The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the Old Port Sea Grill.
The Old Port Grill has at least three things going for it: a prime location in the shadow of the U.S. Custom House, a fine fish sandwich at lunchtime, and that delicious salmon spread at dinner. But walk into this seafood restaurant with high hopes of a great meal and you’re likely to head home with a sinking feeling.
Portland Magazine has reviewed Terlingua,
Though not specifically a barbecue joint, (Terlingua bills itself as “boutique barbecue”), the house-smoked meats–daily preparations listed on a board at the bar–offer some mighty fine fare along those lines. Crossed off a second after we order, our St. Louis ribs appear, perfectly blackened on big bones ($14/$21). With these tender beasts are savory sauces (spicy vinegar and sweet-and-smoky), slices of ripe watermelon, a tangy mixture of house-pickled vegetables, and grilled pita bread.
The Golden Dish has reviewed Central Provisions,
Ending with a hot dish of seared wild black bass a la plancha, a festive and generous dish of white fish seared fast and furiously to retain moistness and flakiness. Spread alongside was the sweet-sour fig agrodolce and batons of king oyster mushrooms, all of which was so right.
and Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Piccolo.
Their small but unique menu gave us a different take on Italian. Their cozy restaurant is a little tight, but definitely well placed. Their service staff was prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable. Add this one to your list when you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, when you feel like every day is exactly the same, and you want to branch out and feel alive in the superunknown.
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:
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.