Another Review of Five Fifty-Five

Portland Eats has published a review of Five Fifty-Five.

But it was the “organic baby carrot-vanilla emulsion” that made the dish.  I had read about scallop dishes incorporating vanilla, but had never tried this combination.  It works.  I didn’t realize that vanilla was in the dish, but upon tasting the emulsion, I detected a familiar but difficult to describe flavor (particularly in the context).  Sure enough, that was the vanilla, adding an exotic note to the carrot emulsion and nicely complementing the scallops.

Review of Bar Lola

Edible Obsessions has published a review of Bar Lola.

The food was wonderful. The plates were consistent and well presented. What I like most about the menu is that it feels very grounded, like a collection of dishes you’d try to make yourself at home. In fact, that reminds me… I need to see if [chef] Guy [Hernandez] will part w/that Spicy Slaw recipe.

Additional Events: Ark of Taste, Culinary Tourism and St Patrick's Day

Slow Food Portland co-founder David Buchanan will give a talk at 3 pm on Sunday at the Portland Flower Show on “Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste Biodiversity Committee, which identifies and protects endangered regional foods”.
Tonight’s episode of Maine Watch on MPBN TV will examine the growing impact of the food scene on Maine tourism. The show airs at 8:30 pm.

This week on Maine Watch, Maine has become a big destination for a fast-growing category of traveler – the culinary tourist. How Maine’s foodie scene happened, what it means for the economy at large and where it’s headed. We’ll talk with James Beard, award-winning chef Sam Hayward and food writer Meredith Goad.

I Love Portland Maine has a nice round-up of the St. Patrick’s Day events taking place this weekend and early next week: corned beef and cabbage dinners, parades, early morning breakfast at Brian Boru, etc.

Believe me, once you’ve had rashers and black pudding in the morning, you will never look at a Grand Slam the same way. Throughout the morning, people of all ages gather for this once-a-year Irish celebration. It is truly one spectacle not to be missed. Besides, what other time of the year can you justify a full pint of Guinness with breakfast?