Category: Reviews

Mitten Machen has published a review of the Pepperclub.

While a couple of the things we tried were disappointing, everything about our first visit to Pepperclub last November was incredible. I remember a spiced pumpkin curry with quinoa that was so simple, honest, and fresh, it had me wondering, again, why I hadn’t thought of it before. I also remember a bottle of St. Peter’s triple blonde ale…at least the beginning of it.

Though it’s not a a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, Pepperclub deserves four chickpeas. Even gluten-free vegans have choices here, and that’s a rare treat.

The new issue of The Bollard also includes their 3rd Sausage Showdown.

So, to recap the results of Smokin’ Sausage Showdown III, in the Sweet Italian category, it’s a tie between Pat’s and Fresh Approach. Among the Hot Italians, Fresh Approach and Colucci’s tie for top honors. And in the Wild Card category, Pat’s wins by a snout (or, rather, a beak) with its mobbed-up chicken link.

Here are links to the 2009 and 2007 (part 1, part 2) Sausage Showdowns.

The Bollard has published the first review of Local Sprouts Cafe.

There are breakfasts out there that are bigger or fancier, but for fresh, local and organic food at prices on par with fast food and greasy spoons, there’s nothing even close to Local Sprouts Café around here. Leave your politics at the door and dig right in.

So.ME.Vegans has started a series looking at Maine vegan food producers and in their first post they include a mini-review of Falafel Toasties which are produced here in Portland by Papou’s Kitchen.

Honestly we hadn’t heard of them yet, despite the product originally being conceived of in 1986. We were truly missing out. This has got to be some of the most finely crafted falafel we’ve tried. Djgray1200 thought the seasoning was just right. A number of falafels we’ve tried have been bland, but then again in frozen food you always run the risk of getting something that’s obnoxiously salty. This product walks that line masterfully.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Jewel of India in South Portland.

Generally it is the entrées where Jewel of India shows its real strengths. The bengan bharta — with a sauce based on roasted eggplant, was a symphony of sharp notes. It opened with a burst of aroma that made me anticipate more heat than the dish actually contained. Instead, the fresh ingredients — eggplant, tomato, onion, garlic, green pepper, each of which offers some bite without spicy heat — take turns gently pricking your palate.

For the 9th round of this comprehensive survey/review of Thai restaurants in Portland we visited Saeng Thai House which has two locations located just a few blocks from each other. The original location at 921 Congress remained dormant for many years but was refurbished and relaunched a couple of years ago, and the “new” location at 271 Saint John Street.
The Blueberry Files – read the full review

The people at Saeng Thai are very nice- both times I’ve eaten in and gotten take out, I’ve had excellent customer service. But this time my food didn’t live up to my previous experience.

Where is Jenner’s Mind – read the full review

in relation to all the standard thai in this town, i think its up towards top of the list. but as my friend mark said, we may just be hitting it on the right night. its also quite a deal with the pad thai costing like $6 or $7. so at this price point and the two good meals we have had so far, i would visit saneg thai house again.

When I first moved to Portland people would regularly recommend Saeng Thai as a good option for Thai food, but despite living just a few blocks away this was my first visit in 12 years. I visited the restaurant on Saint John Street and was  pleased with my meal, the food was fresh and well executed and the service very friendly. I would definitely eat there again and hope to try out the small original spot on Congress Street the next time I go.
There were also two earlier reviews published in Portland magazine (2003) and the Portland Press Herald (2004). The 4 star review from the Press Herald wrote that, “Saeng Thai House now has fancier digs and a larger, more creative menu than it had on Congress Street. The food is still excellent, and a pretty good bargain at that.”
There are  just 4 Thai restaurants left visit: Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Sengchai Thai, Siam Orchid. Do you have any thoughts on where we should go next?

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of The Grill Room.

Upscale while still being casual, highly recommended and conveniently located in the heart of the Old Port, The Grill Room is another winner in the trio of “rooms.”

The current issue of Northern New England Journey includes an article about the dining scene in Portland. The article draws special attention to Bresca, Caiola’s, Duckfat, Emilitsa, Fore Street, Hugo’s, Miyake and Paciarino.

[Chef Sam] Hayward attributes the vibrant food scene to what he calls “a perfect convergence” of three elements. First, Portland chefs are using an eye-opening variety of Maine products. Second, farmers, fishermen, and foragers are supplying those chefs with outstanding ingredients. Instead of ordering standard cuts of meat and seafood from national provisioners, chefs buy animals from local sources and use every part they can. This means familiar dishes share menu space with such items as beef heart, monkfish liver, and cod cheeks. Third, Portland’s diners have embraced the new dishes.