Category: Reviews

Today’s Maine Sunday Telegram includes a review of Paper Tiger, and

Rattan, neon signs, graphic wallpaper, cozy booths, dark lighting, balanced cocktails and a menu of well-executed, Asian-inspired small plates – what’s not to love? Paper Tiger might have opened just one year ago, but this Fore Street lounge and restaurant already feels like an established hangout for Portland’s cool kids…Paper Tiger is an under-the-radar charmer.

a feature article about soft serve ice cream.

Now, a new era in soft serve has arrived in Maine. A growing number of chef-created, scratch-made soft serve options in worldly flavors with leveled-up toppings are as likely to put a period on your restaurant meal (make that an exclamation point!) as to be seasonal beachside or after-the-game treats.

Tasting Table has included Room for Improvement in their list of the 17 New US Bars You Can’t Miss In 2023.

All that said, it’s difficult to nail down what kind of experience imbibers are looking for these days, but for these newcomers on the U.S. bar scene, the common thread is clear: A heavy pour of nostalgia with your Negroni cocktail. Whether it’s a low-lit spot that recalls jazz-age NYC, disco ball-adorned digs, vinyl-stocked revivals of the Japanese listening bars of the ’50s and ’60s, or hideaways that look like your parents’ basement in the best way, the spots on our list range from classy to cheeky. No matter what your preferred sipping style is, you’ll find a bar where you’ll want to pull up a stool.

The Infatuation has published an eating guide to “The Best Restaurants In Portland, Maine“.

Maine is known for being a place where you can indulge in the fantasy of having lobster for every meal. And sure, incredible lobster rolls abound, but Portland is also a cultural destination in its own right. We have close proximity to both hikes and gorgeous beaches, the best bus stops in the US, and the potential to run into more moose than people. The best part, though? There’s so much to eat, lobster or otherwise, as you explore Maine’s most populated city.

Bloomberg has published a pair of articles on where to eat and stay in Maine and Portland.

Over these delicacies we talk about how, as native Mainers, it’s taken us years to appreciate just how special our state is. Its plain style and aversion to pretension, the traditional small scale of its towns—these things are blended with an urban creativity and world-class food and drinks. The humor is as dry as a pine needle that’s spent years on the forest floor. (Tourist to Mainer: “Lived here your whole life?” Mainer: “Not yet.”) It’s also refreshing for a state to ban highway billboards, as ours has done for 40 years.

The articles mention: The Danforth, Luke’s, Twelve, Evo, Bar Futo, Terlingua, Leeward, Eventide, Aragosta, Dennet’s Wharf, Harbor Cafe, Pentagoet Inn, Wolfpeach, Oxbow, Duckfat, Luna, Minato, Chaval, PAlace Diner, Sweetcream Dairy.

The Taste Bud Travel Guide has posted an eating guide to kid-friendly dining destinations in Portland.

Rocky and beautiful, this city by the sea is ready to roll. More than just lobster (although don’t miss that either) the tide is rolling in on Portland, which was named Restaurant City of the Year in 2018. We’re rounded up the top eats, bakeries and fine dining in Forest City for Food Adventures that will delight Taste Buds big and small.

More photos on instagram.

A pair of Portland bars were recognized by Tales of the Cocktail in their 2023 Regional Spirit Awards:

• The Portland Hunt + Alpine Club in the Best Cocktail Bar – East category
• The Danforth in the Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar – East Category

Congratulations to all seven Maine winners at last night’s Good Food Awards ceremony held in Portland, Oregon.

• Hot Fudge Sauce from Dean’s Sweets
• Tinned Bluefin Tuna from Gulf of Maine Conservas
• Blushing Star and Old Port Oak Whiskey from Liquid Riot Bottling Co.
• Little Whaleboat IPA from Maine Beer Company
• Maine Coast Monkfish Stew from the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from Ragged Coast Chocolates
• Seaweed Sprinkle from Smithereen Farm