Bayside Bowl received 3½ stars from this week’s Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
They are on their game in the kitchen at Bayside Bowl, with impressive pastry, juicy mushrooms and devastating desserts, while the few disappointments seem to reveal considered experiments rather than any carelessness.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of the dinner service at Hot Suppa.
While the boudin sausage came in the shape of three perfect snowballs, our other appetizer of fried green tomatoes came as three golden pucks. The slight sourness of the al-dente tomatoes worked well with the light crispy breading. Again, the flavors were pleasant enough that we barely took advantage of the mild remoulade that came alongside. The real star of this appetizer, however, was the pile of cool little bay scallops. The deep smoky flavor worked well with the squishy scallops’ natural sweetness.
The Portland Bar Guide column in today’s paper is a review of the Old Port Sea Grill,
Whereas most bars run happy hour specials exclusively during the work week, this lounge offers its two hours of happiness seven days a week, from 4 to 6 p.m. The winter happy hour is an easy choice with $3 draft beers, $4 wines by the glass, and tasty treats featuring what the Old Port Sea Grill is best known for — the raw bar. Pay $3 for two oysters on the half-shell, and $5 for P.E.I. mussels with white wine, garlic, butter and tomatoes. Yum.
The new issue of Down East includes an article on where to find some of the best comfort food in the state. The Merry Table, The Porthole, Hot Suppa, Gritty’s, Nosh, Boda and Standard Baking were all mentioned.
How do you define comfort food? Is it a bowl of your mother’s fish chowder Or a warm doughnut dusted with powdered sugar? Comfort food is as individual as every Mainer — and as specific as our state itself. Herewith, a comforting collection of Down East meals for all times of the day.
Whole Living, Whole Life, has published a review of East Ender.
Anyway, what I am trying to say here is that you should definitely try out The East Ender in Portland, Maine for something new and wonderful. Whether you are going all out with a delicious (and great value) meal or just grabbing a cocktail, it is a delicious, lively, and wonderful establishment!
Edible Obsessions has published a review of Pai Men Miyake.
For as much as my friend raved about this dish and as much I raved about the dish while we were eating it, I know anything I were to write about the flavors that were there would do it absolutely no justice. It is, without question, the most remarkable sweet and sour sauce I have ever had in my entire life. In fact, I would like a teleporter to take me back to every time I had something labeled with ‘sweet and sour sauce’ just so that I can smack my former self and say to me, as I dump the nuclear red sauce on the floor, “Lies! This IS NOT sweet and sour sauce. Don’t eat their lies! The future will show you a true sweet and sour sauce!!”
The Golden Dish has published a combined review of District,
The restaurant is a combination dining emporium hangout. I’ll go there when I’m in the mood for a very decent dinner in a fun, casual setting. Entrees tend to be over $20, a price point perhaps too high to qualify as absolutely moderate. Their hamburger, however, may rate as one of the best in Portland.
and the East Ender.
The East Ender is seriously casual but offers serious cooking in convivial surroundings. If ever the eastern waterfront gets fully developed as a residential neighborhood, the East Ender would certainly live up to its name.
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.