Category: Reviews

East Ender’s burger topped the competition in the blind burger tasting done by co-hosts Bo and Brian in the latest episode of Booze, Fish & Coffee.

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed the hand pies from Little Bigs, Daigle Baked Goods and Maine Pie Line,

Daigle Baked Goods (207.331.0167;daiglebakedgoods@gmail.com) sticks to two hand pies — each a fat round of lovely pale golden crust, big enough that you need two hands to hold it. Each is classical in approach. The pork version resembles a traditional shepherd’s pie. The finely ground meat is mildly seasoned, so you can taste the sweet green flavor of the tender peas. The chicken pie featured bigger chunks of tender meat, along with carrot and potato, in a rich, comforting sauce made from its own juices and touched with sage.

 

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Emilitsa,

Co-owned by brothers Demos and John Regas, Emilitsa is a modern Greek restaurant in Portland’s arts district. While known for its exceptional food, Emilitsa is a good place for a more intimate bar experience – perhaps for a date or a quiet evening with a friend. The wine list consists solely of Greek wines and while the beer list is selective, it boasts some true quality brews. The service is outstanding – some of the best in Portland – and your server will be knowledgeable about the wines and cocktails.

Perusing Portland has reviewed MJ’s Wine Bar,

MJ’s has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. There is a wide wooden bar, long narrow table ideal for a large group, smaller tables and leather furniture. The wine selection must be the best in town. And, they are always changing the selection to reflect the season.

and Otto Pizza,

We have been to both Congress Street locations. Pizza from both location have been equally satisfying. Otto’s mashed potato pizza with bacon and scallion is as good as it sounds.

and Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Paciarino.

Paciarino makes food that is top notch and serves it in portions fit for a hungry guy like me. They also sell some items to go if you want to bring it home and heat it up. If you like Italian, this is definite must-try restaurant in Portland.

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Joe’s Boathouse.

The best part of Joe’s Boathouse Restaurant is the view. Beyond that the food is challenging, and politely calling it basic comfort food would be a stretch. The menu hasn’t changed in years nor the décor – a happenstance collection of tables and chairs. Yet its dockside setting gets better with age as if urban renewal has kept the marina shipshape while the cuisine at Joe’s remains woefully uninspired.

The new episode of Booze, Fish & Coffee includes a bahn mi bake-off between Kim’s and Saigon as well as some commentary on Vientiane.

 

The Golden Dish has reviewed Ruski’s.

Strips should be banned from the deep fryer anyway.   It’s half the clam and the least interesting part.   The batter might as well have been filled with bread cubes; there was no discernible clam flavor whatsoever.  I reluctantly finished them off because I was hungry.

Serious Eats has posted a single dish review of the Chirashi at Pai Men Miyake.

No surprise, the chirashi at Pai Men Miyake is particularly nice—and, frankly, well portioned for the price. The deep bowl is well padded with rice, on top of which sits a trio of sashimi: salmon, tuna, and bronzini, all impeccably fresh. The bronzini might be some of the best I’ve had—delicately sweet, rich, and clean.

Sleeping Hedgehog has published a review of Galley Goodies.

I’ve been working my way through some samples from Galley Goodies, a small gluten free bakery in Portland, Maine. In the bag dropped off by our fearless editor-in-chief were 2 bagels, 4 little pie minis (chocolate chip, caramel and coconut), and a peanut butter cupcake. Galley Goodies is the brainchild of Cara Cribb, a veteran restaurant chef who discovered her headaches and other medical issues were due to a severe reaction to gluten.

 

Miyake (#38) and Hugo’s (#45) are both on the Opinionated About Dining 2014 list of the top 100 restaurants in the United States.

Last year OAD rated Miyake #53 and Hugo’s #57 in their top 100 list for the US.