5 Stars for Petite Jacqueline

Petite Jacqueline has received 5 stars in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram review.

On a quiet evening earlier this month, the other diners at Petite Jacqueline may not have noticed the menu changes made by the restaurant’s newly hired chef, Paris-born Frederick Eliot. We knew the difference right away after one bite of our first course, a torchon of foie gras ($18), a preparation that set the stage for a remarkable meal to follow. There would also be many more extraordinary dinners on subsequent visits that were enjoyed immensely.

First Looks at Top of the East & C2

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.

Best New Bars in America: Hunt & Alpine

thrillist_barThillist 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.

Review of Local 188

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.

Reichl Reccomends Browne Trading

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.

Audio Review of Little Bigs and Portland & Rochester

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.