Category: Reviews

Drink Up and Get Happy has posted a happy hour review of the Congress Squared.

Hotel restaurants are usually not known for stellar specials that can get the locals talking, but Congress Squared has turned that on it’s head. Their happy hour runs daily from 4-7pm. Already that puts them ahead, great hours and a reliable spot for weekend happy hour observing. They then pair that with $4 specials on Maine beers, a $5 wine of the day, a $7 sage brush cocktail, and 1/2 off the bar food menu. That’s some decent savings!

Opinionated About Dining publisher Steve Plotniki has included Hugo’s and Tao in his list of his Favorite Dishes of 2014.

What happens when you give Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley a pasta extruder? They make thickly cut, exceptional tasting wide noodles. Cook them al dente. Then add a series if ingredients that turn it into what might be the best American pasta dish ever made.

Alton Brown included Duckfat and Eventide in his list of the Top Savory AB Road Eats of 2014.

I was in Portland for less than 24 hours and I visited Eventide twice. And there wasn’t just one good thing on the menu. There were multiple, including the best varieties of oyster I’ve ever had (all from Maine waters). If you twisted my arm and made me choose one thing, I would probably have to go with the Fried Oyster Bun or perhaps the Brown Butter Lobster Roll. Who am I kidding, I’d go with both and so should you. Oh, and the dirty martini is ridiculous.

Earlier in December Brown also highlighted his visit to Vena’s Fizz House.

Vena’s Fizz House (Portland, ME): I’ve never seen anything like Vena’s before. When you walk in you’re greeted with countless bitters, some I’ve never heard of. After you’re done browsing the shop, head up the stairs to a bar serving some of the best mocktails around. I suggest ordering a Lumberjack Love if you’re in the area.

The Golden Dish has reviewed Street & Company.

Just as the menus of steak houses never go out of style, the seafood mantra at Street and Company is as vital as ever, showing that archetypes of such definitive cuisine are ageless.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of the White Cap Grille,

White Cap Grille has prime real estate in Portland’s Old Port but not so much in the minds of locals. Good for tourists who need a decent meal or a work crowd looking to accommodate fussy eaters, White Cap gets the job done. In the long run, it’s a restaurant that is more or less forgettable.

and an Eat & Run review of the West End Deli.

The turkey had a smoky flavor that I could taste through the dressing and cheese. The sauerkraut, to me, was more like a crunchy slaw, very fresh. The bread was toasty on the outside, chewy on the inside. And the whole sandwich was warm when I got it, since I got there at exactly the seven-minute mark.

Business Insider has included Bard Coffee in their list of the 50 Coolest New Businesses In America.

Why it’s cool: Not only will you enjoy a healthy selection of small-batch single-origin brews at Bard, but the baristas are more than happy to share each batch’s backstory, as well as their vast knowledge of brewing styles. Bard also hosts monthly latte pouring competitions, with proceeds from each event benefiting a local charity. This shop isn’t just for coffee drinkers, but also for those who truly love the geeky ins and outs of coffee preparation.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Timber.

Timber Steakhouse & Rotisserie turns tradition on its head with a dramatic dining room and a varied menu featuring fish, duck and pork as well as delicious beef and chicken. Don’t miss the Tuna Tataki starter, a fine introduction to the kitchen’s skill and artistry. Do watch your wallet, though: With filet mignon priced at $41 and New York Steak at $49, memorable meals here may take a bite out of your savings.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of El Rayo in Scarborough.

Expect to find parents, kids and grandparents at El Rayo in Scarborough, but a young, professional crowd at the bar area. The service is super quick, the drinks are tried and true, and what better bar food is there if not fish tacos and Mexico City-style corn on the cob?

Map & Menu has posted a list of their favorite Maine food and drink of 2014.

We’re finishing up our Best of 2014 posts with the most challenging to whittle down and write – our favorite food (and drinks!) from our home state of Maine. There are plenty of spots in Portland and beyond that we wish we could include on this list, these are simply the dishes and restaurants that stood out to us and kept us coming back for more in 2014.

The Golden Dish has published a second review of Sur Lie.

But with so many good restaurants in town, Sur-Lie has matured and can stand on its own merits as a fine place to have a wonderful meal casually or with as much pomp as you like.