The Portland Phoenix has published a review of El Rayo.
The tacos come on a properly lumpy warm tortilla — good but not quite as good as Loco Pollo’s. The fish seemed fresh, and was enhanced by its modest seasoning, diced avocado, and crisp cabbage. The taco might have been a bit tangier, either through more vinegar in the slaw or the addition of a white sauce. A pork taco came with lots of crisp iceberg, which worked nicely with the fattiness of the meat.
Portland Bar Guide has reviewed J’s Oyster Bar.
The food at J’s is pretty good, too. I got a chef’s salad ($8.50) the other day and couldn’t possibly ask for more food on that plate. Due to the the clam flats that are currently closed, I couldn’t try their famous bucket of clams ($11.50)- but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t tried them before.
About Town is citing “fairly reliable sources” in a report that Trader Joe’s is coming to Portland. A commenter on the blog wrote that the checkout staff at a Trader Joe’s in Saugus said, ” they expected to open a Portland store in the next year to 18 months”.
The weekly Food and Drink Trivia Contest is at Bull Feeney’s tonight, and on Tuesday the next Wine Flight 5k Training run is taking place. The next Twilight Dinner is scheduled on Thursday at Cultivating Community’s farm in Cape Elizabeth. There are wine tastings scheduled on Wednesday at RSVP, on Thursday at the Old Port Wine Merchants, and on Saturday at Scarborough Wine Outlet. Wine events are taking place at both The Salt Exchange and Jones Landing Wednesday evening. On Thursday there’s a Redhook Ale Brewery showcase at The Great Lost Bear. Farmers’ Markets are being held in Monument Square on Wednesday and at Deering Oaks Park on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
Type A Diversions has reviewed Grace.
Bottom line: We’ll likely return to Grace with friends for the hip atmosphere, bar snacks and drinks. I would give them time to fine-tune their menu before trying dinner.
Soooo..You Really Like Cats has reviewed El Rayo.
Their bright colors and fun, upbeat atmosphere pairs well with the light and savory food they serve. I can’t wait to head over to El Rayo when it’s below zero, snowy, and miserable outside because the restaurant is guaranteed to immediately warm my soul.
Just a couple days after it opened, the reviews for Grace are starting to roll in. Both The Blueberry Files,
I am excited to welcome a great new restaurant in a beautiful space to Portland, especially because of it’s close proximity to my house! Between the two bars, there is plenty of bar space, ensuring that even as Grace grows in popularity, there will be a spot for my elbows and me to stop by and have a drink.
and About Town from the Portland Phoenix have published today.
Starters were really strong – even the lettuce in the salad seemed special, and the scallops tartare and fried clams (from the bar menu) were like none we had ever tried. The mains were also really great – the duck with quinoa, fingerling potatoes, and hibiscus-ginger jelly was among the best duck I’ve ever eaten. (And the only one I can think of that I’d class better had crispier skin and different sides.)
There’s a front page story in today’s Press Herald on the increasing popularity of CSAs in Maine.
The number of CSAs in Maine has roughly doubled to 140 in the past three years, said Melissa White Pillsbury, organic marketing coordinator for the Maine Organic Gardeners and Farmers Association. The public’s increased familiarity with CSAs and the growing number of farms in Maine are some of the reasons cited for the trend.
The CSA approach is also being applied to business beyond the farm.
Others involved in food production are also adopting the concept and tailoring it to meet their needs. In Maine, apple orchards, sheep farms, fishermen and bakeries are among those using the CSA model.
The Bollard has published the result from its 2nd Smokin’ Sausage Showdown in the new issue.
Fresh Approach won in the sweet Italian category, “…herby and flavorful Sweet Italian. Sporting plenty of fat content, this sausage was juicy and delicious.”
Moran’s Market won in the hot Italian category, “…instantly juicy, peppery burst, but without the blistering heat we expected from that first bite.”
and Pat’s Meat Market won in the wild card category for their Lithuanian sausage which has a “nice, unique flavor, with the herbs and mustard seed cutting through“.
Type A Diversions has reviewed an opening night dinner at The Corner Room.
Bottom line: In a city with many Italian food options, The Corner Room finds its niche as a moderately priced restaurant with creative cuisine.