Category: Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Shima.

Shima’s eclecticism is not the product of an effort to please all tastes, but rather the peripatetic development of a single palate. Chef David Shima is from a Japanese-Hawaiian family, but spent many years in Paris. His menu shows it, including traditional sushi and traditional French, with Hawaiian hints of Polynesian and Chinese along the way. The combination sounds unusual, but it can work well.

This week’s newspaper also includes a “precautionary list of what Thanksgiving food you should avoid seeking out or making” for your holiday guests.

The Blueberry Files posted her first impressions of breakfast at 158, and Portland Food Heads has published a review of a recent brunch visit to 555.

A Hamburger Today has published a review of the Blue Spoon. (via Portland Psst)

So is the Blue Spoon burger the best in this little city with a big stomach? Maybe—there are also those who swear by the Front Room, the Grill Room, and the bar-style burger at Rosie’s. But there’s no doubt that the Blue Spoon burger is a serious—and seriously delicious—contender.

Portland Bar Guide has published a bar review of The Front Room.

Defying the melee, bartender Eva notices me right away, and I’m asked what I’d like to drink within 48 seconds of entering, with the drink specials offered in a crisp list. On Saturday and Sunday, I’m happy to learn, this masterful happy hour allows the booze-artist some autonomy with the Bartender’s Choice special, a seasonal, creative cocktail. Eva has made a delicious-sounding Cinnamon Manhattan in past weeks, for example.

Portland Food Heads has reviewed a lunch at the Quality Shop, a neighborhood convenience store located on Stevens Ave.

While that’s not necessarily my thing, the pre-made salads and sandwiches in the cooler are usually what I go with for a quick lunch if I have to hurry back to work. Again, there’s nothing special going on here, but for the price (usually $4 or under), you can’t go wrong.

Hilly Town has published a cookie review of the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Walnut Cookie at Big Sky, rating it a 4 out of 5 for Flavor and Bang for Buck, and a 3 out of 5 for Texture.

However, in my mind, there is a clear distinction between a chocolate-chip cookie and an oatmeal chocolate-chip cookie. Oats lend sturdiness, texture, and yes – flavor. Oats in a CCC aren’t an ‘add-in.’ They’re a revision (OCCC). Mind you, it can be a tasty revision, as this OCCC from Big Sky proves.

Appetite Portland has published a review of a recent meal at Hugo’s.

First, let me say that Rob Evans deserves all the accolades. My birthday dinner at Hugo’s was nothing short of spectacular. That said, when your restaurant sits perched on a pedestal boasting a shining, gleaming “sterling” reputation – well, the expectations of your guests run high. Very high.

My admittedly stratospherically high expectations were almost – just about – very nearly – exceeded. But not quite.

Appetite Portland has published a review of a recent meal at Hugo’s.

First, let me say that Rob Evans deserves all the accolades. My birthday dinner at Hugo’s was nothing short of spectacular. That said, when your restaurant sits perched on a pedestal boasting a shining, gleaming “sterling” reputation – well, the expectations of your guests run high. Very high.

My admittedly stratospherically high expectations were almost – just about – very nearly – exceeded. But not quite.

158 Pickett St has received 4 stars from the Eat & Run review in today’s Press Herald.

The day I went for breakfast, I had a giant bacon, egg and cheese sandwich ($6). The English muffin was sort of like a biscuit, and sort of like a cake – a little flaky, a little spongy, with lots of flavor. The cheddar cheese was sharp and oozing all over the place, and there was plenty of very thick, very crisp bacon – more like slabs than slices. Overall, it was a great and filling treat.