Portland Magazine has reviewed Central Provisions.
I can’t resist the foie gras ($15/22). The intense flavors of the rich, delicate liver are brilliantly balanced with a rose-hip purée, a sprinkling of millet granola, and candied buddha’s hand–a lemony fruit. Ecstasy. Six grilled shrimp a la plancha ($12) with herb olive oil sing back-up to yet another meaty, spicy tapa.
The new issue of the Portland Phoenix includes some recommendations for summer eats,
Summer in Maine brings a long-awaited flurry of activity. While it’s tempting to recoil into a “locals only” routine to avoid the crowds, dining in Portland is at its finest when it’s warm out. Be strategic about your opportunities for great food within this short season of relative abundance. Here are 10 must-eats for Summer 2014.
and an article about collaborations and foraged foods in Portland restaurants.
The old joke goes, if you want to know what’s going to be popular in Portland in five years, look at what’s happening right now in New York. But what’s closer to the truth is that Portland has been forming — dare we say setting — its own trends all along. Sure, gimmicky things happening here, like putting bacon in a Bloody Mary, were probably done in some Brooklyn bar years ago. But serving farm fresh, local food has always been popular in Maine.
The Press Herald has published a bar review of Central Provisions.
Central Provisions is one of the best places in Portland to discover new craft cocktails. Bar Manager, Patrick McDonald is known for his encyclopedia-like knowledge of pre-prohibition era spirits and drinks. You’d be hard pressed to stump him. Wine Director, Chris Peterman, is Central Provisions’ own sommelier and can talk enthusiastically about any wine on the menu (and so many more). He’ll make you feel right at home. Central Provisions’ bar scene will not disappoint.
The Portland Dining Guide I wrote for the June issue of Down East is now available online.
Haddockquest has reviewed Fishin’ Ships.
I ended up ordering “The High Thai’d,” described on the menu as “a ginger, Thai basil and chili-battered fish made with Bissell Brothers Substance and served with crunchy sweet potato fries, paired with spicy Thai mayo and lime.” This thing no doubt strays from tradition, but not far enough to lose sight of what it is — a damned good plate of perfectly-fried fish and chips.
Haddockquest has reviewed the fish sandwich at Portland Lobster Company,
I can easily see how beers, music and a football-sized platter of fried clams could make for a great afternoon on Portland Lobster Company’s relaxing and picaresque patio, and there’s no way I’d turn down an invite from a friend if I had time at the moment. Once again, however, this blog is 100% GRADE-A ALL ABOUT HADDOCK SANDWICHES and nothing more. Unfortunately, this one didn’t make the cut.
and Chubby Werewolf has reviewed this week’s guest chef hot dog at Blue Rooster.
Though I’m trying to limit my hot dog consumption to one per week, were I to re-order this hot dog in the future, I might offer to pony-up an extra dollar or two for a double-dose of that Raclette. Either way, the French Connection is a worthy and inventive addition to Blue Rooster’s Summer Chef Series and one worth trying for yourself.
The Golden Dish has reviewed The King’s Head Pub.
I thought about finishing my drink and to return in a few weeks’ time when this place was up to speed. This being a First Look, however, I stayed and ultimately enjoyed a reasonably good dinner.
Eating Portland Alive has published a brief review East Ender.
I finally ended up ordering the special pizza of the evening, with the hope that it would not be overly hearty and I’d have room to tackle some other dishes. The toppings included pork, kimchi, a mornay (cheese sauce) with sriracha, and cheese curds. Awesome robust flavors in every bite. I wouldn’t have called the crust a traditional pizza dough, but it was still delicious
Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed the Top of the East.
The service at Top of the East is a true standout. From the moment we walked in we were greeted at the door with large smiles. Once we chose a table our server, Randa, immediately brought us cucumber water and filled our glasses. This was delicious and no sooner were we ready to refill our glasses then our server showed up and poured it for us. She was attentive without smothering and she responded to our questions with a cheerful and informative manner. We certainly felt like we were getting a star treatment.
Chubby Werewolf has reviewed this weak’s guest chef hot dog at Blue Rooster.
All in all, the Sloppy Penatzer was a fantastic meal, made all the more memorable by the tasty Thai Iced Tea I paired it with (and which has already become an instant favorite). With two holes now residing on my punch card, I’m wondering if it is too early to petition the good folks at the Blue Rooster Food Co. to make some of these hot dogs permanent additions to their menu. The summer is still young, but the Sloppy Penatzer would be at the top of my list.