Category: Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has published set of burger reviews from 8 different restaurants with tasting notes, and details on what they felt like during and after the meal.

Restaurants have such distinctive styles around here that it’s usually apples-to-oranges to compare them — how do you measure risotto against fish tacos or pad thai? But a majority of menus still have a burger option, which allows us compare the city’s styles in a quasi-scientific way. We subjected a handful of Portland’s signature burgers to our own test, factoring taste, style, source, and the feelings we experienced eating them.

For more Portland burger reviews see the Burger Meister Meister blog and the o-rama burger collaboration.

The Golden Dish has posted his initial impressions of Central Provisions based a visit on opening night.

I could wax poetically about the food, the drink and the ambiance with its nightly asylum of epicurean pretense.  But instead I’ll not litter this forum with the loquacious totems of purple prose and get right to the point.  This is a great place.  The food is amazing, the vibes are everything an Old Port establishment should be in the best sense, and kudos to Chris Gould, proprietor and chef, for giving Portland this fine dining establishment—the ultimate pub with international flavors.

Drink Up and Get Happy has published a bar review of Spread.

All in all we enjoyed our time at Spread.  The cocktails were delicious and potent and the spreads were very tasty! The prices, even at happy hour, may not put it in the running for an every week place but it’s a great place for splurging or a special night. Taking advantage of the happy hour specials also helps in the budget department and makes these artfully made cocktails even more of a treat!

The Press Herald has reviewed the Top of the East.

The Top of the East has had a major makeover and it’s worth riding the elevator to the 15th floor to check it out. If you sit down and order a drink, you’ll get free popcorn made with duck confit. The staff is very attentive and for a brief moment in time, you’ll feel like a king on cloud nine.

Travel + Leisure has named Piccolo one of America’s Best New Romantic Restaurants.

Husband-and-wife team—and Daniel Boulud alumni—Damian Sansonetti and Ilma Lopez uprooted their illustrious Manhattan careers to move to Maine, bringing their love of central Italian fare to a 20-seat sprite of a spot nestled in the city’s charming Old Port neighborhood.

The Blueberry Files has posted her first impressions based on last night’s opening at Central Provisions.

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.