Category: Reviews

Maine a la Carte has  reviewed Isa,

Entrees at Isa range from $15-22. My friend had the monkfish succotash and I had the pork chop with braised kale and green lentils, both $22 entrees. The pork chop was incredibly juicy and tender – one of the best I’ve had.

and the Press Herald has published a bar review of Ebb & Flow.

Ebb & Flow is a dazzling Mediterranean-inspired restaurant & bar in Portland’s Old Port. The bar area can easily seat about 50 people, not including standing room, and the bar itself is designed with plenty of room for patrons to enjoy a full meal, or a few drinks.

The September issue of Down East includes:

• A review of Tempo Dulu, “The main course of the tasting menu is presented family style, and the dishes – delicate banana-leaf steamed halibut, the smokey wok-chared squid, deeply spiced and sweet Beef Rendang Padang and exquisite medallions of Sumatra lamb in a complex curry – quickly cover the surface of the table-top food warmer.”
• A guide to island eats on Peaks, Chebeague and Great Diamond island.

The Golden Dish has reviewed Crooners & Cocktails.

Still Crooner’s and Cocktails has its charms–a good mood for something different.  This place has legs, and all it needs is a classic pump to lead the way.

The Press Herald has reviewed Vivian’s,

It’s obvious that Vivian stays in business thanks to what I imagine are quite a few longtime, loyal customers, just like the Mr. Cranky Pants I encountered on the day I went. I can’t quite bring myself to officially rave about the place, but I sure as heck-fire appreciate that it’s there and that it’s been there for an eternity. What’s more, I am certain I’ll be back. Though I do wish they served french fries.

and has published a bar review of the Bar of Chocolate Cafe,

Bar of Chocolate is a laid-back martini bar serving house made desserts in the Old Port. A great place to hang after the theater, a concert, or just a low-key night out on the town, Bar of Chocolate offers terrific service and a cozy atmosphere. The martinis are very strong.

and the Portland Phoenix has published a survey of several newer food truck/cart options in town.

In the meantime, Portland’s new trucks let us get a taste of the future that awaits the plutocrats. It tastes pretty good.

The Golden Dish and Eat Maine have both published reviews of Terlingua.

If My Coaster Could Talk has posted a book review of Distilled in Maine.

My latest book purchase was Distilled in Maine, written by Author and food blogger Kate McCarty, I enjoy Kate’s writing and was excited to pick up my copy, I didn’t expect to finish it over the course of a weekend but it was tough to put down. Having read Maine Beer: Brewing in Vacationland by Josh Christie, and doing a bit of my own research on Maine’s history with alcohol I knew what to expect and Kate still surpassed my expectations.

McCarty will be at New England Distilling today 2-5 pm for a book signing.

Bon Appétit has included one of my local favorites, the Loaded Biscuit at Tandem, in their list of the Best Restaurant Desserts of 2015.

The Press Herald has reviewed Bramhall,

But the biggest surprise is the look. Clean and rustic, dark but attractively lit with dozens of candles and antique Edison wall sconces, Bramhall makes you feel like you’ve just entered a secret club.

and also reviewed Portland Patisserie.

But when I opened this sandwich, it looked like someone had ladled a heaping spoonful of onion soup with lots of caramelized onion and melted Gruyere cheese onto the bread.

It was a wet sandwich, but the wonderful crusty baguette held the moisture nicely. My sandwich also came with a little cup of onion soup broth, so I could dunk the sandwich for even more moist flavor.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the Sea Glass restaurant in Cape Elizabeth.

Located just off the lobby of Inn by the Sea, the popular hotel in Cape Elizabeth, Sea Glass is a small, quiet restaurant with a spectacular view and a healthful menu introduced by the newly appointed executive chef Steve Sicinski. (He worked previously at two acclaimed spa resorts, and the menu features a good selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options.) Cooking can be inconsistent here, so follow the staff’s suggestions and try succulent lamb meatballs to start (served with a cool and creamy yogurt dressing, they’re deeply satisfying) or a bowl of ruby-red summer gazpacho…

After a 5-year hiatus, The Bollard has published the results of the 4th edition of their local smoked sausage review.

From 2007 to 2010, this was an almost-annual competition in which links from local butcher shops and markets vied for top honors in three categories: Hot Italian, Sweet (or Mild) Italian, and Wildcard. After a five-year hiatus prompted by my move out of state, the Showdown returned last month with some new competitors alongside seasoned veterans, as well as a couple new tasters to assist the usual officiating crew