Vin et Grub has published a review of Benkay,
Sammy got the pork dumpling soup, which I must admit looked pretty good. The delicate wonton skins were almost falling off the meat, which for me is appetizing just to think about. The broth is traditionally richer than Miso broth, and there were lone pieces of kelp, cabbage, and green onions floating about. Sam really liked it, and I must say I enjoyed looking at it.
From Away has reviewed Hugo’s 6-course tasting menu,
We ventured into the icy night for our first experience with this type of dining and were in turns, surprised, amused, impressed and satisfied. No menus. No choices. No volition. The diner is at the mercy of the chef and his kitchen. It’s a relief to the indecisive diner and a delight for an adventurous eater. And I am mostly both.
Portland Bar Guide has published a review of the East Ender.
Their bottled beer selection, however, is where they shine and their little beer garden is obviously growing. I experienced my first ever Black IPA based on their recommendation, an Otter Creek Alpine Black ($3.50). Normally not a dark beer drinker, I was thoroughly impressed with their suggestion. Which is nothing compared to the biting but not hoppy Unearthly IPA ($10), a favorite amongst the owners and their regular clientele. For those desperate for the yummy richness of a microbrew flavor without the gluten, they offer St. Peter’s ($9, my personal favorite sorghum based beer). In total, they offer anywhere from 30-40 different bottled beers.
The Bollard has published a breakfast review of the Bar of Chocolate Cafe.
Bite for bite, our meal easily earned the Bar of Chocolate a place in the top tier of Portland brunch spots. It’s just a matter of time before word of mouth attracts crowds, so I suggest you come early, and often. I, for one, will be back soon to try those huevos rancheros. I feel a frijoles jones coming on.
NECN has broadcast a review of Grace.
From exacting prep to artful precision plating, the cuisine at Grace reflects a reverence for the pointed arches, stained glass and huge wooden oak pillars—all bathed in candlelight. Wines and various libations match the superiority of the food and service and dining here is, well, divine. It easily earns the Platinum Plate.
District has received 3½ stars from the Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
More intriguing than either of the above, baked halloumi ($8) was a fried or broiled rectangle of mild, Middle Eastern cheese (not breaded) set in a shallow earthenware dish with cream mixed with Ouzo and roasted garlic, and topped with fried potatoes that were skinny and crunchy. Slices of chewy bread made the base for a piece of hot cheese and perhaps one of the sour little gherkins.
Down East’s blog The Golden Dish has posted a combined review of The Corner/Grill/Front Room restaurants.
Harding Smith’s restaurant kingdom is an empire built in fits and starts. Each one comes out of the gate magnificently, spirals to a declivitous edge momentarily — like catching one’s breath — only to return to glorious heights, which is where, more or less, his three establishments have remained.
Wines; Tasted! has published a review of the East Ender,
Anyway, you should go check it out. They’re obviously new and are still putting art on the walls, and the bar stools are a bit hard to get up to the bar; but those are the only nits I can find to pick. The wings alone are totaly worth the trip, in my humble opinion. The beer/wine prices are also a huge draw in their own right. And the prices are good. The bill for my friend and I, including multiple courses, beer and wine; came to only about $60. I’ll be back to eat again soon!
Port Bean Cafe received 3½ stars from the Eat & Run column in today’s Press Herald,
The Turkey Bacon Rave was huge, made with thick slices of bread and piled high with turkey, applewood smoked bacon, jack cheese, tomato, lettuce and bakehouse sauce. This sandwich was so large, I’m not sure I could have eaten a whole one. Luckily, Port Bean has specials where you can order half a sandwich or a small salad with some soup for $7.95.
Cable network CNBC has published their list of America’s Top Foodie Cities and Portland slots in at #4. They based their assessment on the
ratio of local restaurants to chain restaurants, number of Whole Foods and cooking stores, number of wine shops, wine bars, craft breweries, and brew pubs; and the number of CSA (community supported agriculture) farms and local farmers markets.
Katahdin received 3½ stars from the Taste & Tell review in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.
After a year in a new location, Katahdin Wood Fire Grill and Bar in Portland continues to enjoy weekend crowds and faithful regulars who are enamored of bartender Winnie Moody’s generous martinis, the kitchen’s good food and a community that always has a place for a newcomer.