Category: Reviews

Sleeping Hedgehog has published a review of Galley Goodies.

I’ve been working my way through some samples from Galley Goodies, a small gluten free bakery in Portland, Maine. In the bag dropped off by our fearless editor-in-chief were 2 bagels, 4 little pie minis (chocolate chip, caramel and coconut), and a peanut butter cupcake. Galley Goodies is the brainchild of Cara Cribb, a veteran restaurant chef who discovered her headaches and other medical issues were due to a severe reaction to gluten.

Miyake (#38) and Hugo’s (#45) are both on the Opinionated About Dining 2014 list of the top 100 restaurants in the United States.

Last year OAD rated Miyake #53 and Hugo’s #57 in their top 100 list for the US.

The Bollard reviewed Mi Sen.

At $11, my friend’s chicken massaman curry, also on the special menu, was our biggest splurge. A Thai dish of Persian origin, this curry is slow-cooked, making for meltingly soft potatoes, onions and carrots, and a tender cut of chicken that my friend pronounced “so amazing.” But the sauce itself was the highlight, with its creamy coconut base and undertones of tamarind.

Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed C-Squared,

…the C Square Restaurant and Top of the East Lounge offer chic trappings in which to have stylish American bistro fare and expertly crafted cocktails. The kitchen strives to use locally sourced ingredients and prepares them simply and thoughtfully. Standout starter dishes at dinner include the charcuterie board, oysters three ways, panko crusted goat cheese and a good New England clam chowder. Entrees include pan-seared duck breast, day-boat scallops, brined pork tenderloin, sautéed Maine lobster and grilled beef tenderloin.

and The Golden Dish has reviewed Eventide.

All gushing aside, Eventide is  as good as ever, and maybe one day they can expand next door or upstairs or somewhere so one can get in, sit at a table and eat in a civilized manner.  On the other hand, shoulder to shoulder with everyone else clamoring to wine and dine there also makes the intensely delicious food seem just right.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Walter’s.

Walter’s continues to impress me every time I go. They’ve been rock solid over the long haul and that consistency keeps bringing me back. Don’t hesitate to go there and sit at the bar either. If you’re looking for a night out with some awesome cocktails, you can’t go wrong with their drinks. They are delicious and pack both flavor and a potent punch inside your glass. Regardless of why your going though, Walter’s is sure to please even the most discerning foodie’s pallet.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Vinland,

Vinland isn’t just a restaurant or a bar – it’s an experience. Adjacent to Congress Square in Portland, Vinland might look unassuming from the outside, but you’re sure to leave feeling at least a little more educated about food, drink and the possibilities of a 100 percent local menu. The cocktails are playful and artistic, and the service is first-rate.

and a review of the South Portland Otto.

When I tried the mashed potato pizza, which I had before and loved, its potatoes were more smashed than mashed, with chunks of potato sitting atop the pie. The bacon was smoky and crisp. Overall a very nice pie.

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Vinland.

Vinland’s myriad ideas are most eloquently expressed when the food itself speaks for them. And the restaurant lets that happen — the menu and the service offer few hints of the righteousness that has become Vinland’s public persona. The handsome room is spare and well lit, the better to appreciate the presentation of the cuisine — which remained true to its astringent-aesthetic from that beet chip beginning to a delicious dried-parsnip crumble for dessert.

Blueberry Files has reviewed the Fishermen’s Grill.

This place isn’t sexy, but the food is the real deal. The seafood is ordered fresh daily and sourced locally. Once there weather warms up, I could see sitting outside or getting food to go and enjoying it in Baxter Woods across the street. It’s not necessarily cheap, but portions are big and easily feed two. The Fishermen’s Grill is cash only. Go check it out and enjoy the “locals only” feeling.

Star Chefs has announced their 2014 Coastal New England Rising Stars list and on it are several Maine chefs and food purveyors:

• Ravin “Bas” Nakjaroen from Long Grain in Camden
• Andrew Taylor and Michael Wiley from Hugo’s/Eventide
• Ilma Lopez from Piccolo in the Pastry Chefs category
• Eli Cayer from the Urban Farm Fermentory in the Artisans category
• Will Pratt from Tandem in the Coffee Roasters category
• Nathan Sanborn from Rising Tide in the Brewers category
• Andrew Volk from Hunt + Alpine in the Bartenders category