Review of El Rayo

Edible Obsessions has posted a review of El Rayo. It’s a follow-up to her review from last July,

The rest of our meal (strawberry refresco, negra modello, beans and rice bowl w/chicken, guac. w/chips, pescado and al pastor tacos) was easily the best I’ve had to date, though still only ‘ok’. The chips were nicely warm, the refresco was lived up to its name and the tacos were hearty and filling. We were enjoying ourselves for the better part of it, though the wait for the food and drinks was a bit long but all of that went to shit when the Mrs. made the mistake of ordering the flan for dessert.

Thai-o-rama: Veranda Thai

For the 8th round of this comprehensive group survey/review of Thai restaurants in Portland we visited Veranda Thai which is located right off of the Washington Street exit of 295. Veranda Thai also has a sister restaurant, Veranda Noodle Bar which is situated across the street.
Appetite Portlandread the full review

My Chicken Pad Thai — also ordered at heat level 2 — was decidedly peanutty with a spicy snap. Red in color from the spices and shiny with oil, the noodles slurped up beautifully. The Tofu Pad Thai — ordered by Margo from the Portland Daily Sun — was white and dry. It looked like a dish from a different restaurant. She had ordered it at heat level 1. Lightbulb. You’ve gotta go for the heat.

The Blueberry Filesread the full review

Happily, I recommend Verenda Thai for great Thai food in Portland. The decor may leave something to be desired, but who cares when the kitchen is serving such great food? If you’re in the mood for some take out (or maybe try the noodle bar for better ambiance?), head over the bridge to Verenda Thai.

Edible Obsessionsread the full review

When the Mrs. said she was going to grab lunch at Veranda, and did I want anything to take away, I stayed true to form and ordered the Drunken Noodle with Chicken. Their version of the dish is the standard by which I’ve been measuring every other one of the variations I’ve had so far. And, so far, no one has compared. Because that singular dish is the embodiment of my Thai comfort food, and because they do it so well, I can only say that Veranda is my sentimental favorite of the pack.

Where is Jenner’s Mindread the full review

as i said before, the restaurant is tiny so the kitchen is tucked around the corner, really only feet from the dining room. its kind of cool to be able to hear the cooks working in the kitchen, but with that you have to take that your meal may be a little smokey and your clothes may continue to smell like thai food long after you are done eating. overall i found veranda thai to be pretty good and i would eat here again.

As for my thoughts, I think this is my favorite spot we’ve been to among the standard Thai restaurants we’ve visited so far in this seriesBoda is also very good but seems to be something of a different animal. That said the group still has 5 Thai restaurants left visit (Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Saeng Thai House, Sengchai Thai, Siam Orchid) before we finish up and there’s a chance one could be a real hidden gem. Stay tuned to find out.
For additional information on Veranda Thai visit the restaurant’s website or read this review that appeared in The Maine Switch from last Summer.

Review of Boda and of Nosh

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Boda,

Boda has chosen the label “very Thai” for their cuisine, and it seems just right: authentic, sure, but not a hair pretentious about it. In the meantime the space is not Thai at all but simply handsome and elegant. If you want the very Thaiest of the very Thai, small plates come at actual Thai prices Sunday nights after 9:30 pm — among the best deals in town.

and the Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Nosh,

Nosh has taken off with Port City Music Hall and other local venues emptying their hungry and thirsty guests out onto Congress Street. That’s when it’s time for the new king of the hill for beer, burgers and fries to exhort Portlandians to come in and taste what all the fuss is about.

Review of Sonny's

Down East has published a review of Sonny’s.

Where Local 188 pays homage to old-world, Iberian flavors and favorites, Sonny’s spices things up with New World influences. Caribbean cuisine joins Latin and South American staples like rice and beans, arepas, tamales, mariscadas, ceviches — bold, bright, coarse flavors with just enough refinement to, in general, produce balanced, satisfying dishes.

The July issue of the magazine also includes a guide to good eating that gives a nod to Novare Res and 5 sandwich spots in Portland.

Review of Sonny’s

Down East has published a review of Sonny’s.

Where Local 188 pays homage to old-world, Iberian flavors and favorites, Sonny’s spices things up with New World influences. Caribbean cuisine joins Latin and South American staples like rice and beans, arepas, tamales, mariscadas, ceviches — bold, bright, coarse flavors with just enough refinement to, in general, produce balanced, satisfying dishes.

The July issue of the magazine also includes a guide to good eating that gives a nod to Novare Res and 5 sandwich spots in Portland.

Review of Miyake

Soooo . . . You Really Like Cats has published a review of a 2009 meal at Miyake.

I suppose I should wrap up this post with some meaningful conclusion. But honestly, the only thing coming to mind is Joe nagging me for not returning sooner rather than later. To which I can only solemnly nod in agreement. It’s been too long indeed. Masa-san, watashi o matte kudasai!

Review of Bazkari Food Cart

The Blueberry Files has published a review of the eats at the Bazkari food cart.

Our sandwich was good; the ham was salty and the Manchego didn’t melt very well, giving it a nice bite. I’m also intrigued by this Salmoroja- I want to experience this great cold soup in its original form. But putting tomato soup on a grilled cheese is pretty genius- it’s like it’s already been dipped for you!

Sauerkraut Bake-Off

The Blueberry Files has published her tasting notes from a “Kraut-Off” between the sauerkrauts from Morse’s (available at Rosemont?) and Thirty Acre Farm (available at the Farmers Market).

Morse’s sauerkraut is more mild than TAF’s version. It is slightly more vinegary, less salty, and doesn’t have too much of an aftertaste. It’s super crunchy and juicy; very fresh tasting. It certainly doesn’t pack the punch of the garlic sour pickles, which get you in the same spot that Sour Warheads candy do.

Kamasouptra Review

Kamasouptra has received 4½ stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

The gazpacho was made with tomatillos, cucumber, various peppers, olive oil, cilantro and red wine vinegar. The combination was great. Even though it was smooth, it was filling. All the soups come with a pretty good-sized crusty roll, which was fluffy and fresh.

The paper also launched a new beer column today. Author Tom Atwell put together a survey of local summer brews.

Christian and I had a hard time deciding which we liked best, and finally said that if we were having a party of regular people, we would serve the Shipyard. If the guests were beer snobs, it would be the Casco Bay.

Review of Katahdin

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Katahdin.

An appetizer of Maine shrimp and corn cakes was expertly done. Just enough of a lime crème fraiche was drizzled over the cakes to cut the sweetness of the corn and shrimp with some creaminess and sour, without making things soggy. The exterior offered a nice crunch, but the oil did not invade the interior. The plate was sprinkled with many more juicy-sweet little shrimp.