Type A Diversions has reviewed El Rayo, providing an early take on the new restaurant.
Bottom line: El Rayo lived up to expectations, at long last bringing fantastic Mexican fare to Portland.
For additional input see reader comments here and here.
And you might also want to take a look at this article from Portland in a Snap.
Photo Credit: Type A Diversions
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed GRO Cafe, the new raw food establishment near Monument Square.
Even without cooking, GRO Café may evolve and flourish too. What they do well is good enough to build upon successfully. The sesame noodles made from zucchini, for example, offered a nice contrast in texture to crisp carrot and celery. The almond Thai sauce was not too thick or sweet. Little nori dumplings were sort of interesting, though their nutty, garlicky, bright green paste was a touch too dense.
but also went on to say
But there are things to improve. In the smallish sea veggie shiitake roll, the bitter collard wrap and seaweed aroma overwhelmed the other flavors. The mushrooms also get a bit lost in a too-sweet marinade when featured in an “Emma Goldman” sandwich, which replaces bread with two circles of wettish undercooked tortilla. But the Goldman was better than the veggie-ball sub . . .
Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Bonobo.
He also said their wood-fired pizza is unbeatable. And he’s right. Everything is freshly made and they offer gourmet organic combinations (Taleggio cheese, smoke roasted tomato, leeks, garlic butter and arugula salad – and that’s just one pizza) you won’t find anywhere. I know, you thought Flatbread had the best pizza, right? Bonobo is upping the standards.
Fuji received 3 stars from the Taste & Tell column in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.
Popular with a young crowd, Fuji offers drama at its downstairs hibachi tables, while upstairs tables provide more good spots to assemble for sushi, tempura and udon noodles.
Hilly Town has kicked off a new weekly cookie commentary with a review of the chocolate chip cookie at North Star.
This hefty cookie is no lightweight snack: measuring just over four inches across, it stands up to dunking in cold milk, hot coffee, or both. The thick, chewy interior is pleasant, though the edges wobble on the line between crisp and dry.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of a trio of burger joints including Vivian’s Drive-In on Forest Ave.
The double cheeseburger was remarkably similar to the Ray’s version. There is a bit more chew to the meat, and lots of diced grilled onion to complement the mustard and relish. The white cheese contributes more fatty texture than actual flavor. It comes with a bag of chips instead of fries or rings.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of a trio of burger joints including Vivian’s Drive-In on Forest Ave.
The double cheeseburger was remarkably similar to the Ray’s version. There is a bit more chew to the meat, and lots of diced grilled onion to complement the mustard and relish. The white cheese contributes more fatty texture than actual flavor. It comes with a bag of chips instead of fries or rings.
The Blueberry Files has reviewed a meal at Blue Spoon.
Travels with Hilary has reviewed the Miss Portland Diner.
My new favorite breakfast joint is the Miss Portland Diner, on Marginal Way (between Franklin and Forest). The restored, original Worcester Lunch Car Company #818 shines not only in its gleaming metal surfaces, but also in service and food.
Down East has reviewed Casa Novello in Westbrook.
As for those entrées: The penne a la vodka was fantastic — perfectly cooked seafood in a reddish-pink sauce that had just a hint of a kick. My veal parm, however, suffered from a slight lack of attention, with the cutlet’s thin ends dry from overcooking and the accompanying dish of pasta boiled well past al dente. Did any of that stop me from gobbling it up, however? Heck, no.