Category: Reviews

Down East has reviewed Empire Chinese Kitchen,

Wok-fried dumplings arrive with dipping sauce on a rectangular pottery platter; batter-fried honey walnut shrimp with citrusy yuzu mayo soon follow. There may be a brief scramble to see who can liberate their chopsticks from their paper liner first, and then the frenzy begins. What next? Perhaps one of the Cantonese classics: wonton soup or delicate steamed char sui (pork buns). An order of the heavenly baby bok choi simply tossed in the wok with a little garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce will make you never look at a green vegetable the same way again.

the Portland Phoenix has reviewed Oscar’s New American,

Just about every dish had great little touches, like the sharp and crunchy little fried capers on the deviled eggs, perched next to garlic chips that had been soaked in milk and fried. And even the one unrelentingly rich and creamy dish we tried, braised pork cheeks over those same manchego grits, was balanced and layered. A rioja reduction brought just a touch of sweet to the appealingly funky grits and tender meat.

and both The Golden Dish has reviewed Casa Fiesta.

When you don’t want to have a more rarefied Mexican meal at places like Zapoteca, or good tacos at Taco Trio in South Portland, then go to Casa Fiesta where the complexities of this sort of sensory pleasure won’t clutter your better food sense.

Culture Trip has posted an eating guide to Portland.

With local fresh seafood on its doorstep, a popular farm-to-table movement and a smattering of creative restaurants spicing up traditional recipes with contemporary flair, Portland, Maine, is quickly become a foodie’s paradise. Whether you choose from freshly dug Maine clams in a floating restaurant, New American cuisine in a former church or French fare in a cosy bistro, Portland’s eclectic dining scene – and these ten great cultural restaurants – will leave an impression.

A website called Bustle has included Portland in a list of the 10 Best Cities for Beer Lovers.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Petite Jacqueline.

Whamo! The flavor of the burger was so delicious that it created a level 5 shield of protection from mind-eating zombies around me. It pretty much felt like I was eating another order of onion soup, but this time on a burger. That definitely wasn’t a bad thing. I chomped the pickle on my plate. That was hella good too.

The Blueberry Files has published a Maine Restaurant Week review of Hot Suppa,

Restaurant Week is a promotion that participating restaurants have to pay to participate in, and I’d like to think that restaurants want to show off on their featured menus so as to attract new customers. Hot Suppa must have been taking a different approach by serving these safer menu items, but in doing so, I think they missed an opportunity to shine.

and the Portland Daily Sun has posted some opinions on Maine Restaurant Week.

The temptation to make T-shirts that say, “I survived Restaurant Week 2014” is overridden by my appreciation for the extra jingle in my tips-to-tuition change jar. Knowing I’m not alone in the stress and exhaustion department, I asked restaurant folks and diners alike to send in their thoughts around the event.

Map & Menu has published a review of Central Provisions.

Central Provisions is one of the latest in a stocked season of great openings in Portland. Piccolo, Hunt + Alpine, and Miyake Diner have already deservedly garnered rave reviews and national recognition, but after a couple of meals at Central Provisions, there is no doubt in our minds that they belong near the top of the list of Portland’s best restaurants and bars. Owners Chris and Paige Gould have done an exceptional job with both the space and the menu, and bar manager Patrick McDonald and wine director Chris Peterman have put together an amazing selection of drinks to boot.

Photo Credit: Map & Menu

The Golden Dish has reviewed Marcy’s.

As soon as I saw the blackboard breakfast/brunch item of smoked pork chops in red-eye gravy with baked beans, eggs and toast I had to have it.  Wow if that wasn’t greasy spoon heaven! 

The Golden Dish has reviewed Zapoteca.

The food is very good at Zapoteca but still misses that oomph of inimitable Mexican sabor.  Maybe it’s geography  at play or the need to have an able sous chef in the kitchen cooking while Bard globe trots to learn new techniques.

Drink Up and Get Happy has published a bar review of Local 188.

We were pleasantly surprised to discover that Local runs happy hour, which they call Tapas Time, Monday – Friday from 4-6pm!  They feature $3 Allagash White, House wine selections for $4 per glass or $16 per bottle and $5 Frescas, made in house with infused vodkas.  While the specials list may be small, it does have something for everyone for great prices.

The Press Herald has reviewed Casa Fiesta.

Casa Fiesta in Portland is a kitschy, corporate Mexican restaurant on Forest Avenue that has surprisingly good margaritas, free house-made chips and salsa and excellent service. Don’t knock it until you try it. This might be your next go-to Mexican restaurant.

The Bollard has published a breakfast review LFK,

So while I may come back to LFK some evening for a burger and a beer, I probably won’t return for brunch. In a city like Portland, there are just too many other places serving brunch I do love.

and a review of JP’s Bistro.

The dishes are executed without any particular finesse. Sourcing local, ethical or organic ingredients doesn’t seem to be important at JP’s. And a mediocre meal doesn’t cut it when the tab for two approaches $100. That said, plenty of folks don’t share my qualms. If you decide to check out JP’s, make sure you make reservations — the place gets packed.