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.
Haddockquest has reviewed Small Axe Truck,
It’s difficult to find too many faults here, but if there’s one thing that needs to be pointed out, it’s portion size. Small Axe’s haddock filet may have been perfectly fried, but it was simply too small to properly stand-up against everything else that was going on. At times, for example, the acidity of the preserved lemon proved to be too much due to a lack of balance, which could’ve been cured by a slightly heftier portion of fish. Local haddock doesn’t come cheap, though, does it?
and The Beer Babe has published a bar review of the King’s Head Pub.
The tap list on the second day was about 20 items long, but struck me as being both ambitious and rather special. A few highlights on the list included the reason I ventured back on Saturday – Cantillion Iris – a spontaneously fermented glass of perfection that is rarely poured from a tap due to its expense and rarity. But mixed in were several of Allagash’s special releases (Victor, Confluence, Ginger Wit), some international selections including Chimay (Belgium), Dieu Du Ciel (Canada) and Thornbridge (England). I also liked that these beers were also side by side with IPAs from Founders, Baxter, and Rising Tide.
The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the Back Bay Grill.
Sophisticated dishes superbly done – after 25 years, Back Bay Grill remains at the top of its game. The wine list is a special one – many bottlings have significant cellar age. Every dish is a standout, including specials of the day and – in addition to those described in the accompanying review – Bang’s Island mussels, truffled beef tartare, grilled filet mignon, roast chicken breast and hand-rolled turban of salmon.
The also has an editor’s note indicating that this is John Golden’s last review for the Maine Sunday Telegram.
The Golden Dish has reviewed Lolita.
Owners Guy (chef) and Stella (manager) Hernandez [and Neil Reiter] have assembled a great team of sous chefs with Kimmo Merronen, Cameron Fernald and Megan Roand who contribute what they do best. The result is staggeringly exquisite food served in such elegant, relaxed surroundings. It may have seemed odd to close down their popular Bar Lola to move to what seemed like compromised quarters; but instead the change brought Portland a brilliantly refined new restaurant. Sometimes geography does make a difference.
Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Congress Bar and Grill.
Congress Bar and Grill produced a very good meal. They’re not fancy and they keep it simple, but the food tastes great and is cooked perfectly. The service is good too. I’d recommend checking out this congress. They get my vote.
the Press Herald has published a review of the Hella Good food cart,
The fish taco included white fish, lightly breaded and warm and topped with a lime crema salsa, cabbage and cilantro. The pork was fall-apart tender, and the chicken was as well. The pork and the chicken were served with a verde salsa, along with onion, cilantro and other greens. All three were great.
and a bar review of Blue Spoon.
Blue Spoon has been part of the Munjoy Hill community for years. It’s a place people rely on for brunch, lunch, dinner and Wine Time, its signature happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Wine is served by the glass for $2.50 and small plates are available for munching. For an authentic Portland experience, climb the Hill and check out Blue Spoon.