Happy Teriyaki

Happy Teriyaki received 3½ stars from this week’s Taste & Tell column in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.

“But best of all was the bowl of soft tofu and seafood Korean stew ($13.95). On top of its ingredients an egg slowly cooked, remaining tender, its yolk semiliquid, a few minutes after being placed on the table. Three tender shrimp, three oysters and three clams cooked in their shells filled the bowl next to the tofu.”

Paciarino

Accidental Vegetables has reviewed the lunchtime pasta options at Paciarino.

“We chose to share maccheroni al pesto and ravioli with goat cheese in a simple tomato sauce. Each was about 8 dollars. The pasta was delicious, with that combination of softness and toothness you only find in homemade pasta, cooked perfectly. The sauces were also beautiful.”

Loco Pollo Tamales

Cornucopasetic has reviewed the tamales at Loco Pollo.

“But, alas, the tamales. They seemed a bit small, although that is offset by the fact that they are affordable (3 tamales is $6.00). My tamale was a bit dry and also a bit broken up. The filling wasn’t an explosion of rich mexican spices, it was more of whimper…I sort of think my experience may have been a fluke…A second visit is in order, but for now: merely okay.”

Loco Pollo

The Portland Press Herald has reviewed Loco Pollo.

“Yes, the tamales are good at Loco Pollo, a new Mexican restaurant on Washington Avenue. But don’t leave without trying one of the stews. The pozole, a traditional pork and hominy stew served with tostadas for dipping, was almost an afterthought on my first visit to Loco Pollo. But it was so good, I promised myself I’d go back just for another bowl of this heavenly dish.”

The Frosty Pint

1:00 a.m. Curfew has reviewed The Frosty Pint, a sports bar on Forest Ave.

“The Frosty Pint has a real homey feel. Maybe it’s the big bar that wraps around with seating for near 20 people. Maybe it’s the warm, orange walls. Maybe it’s the collection of regulars. Whatever it is, you can cozy up at the bar, play pool, foosball or darts, dance or watch the game.”

Punky's

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Punky’s.

But I consider myself somewhat of an eggplant parmesan connoisseur, at least among the local places, so Punky’s version is the first sandwich I try. The eggplant is crispy and amply salted, avoiding two frequent mistakes that leave the regal eggplant tasting more like bitter shoe rubber. Two thoughtful additions, sautûed green peppers and a controlled hand with the sauce, move Punky’s parm to the top of the heap.