LA food blogger Feed the Monster has published reviews of Duckfat,

So, how does a duckfat caramel shake turn out?  Absolutely exquisitely.  It’s rich without being overpowering, a touch sweet but never cloying.  It’s a grown up shake with enough going on to satisfy the kid in us all.

and Five Fifty-Five.

The pepper-crusted New England scallops with whipped fennel-potatoes, butter glazed local summer beans and organic baby carrots-vanilla emulsion makes the grade as the main course.  The freshness of the ingredients can’t be questioned.  But overall, the meal registers as nice.  As good.  As satisfying.

The Press Herald has published an Eat & Run review of Fresh Approach,

The meatloaf sandwich could not have been better. It featured two hunks of seasoned meatloaf, each sliced about a half-inch thick, and served on a chewy 12-inch sub roll with melted cheese and a touch of ketchup. My intent was to eat half and save the other half for dinner. But I plowed through all 12 inches without hesitation.

and a bar review of Spread.

The brunch drink menu was nothing short of spectacular. All the cocktails were priced at $7, and even standard drinks had a special twist. Mimosas are made with fresh squeezed orange juice, and the bar uses Stoli Jalapeno Infused Vodka and a homemade mix for the Bloody Mary. And, maybe you could try Second Marriage – Double Cross Vodka, Aperol and fresh grapefruit juice – if your Saturday night shenanigans would leave you questioning your love life.

Mister Meatball has published a list of some of his favorite spots in Portland. The list includes Eventide, Local 188, Emilitsa, Otto, Schulte & Herr and Speckled Ax.

Last year I listed a bunch of the best places to eat in Portland. A couple are no longer open (the Porthole and District), but all the others still are. This time around there are three new places that weren’t open last year, plus three others that I’d neglected to get around to.

You can’t go wrong with a single one.

Feed the Moster has published reviews of J’s Oyster Bar,

J’s is just about perfect.  Warm service, classic look, honest food.

Why go?  You feel like a local.

and Portland Lobster Company.

Prices here are on the steep side given lobster is at an all-time low and some may deride this as a tourist trap.  It is.  None of that matters right now to The Monster as he happily devours his food.

Why go?  Lobster.  And then some more.

Map & Menu has published a review of Local 188.

We’d always enjoyed Local for its drinks and dinners in the past, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that our good friends Darcy and Carolyn introduced us to what has quickly become one of our favorite brunch menus in town. The eclectic setting and warm natural light of Local 188 lends itself perfectly to that at-home, comfortable feel that is required of every great brunch location. Their morning cocktails and tasty menu, all at an unbeatable value, just drive the point on home that Local should be at the top of every Portlander’s brunch list.

Photo Credit: Map & Menu