Casa Novello Review and Group Tipping Policy

| Posted in General News, Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Casa Novello in Westbrook.

A combination trattoria and pizzeria, the restaurant is one of those old-school bastions of Italian-American cooking that serves up huge portions of mediocre cooking. Specialty pizzas and certain pasta dishes like lasagna and meatballs and spaghetti are popular and decently prepared. Entrees like chicken Marsala can be satisfying. Portion size makes up for a lack of finesse. Still, the atmosphere is congenial and the wait staff friendly and competent. Casa Novello offers a relaxed setting for moderately price fare.

Today’s paper also includes an article about recent changes to restaurant tipping policy driven by changes in tax law.

Like most other restaurants in Maine, DiMillo’s On the Water in Portland says it will no longer charge automatic gratuities for most large groups now that a change in the federal income tax code has closed a long-standing loophole.

Review of Grace

| Posted in Reviews

The Kennebec Journal has reviewed Grace.

The components of the dishes here are not just sides on the plate. They raise the dish to another level. With the first bite, I knew immediately that this was the best chicken I’ve ever tasted. The meat was tender and moist while the seasoned coating made it delectable. George sampled it as well and declared the same thing.

Under Construction: Timber

| Posted in Under Construction

North Point owner Noah Talmatch has applied for a liquor license for the steakhouse he has under development on upper Exchange Street called Timber. In his cover letter Talmatch explains,

Timber will be a full services restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, brunch & dinner.

The menu is varied and will primarily focus on delicious aged steaks and chops. However there will be salads, sides, seafood as well.

You can see the draft menu which Talmatch submitted on page 49 of the meeting materials.

On Monday night the City Council will also consider an expansion of the license for Artemisia Cafe (page 29) and an application from Muse Paint Bar (page 12).

Interview with Small Axe

| Posted in Under Construction, People

Eater Maine has published an interview with Bill Leavy and Karl Deuben. They spoke about Small Axe’s food truck and the plans they have to launch a brick and mortar restaurant.

You’ve talked about plans to open a brick and mortar establishment. How is that progressing?
BL: We’ve been getting a lot of interest from folks who would like to help us out. We’re always looking for properties. We haven’t found one yet, but we will. It’s an ongoing search.

KD: We’re looking to create a neighborhood feel in a restaurant. We’re looking in the Deering area, in town as well. But we want it to be a neighborhood spot with a nice bar and have it be focused on comfort, food served in a comfortable environment.

SoPo Restaurant Expansion Rankles Some Neighbors

| Posted in General News

The Forecaster has published a report on how local residents feel about the growth in restaurants in the Willard Square neighborhood.

The arrival of several restaurants along Cottage Road has left a less-than-savory taste in the mouths of some neighborhood residents who are worried about traffic, parking, and an increase in alcohol sales.

“This is the greater Portland area coming into South Portland,” Elsmere Avenue resident Pamela Jordan said last week about congestion created by people dining at restaurants including Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill, across the street from her home.

 

Tandem Wins at Good Food Awards (updated)

| Posted in Reviews

tandem-logoTandem Coffee was an award winner at the 2014 Good Food Awards for their Aylele Yirgacheffe coffee.

You can see a photo of co-owner Will Pratt with the award on Instagram, and a list of the competing coffee finalists on the GFA website.

For more information on the judging process see this article from Sprudge.

For a complete list of winners see the GFA website.

Update: For additional reporting on Tandem’s win see the article from the Bangor Daily News.

Reviews: El Tipico, Outliers & Shay’s

| Posted in Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed El Tipico,

El Tipico falls into the same sweet spot — it’s not flawless, but it is worth appreciating.

Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed Shay’s,

If you’re looking for a place with great deals, tasty food offerings, and a wide array of beverage options, Shays is your place.  It’s also a great place to sit back and enjoy a drink in the heart of Portland.

and The Golden Dish has reviewed Outliers.

What impressed me so about the dinner there was the kitchen’s ability to serve a very approachable menu of highly provocative American bistro fare. Flavors were clear and bright, the cooking was meticulous; even the gorgeous pottery serving plates are unique and stylish. What’s more the dining room is extremely inviting—luxuriously inviting.