Reviews: Black Cow, Tuscan Table, The Snug

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Tuscan Table,

And while executive chef Lee Skawinski’s menu does not yet match the sophistication and polish of the space, it is moving in the right direction. Nearly four months in, you’ll find plenty of adequate options as well as a few truly great dishes, such as a remarkably light pork Milanese; a coffee-infused, three-layer chocolate cake; and a savory appetizer of roasted mushrooms on creamy soft polenta. When Tuscan Table offers a glimpse of its potential, as it does through its toasted-rye spaetzle with pickled onions, dill, chervil and roasted fennel cream – an accompaniment to its wood-grilled salmon fillet – it’s easy to imagine that this boxy restaurant next to the Maine Mall could one day become one of the area’s best.

the Portland Phoenix and Peter Peter Portland Eater have reviewed Black Cow, and

Having served its first burger just a few weeks ago on March 19, Black Cow is clearly still in its tinkering phase. The good news is that after three visits, improvements seem to be exponential rather than incremental. Fries that were initially soggy and pale are now crisp, golden-hued and impossible to stop devouring. Burgers — juicy, yet bordering on being overcooked — are framed by pleasantly chewy buns and an umami-laden caramelized tomato mayo. The chicken sandwich feels painstakingly recreated in its square-shaped patty embodiment, highlighted by an airy deep-fried texture that’s off the charts.

the Press Herald has reviewed The Snug.

Along with Michelle’s absence, the shift in vibe may also be a result of who is hanging out at The Snug these days. A look around the room yields glimpses of familiar faces from the era of Mama’s Crowbar, which was up the street and is now the Munjoy Hill Tavern with an entirely different crowd and scene. In many ways, the vibe at The Snug today feels not too dissimilar from what “Mama” and her staff curated at the Crowbar: quiet, respectful, welcoming. It’s an interesting function of what can happen when a neighboring establishment with such identity serves its final drink.

Growing Number of Vegan Options

The Press Herald has published a report on the growing options for vegans served up in Portland restaurants.

I’ve been writing about vegetarian and vegan food trends for the Press Herald for more than a decade, and interest in vegan food has steadily climbed during that time. But something has changed lately. With only a few exceptions, every Maine chef, restaurateur and purveyor I’ve talked with in the past six months has mentioned a marked increase in demand for vegan food.

Tickets for Fabulous Femmes Dinner on Sale

Tickets for this year’s Fabulous Femmes dinner are now on sale.

The dinner for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is a collaboration of among an all female line-up of many of Maine’s most outstanding culinary talents:

  • Ilma Lopez, chef and co-owner of Chaval and Piccolo, and 2018 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef
  • James Beard award winner Melissa Kelly from Primo Restaurant
  • James Beard nominated chef Cara Stadler from Tao Yuan​, Bao Bao​, and Lio
  • James Beard nominated chef Krista Kern Desjarlais from The Purple House and Bresca And The Honey Bee​
  • Kim Rodgers, head pastry chef atEventide, The Honey Paw, Hugo’s, and Little Spruce Baking Co.
  • Erica Archer, sommelier and founder of Wine Wise
  • Briana Holt, head baker at Tandem Coffee
  • Alysia Zoidis, founder of East End Cup Cakes

The dinner is scheduled to take place April 22nd at Chaval.

Portland Wine Week Q&A

Map & Menu has published a Q&A about Portland Wine Week with Erica Archer from Wine Wise, Stella Hernandez from Lolita and Kelly Nelson from Piccolo.

What are some of the Portland Wine Week events you’re most looking forward to?
Erica
: I’m excited about the diversity. I want everyone to feel like there is something for them. I really want the locals to feel that way more than anything. Maybe for them, it’s pick two things – supporting someone you really like and then trying something that’s completely out of their repertoire.

See the current list of events scheduled for Portland Wine Week, online at www.portlandwineweek.me/events. More events are being added to the calendar in the coming weeks. To stay informed sign-up for the PWW email newsletter.