The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Punky’s.

“But I consider myself somewhat of an eggplant parmesan connoisseur, at least among the local places, so Punky’s version is the first sandwich I try. The eggplant is crispy and amply salted, avoiding two frequent mistakes that leave the regal eggplant tasting more like bitter shoe rubber. Two thoughtful additions, sautûed green peppers and a controlled hand with the sauce, move Punky’s parm to the top of the heap.“

Type A Diversions has reviewed Ricetta’s Pizzeria.

“Ricetta’s is not fine dining. The glasses and plates are plastic, patrons are asked to re-use their silverware, and the decor is rather basic – industrial carpet and wooden booths, tables and chairs. But if you’re seeking consistently well-prepared pizza and reasonable prices, Ricetta’s is worth a visit.”

Photo Credit: Type A Diversions

The new issue of The Bollard includes a another installment in the Land of Forgotten Cocktails series by mixologist John Myers, a few more details about the new restaurant that Binga’s hopes to open on Washington Avenue, as well as a review of the caprine cuisine at Federal Spice and Hamdi Restaurant and Grocery. The goat dish at Federal Spice is one of the Jamaican items on the menu added by owner Eric Martin.

“The Curried Goat Platter at Federal Spice in downtown Portland is a pile of braised goat chunks served beside a pile of rice and peas…the curried goat at Federal Spice is the real deal.”

“Gastronomically, the goat plate at Hamdi is remarkably similar to the one served at Federal Spice: a big plate of flavorful meat falling off the bones, and a mound of tasty yellow rice. “

New2Maine.com has reviewed Hot Suppa!

The waitress was cheery and attentive . . . The check was a touch high for a regular lunch spot (~$24, including a soda and a hot chocolate and tax, but not the tip), but I would not be surprised if Amber and I end up there a couple or three times a month.

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Arabica.

“Coffee preferences are profoundly idiosyncratic, but I find their dark roast a bit light and a hair under-brewed. It’s more nutty and smooth than rich and full. The espresso drinks, where technique is more important, are consistently excellent in the hands of the experienced staff.”

The Press Herald has reviewed the lunch options at Big Sky.

“It’s somewhat surprising to me that Big Sky Bread Company does lunch so well. I mean, it’s a bakery, so making great breads and baked goods is the priority. But the lunches are worth getting excited about too.”

This week’s Portland Phoenix takes a look at the impact of tourists on Portland restaurants and names Emilitsa the Best New Restaurant of 2008.

“While Greek cuisine is not exotic, Emilitsa shows the kind of deep loyalty to the clarity of a certain set of flavors and ingredients — in their case primarily lemon, olive, lamb, and yogurt — that more often emerges in larger cities that can cultivate the novel without external assistance.”

The Maine Switch has reviewed Burrito.

“When the temperature nosedives and the snow starts to fall, it’s convenient to have a way to escape the weather. One of my favorite getaways is ¡Burrito! in Westbrook, where the laid-back atmosphere and Latin-influenced fare make it feel like a South-of-the-Border vacation.”

Back Bay Grill received 5 stars from this week’s Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

“Excellent service and dinners are both part of the picture at Back Bay Grill, an elegant restaurant that makes you feel at home.”

The Press Herald has reviewed the meals to go options at the Forest Ave Hannaford.

“Located in the back corner of the store between the bakery and the deli-salad bar area, the little meals-to-go cafe offers fresh, hot food at really reasonable prices.”

Chris2fer has given David’s 2 stars (out of 5) after a disappointing meal at the Monument Square restaurant.

“I hadn’t been to David’s in over a year . . . there’s just so many places to try in Portland. It hadn’t changed much since I had been there. Not much, but enough . . . “

Type A Diversions has reviewed Bibo’s Madd Apple Cafe.

“Bibo’s Madd Apple Cafe serves eclectic comfort food at an incredible value . . . The cuisine is creative and hearty, and the service is friendly and upbeat. While I wouldn’t make it a destination restaurant, it is a convenient and delightful spot for a pre-theater meal.”

Cafe at Pat’s received 3½ stars from this week’s Taste & Tell review in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

“From the crispy flatbread of the day to the aromatic, marinated flank steak and especially the desserts, dinner at the Cafe at Pat’s Meat Market revealed excellent kitchen skills and a knack at accommodating customers.”

Type A Diversions has reviewed Walter’s.

“The lunch menu at Walter’s changes frequently. Although eclectic, the menu offers something for everyone without being boring. For dinner there are better choices in the area, but for lunch, Walter’s offers creative, consistently well prepared cuisine at moderate ‘sit-down’ prices.”

1:00 a.m. Curfew has reviewed Geno’s Rock Club.