Category: Reviews

The Golden Dish has posted his initial impressions from a visit to the new Top of the East lounge and C2 restaurant, both located in the new Westin.

I had an excellent cocktail made by Josh, who was formerly the gatekeeper at Spread’s active lounge area and is doing a great job here. I also enjoyed a plate of smoked swordfish belly that was absolutely delicious. It was served with pickled radish, a red-pepper coulis and saffron aioli—all perfectly done. The rest of the menu offerings is a compelling list of small plates like panko-crusted goat cheese and assorted panini perfect to accompany wine or cocktails.

Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed David’s.

Head to David’s to enjoy what Portland has to offer, hang out with friends and family, or warm up after shopping in all the great stores downtown.  The fantastic specials on drinks and food paired with a great selection and atmosphere make it a happy hour to top most lists.

Thillist has named the Portland Hunt & Alpine Club to their list of the Best New Bars in America.

…the Scandinavian après-ski spot from Andrew and Briana Volk does the honorable thing, and cuts right to the booze — serving up crafted cocktails (Volk has been a bartender at choice spots across the country) — selected out of a large leather bound list that seems to have cherry picked Volk’s favorites from across the country (shout out to Tommy’s Margarita in SF!), alongside Nordic small plates served on wood planks.

The Golden Dish has reviewed Local 188.

It’s always true that when the boss is in the restaurant it runs better and everyone is happier for it.  In this case, with Villani back at the stove you’re apt to get a very good meal.

 I’m glad to reacquaint myself with Local 188. With so many new restaurants springing up in Portland all the time, it’s nice to go back to an old favorite, especially when it’s fresh and good.

Former Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl has recommended Browne Trading as part of her multi-day holiday gift guide.

Even if your friends live near a coast, if they don’t live in a large urban city they very likely lack access to first-rate seafood. That’s where Browne Trading Company comes in. Rod Mitchell has been supplying sustainably-sourced seafood to big deal chefs like Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud for many years. But he also mail-orders his wonderful products to ordinary people.

For the latest episode of Booze, Fish & Coffee the guys share their views on Little Bigs, Portland & Rochester, and more.

This hot new bakery is worth the hype. This husband-and-wife baking team hails from Michigan, and their hand pies are delectable, with an amazing crust that’s both light and flavorful with buttery goodness, but not too thick, so you can actually taste the goodies inside. We dig the Vegetable Samosa and the Spicy Pork Pie, but we’ll have to return for the Texas Chili with Frito Crust (!) These guys also know their way around a donut — both pastry and cake varieties, which were outstanding.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed David’s Opus Ten.

You should go to David’s Opus Ten soon. Get ready for some great food and be adventurous. It’s worth it for the experience. Pick a special occasion, make a reservation, and try something new. You can thank me later.

The Old Pine Tree has published a review of Caiola’s.

It’s dangerous in this town to make a sweeping statement about something or some place being the best. It’s a sure fire way to create an uproar. But whatever. I’m going to take that risk.

Thrillist named Eventide in their list of the Best New Restaurants in America.

USA Today include Standard Baking in their list of America’s Best Bakeries.

Cinque Terre/Vignola is on the Appetite for Life list of Great Farm-to-Table Restaurants.

Maine Sunday Telegram restaurant critic John Golden has reviewed Empire Chinese Kitchen.

In a thoroughly lively venue for authentic Cantonese cooking (many dishes are old family recipes of the dim-sum and stir-fry chefs), don’t miss the pastrami egg rolls, Peking duck buns, steamed pork buns, honey-walnut shrimp and a menu of eight to 10 dim-sum preparations. Standout large plates include lobster longevity noodles, Spicy wok-fried jalapeno shrimp, sizzling teriyaki chicken, marinated fish fillet and nightly specials. Service is first-rate, and the wait staff is fluent in everything the kitchen produces.

A Falmouth couple, Susan Tremblay and Donald Miller, has written a letter to the editor in defense of Oscar’s New American (scroll to bottom of page) after the restaurant received 3 stars from the MST last week.