Hugo’s came it at #25 on the 2010 Opinionated About Dining list of the 30 Most Important Restaurants in the United States.
Maine claimed 6 of the 15 slots on OAD’s list of the top restaurants in New England, and of those 5 are in Portland: Hugo’s (#1), Fore Street (#5), Miyake (#6), Bresca (#9) and Evangeline (#14).
Category: Reviews
Portland Magazine, The Foodie Issue
The new issue of Portland Magazine includes a review of Sonny’s,
Think of Sonny’s as an F. Parker Reidy’s for the 21st century: seafood-aware (you should see the lobster mariscada there, though the Cuban steaks are great, too); bar on the square (corner of Exchange and Middle Streets, with views of Tommy’s Park); and divertido, with a Caribbean/South American twist.
There’s also an in-depth guide to food events statewide in 2010, and an article about Maine chef’s use of edible flowers in their dishes. The food event guide and edible flower article are only available in the print version of the magazine which is on newsstands now.
February Bollard
The February edition of The Bollard includes an installment of the Land of the Forgotten Cocktails series on alcohol infused winter warm-ups,
The Hot Toddy is a study in pure efficacy — it does something, and does it exceedingly well, at that — but we love this cocktail for its flexibility. Simply put, a Hot Toddy is a heated single serving of an old 18th century–style punch, and should be treated with as free and inventive a hand as the mixer can muster.
and a survey of the offerings at three ethnic markets serving immigrants from Latin America and others in the city: La Bodega Latina, Los Amigos International Market and Victory’s Grocery.
“We’re a small store, but we got stuff that Hannaford doesn’t have,” said Juan [Gonzalez]’s daughter, Jasmine. La Bodega Latina carries banana leaves, empanada skins, Jamaica flower drink concentrate, several varieties of chorizo, tamarind soda, and 21 varieties of beans (many of which you won’t find on the shelves at Hannaford or Shaw’s).
Review of Jewel of India
The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of the Jewel of India.
And everything really was right, one night during dinner at chef/owner Prem Sharma’s Jewel of India, a beloved Biddeford restaurant that opened this South Portland branch last fall. The sweet coconut soup, aromatic mulligatawny soup, elegantly spiced tikkas, vindaloos and curries and tender bread held flavors as happy and lively as the dancers.
Bar Review of Grace
The Press Herald has published a bar review of Grace.
DRINK STYLE: Feisty libations, with infused liquors and fresh ingredients prepared by gifted, gregarious gals. If the cocktail idea is a little overwhelming, take your pick off the spectacular wine, beer and scotch lists.
Brunch Review of Vignola
The Portland Phoenix has published a brunch review of Vignola.
So, panic aside, I chose the Vignola omelette with tomatoes, basil, bruschetta, and Vignola potatoes. The potato part alone was worth it. In addition to using a mixture of potato varieties, including purple potatoes, it also had olives, roasted red peppers, and capers mixed in. While these additions certainly added a strong olive-oil component to the dish, frankly, what is an Italian meal without a good dose of olive oil?
Review of The Salt Exchange
The Portsmouth Herald has published a review of The Salt Exchange.
It’s that variety that works together on many levels that makes the food terrific here. Ingredients are seasonal and used inventively but there aren’t so many elements in each dish that it’s overwhelming or confusing. Still, there is always something surprising, whimsical and always something delicious.
Phoenix Review of Binga’s Stadium
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Binga’s Stadium.
While they are meaty enough, it is the skin and the sauce/seasoning that makes or breaks a wing — and Binga’s offers you about 20 options. The best wings tend to be seasoned with a dry rub, but Binga’s mostly coats theirs in syrupy sauces.
This works best when there is some heat to cut though the sugars. The Thai chili sauce was too mild, and seemed unreasonably sweet. The thin, orange-tinged classic Buffalo sauce was much better . . .
Review of Silly’s
The USM Free Press has published a review of Silly’s.
As a college student in Portland, it can be hard to find a restaurant that fits your budget. With books to buy and student loans to pay off, who has the money? If you’re looking for affordability, good service and great food, Silly’s Restaurant, at 40 Washington Ave. has it all.
Review of Olive Cafe
Olive Cafe received 3½ stars from this Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.
The flavors of Middle Eastern cooking, cool mint, sour sumac (the Mediterranean kind, not Maine’s ubiquitous poison sumac), tahini and an abundance of parsley and tomatoes, are perfect for relieving January monotony. The Olive Cafe in Portland handles these particulars with panache, tossing grilled slices of aromatic beef on top of a thin pizza that ranks at the top of good things I’ve tasted in Portland lately.