Connecticut blogger Leeanne Griffin and friends made their way from J’s to Duckfat to Fore Street to Pai Men and wrapped up with a visit to MDI Ice Cream. Read all about it on her blog Fun with Carbs.

High spirits, empty stomachs, smartphone GPS systems and cameras were all we needed for our afternoon-into-evening food crawl in Portland, Maine. We’d all received enthusiastic recommendations from various friends and Internet followers, with some must-stops on our own lists. Somehow, we timed it all perfectly.

Eat Maine has published a review of Figa.

I am able muster up the space for one last savory offering: pan-seared duck breast garnished with what is basically a romesco sauce that has been deconstructed into a salsa fresca of sorts. The acidity in the salsa provides the perfect foil for the richness of the duck confit and asparagus hash, riddled with small cubes of nicely browned home fries. Once again, the level of seasoning is spot-on.

Hilary Naigle at Maine Food Maven has posted a trio of Portland area dining recommendations: Local 188, Caiola’s and the Sea Glass in Cape Elizabeth.

Chef/owner Abby Harmon gets everything right at this West End neighborhood restaurant. Our party of three split two appetizers. The salt cod dumplings with red pepper coulis and tartar sauce ($8.95) comprised two plump cod fritters separated by the tartar and drizzled with the sauce: crispy on the outside, delectably soft inside, simply delicious.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of LFK,

Also on the menu are several versions of a baked sandwich called a “pasty” — a British baked good akin to empanadas and Hot Pockets. In LFK’s take on the traditional Cornish version, the crust was terrific — flaky and buttery. The beef brisket inside offered more richness than meaty flavor. The root vegetables had been caramelized to bring out the sugars. LFK’s version of carnitas tacos gives the slow-braised pork an unusual sweetness, like it had cooked with brown sugar. There was plenty of tender meat, a nice sour slaw, and chive-y crema, all on tortillas that had a fresh char.

as have the gang at Burger Meister Meister.

I like the menu, and I’d like to return to try more than just the burger.  But, yes, I like the burger.  They offered a cheese I’d never heard of (exciting!), the most amazingly delicious buttery bun, and a good-sized, well-cooked burger.  Instead of fries, they went with a smallish portion of really good potato salad.  It was definitely enough food, but I wouldn’t mind a side-salad next time.  Something about this burger makes me want a full course here.

Burger Meister Meister has also posted reviews of 51 Wharf, Flask, and the Muddy Rudder in Freeport.

If you’re looking to try LFK, checkout this 2-for-1 deal at Living Social.

And, if all the BMM photos of cooked cow aren’t your thing, then head over to eat | food | yum for her photos from a visit to Green Elephant.

The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association recently recognized Maine magazine and chef David Turin in the quarterly Culinary Excellence Awards.