two eggs, cooked over medium, nestled into pieces of Pullman Toast- which had been highly praised by other food bloggers- and lived up to their impressions I must say, served with country sausage gravy, and roasted sweet potatoes.  The toast was buttery, flaky, and delicious.  Toasted to a crisp, but sopped in some runny egg yolks did the trick to add a bit more flavor.  The sausage gravy was creamy and savory.  It had a pleasing aroma- somewhat resembling Shepard’s Pie, but highly reminiscent of my stay down south last year.  All in all, this dish blew my mind.