Category: Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the East Ender.

The quintessential gastro-pub, with a lusty, varied menu of creatively prepared fare. Must-haves include the deviled eggs (with various fillings), the lobster poutine, trout fritters, the East Ender burger and a very good lobster salad sandwich. For starters and main courses, standouts include the mussels in green curry coconut milk, nachos with lobster, smoked hen, Montreal smoked brisket and hanger steak with bacon-bourbon butter…

Today’s Telegram also includes an article about Maine’s mushroom farming industry.

Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed Andy’s Old Port Pub.

The atmosphere at Andy’s is cozy and laid back.  It’s a place where everyone seems to know everyone.  Many were taking the chance, while waiting for the ferry, to have a snack, a drink, and enjoy friends company.  The place rung with laughter.  They also feature live music throughout the week and on weekends from local musicians.

Our verdict is that Andy’s is a great spot to meet up with friends over some good brews.  You also might make some new friends!

The Golden Dish has reviewed Miyake Diner.

Miyake Diner is definitely still a work in progress.  Its casual airs as a do-drop-in-anytime until 1:00 AM will surely become another Portland scene stealer where good food will serve hungry aspirants well.

Eventide has clocked in at the #2 spot on the The Daily Meal list of America’s Best Oyster Bars.

Eventide Oyster Co. showcases the finest oysters in the state of Maine. Oysters like the Norumbega, John’s River, and Basket Island are popular, as well as the selection from other locations such as the Fire River, Kusshi and Kumamoto. Also a main draw for the restaurant is its New England Clambake, which includes steamers, lobsters, potatoes, salt pork, and hard boiled eggs.

PigTrip has published a review of Salvage BBQ.

On my most recent visit I overheard two customers who bumped into each other unplanned. One said to the other, “To be honest, I wasn’t very impressed when they first opened, but I really liked what I had today.” Substitute ‘somewhat liked’ for ‘really liked’ (I’m not opposed to substitutions) and I’m in agreement. The chili and cornbread rocked; the rest of the meats were at least decent.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Caiola’s.

Caiola’s is a cozy neighborhood restaurant with a compact eight-seat bar. Good for pairs or groups under four, this West End eatery focuses its drink menu on wine, but also offers a long list of cocktails and good beer selections. The food menu is first-rate, with relatively inexpensive and generously portioned appetizer choices. Most nights the bar will be occupied by regulars.

The 207 Foodie has reviewed Silly’s.

Bottom Line: Silly’s may be exactly that…Silly! However, nobody ever said silly was a bad thing, and when you can pull off great food with a fun vibe, it works…Breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner: they serve it all. Take your pick…Silly’s will not disappoint.

Wines; Tasted! has reviewed Vinland.

Bottom line for me is that David is an idealistic and passionate guy with some lofty goals.  I’ve had some really good food at Vinland and as the restaurant refines what they do it should keep improving.  David’s put himself out there and sacrificed a lot to open Vinland, like all chef owners do.  I feel that when someone believes in something that strongly and invests so much of themselves into it, they deserve a fair open minded chance.  Chef owners as a rare entrepreneurial breed and I respect them all very much.  Vinland and it’s philosophy is a great addition to Portland’s fantastic food culture and it’s something you should go and make up your own mind about. 

DC food blogger, Florida Girl in DC recently visited Portland and has published a pair of posts (day 1, day 2) from her two days in the city.

While her she visited the Winter Farmer’s Market, Tandem, Duckfat, Piccolo, Hunt & Alpine, Speckled Ax, Eventide, The Thirsty Pig, Vena’s Fizz House, Street & Co.

Kon Asian Bistro received 2 stars from a review in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.

Dinner at Kon Asian Bistro had its many ups and down on a recent Saturday night visit to this flashy Westbrook [sic] dining establishment. While the setting is gaudily opulent, the food is woefully mediocre. Instead of cooking one type of Asian cuisine well, the kitchen sends out run-of-the-mill Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Indian dishes.