Portland Eats has published a “first bites” review of Boda.
According to its website, the restaurant features “street vendor specialties” and “home-style” cooking. It also emphasizes that Boda features “authentic” Thai food as opposed to the “Americanized” Thai food at most other area restaurants. Having never been to Thailand, I cannot vouch for the food’s authenticity. What I can say is, based on my first visit, the food is different and mostly all delicious.
Down East has published a mini-review of the fine toast on tap at Arabica.
There are few pleasures in this world greater than a good slice of toast. And we’re ready to claim that Arabica Coffee…has the best in the state. The homemade bread is baked by South Portland’s own Doug’s House of Toast bakery. From plain white to cinnamon-raisin swirl to cheddar cheese and chive, this toast is no ordinary slab of bread. It’s thick, and lightly toasted, and, well, just plain perfect.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of The French Press Eatery in Westbrook.
Doughnuts like these are probably best as a rare treat, and the more likely staples are the breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The menu indicates that breads are made on site, but it was hard to detect home-made charms in the bagels, croissants, and English muffins that frame the breakfast sandwiches. The 10 varieties are mostly built around a fried egg and cheddar. We tried a few good sandwiches, but they don’t reach the level of the doughnuts.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of Skinny Cart BBQ
So here it is, in all it’s meaty, saucy glory. Definitely hard to eat- super messy, with lots of beef and onions to drag out into your lap as you over look the industrialness that is the backside of Marginal Way. But the sauce is sweet, tomatoey, and peppery (or maybe that was the bacon, yes!), and the meat is pink and juicy.
and so has Edible Obsessions,
Lightly charred, but gorgeously pink, beef is more than generously doused with a homemade sauce, added bacon and caramelized onions. While the meat and onions were great, the sauce reminded me a bit too much of that dreaded childhood BBQ. A hint too sweet and a bit too heavy with the black pepper, I would have liked about half of the sauce that was there.
Portland Eats has published a review of Po’Boys & Pickles.
In short, real thought has gone into making Po’Boys & Pickles feel like a true New Orleans po’ boy shop here in Portland. Will you find better po’ boys in New Orleans? Of course. But, the sandwiches at PB&P would not be out of place at many neighborhood shops in the Crescent City. Enjoying a cold beer, a cup of gumbo, and an oyster po’ boy here is as close as I’ll get to New Orleans before I next visit my favorite city.
Portland Eats has published a review of Po’Boys & Pickles.
In short, real thought has gone into making Po’Boys & Pickles feel like a true New Orleans po’ boy shop here in Portland. Will you find better po’ boys in New Orleans? Of course. But, the sandwiches at PB&P would not be out of place at many neighborhood shops in the Crescent City. Enjoying a cold beer, a cup of gumbo, and an oyster po’ boy here is as close as I’ll get to New Orleans before I next visit my favorite city.
Travels with Hilary has published a review of El Rayo.
…The soup was good, not stellar, but good. I would have liked more punch–not heat, but punch; it veered toward bland. The fish taco was very good, but frankly, I think the Baja-style fish taco served at Loco Poco’s Tacos, in Kittery, is better (and I won’t even begin to compare it to The Mexican Restaurant in Hancock, which is the real deal). Star of the meal was the refresco. But I quibble, for Mexican-fare in Portland, it sets a new standard. Would I return, hell yes.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of the brunch at Caiola’s.
Brunch is a complicated animal, I realize. Tastes are highly personal, kitchens are very busy, and usually you’re hungover, which can make you even more sensitive to service and food issues. But I don’t find brunch to be Caiola’s strong suit (admittedly after only one try). With other strong contenders for Best Brunch in Portland, I think I’ll stick with a restaurant whose kitchen is more in line with my tastes.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of the brunch at Caiola’s.
Brunch is a complicated animal, I realize. Tastes are highly personal, kitchens are very busy, and usually you’re hungover, which can make you even more sensitive to service and food issues. But I don’t find brunch to be Caiola’s strong suit (admittedly after only one try). With other strong contenders for Best Brunch in Portland, I think I’ll stick with a restaurant whose kitchen is more in line with my tastes.
The Examiner has published a brunch review of The Porthole.
Let’s be honest here, the Porthole is a great place to go for a fantastic brunch, upbeat vibe, and all-round good time. Whether you’re a salty seadog or landlubber, you’ll enjoy your maiden voyage with the “new” Porthole Restaurant. We look forward to reviewing the lunch and dinner menus later this summer.
In the meantime, sail on over to the Porthole… You’ll soon be saying “Aye-Aye”!