Reviews: Sur Lie & Otherside Deli

The Press Herald has published a review of the Otherside Deli,

I ignored my longing for breakfast when I saw the sandwich board and chose instead the pork schnitzel, a boneless, breaded pork cutlet paired with a tangy egg-and-caper relish, topped with mustard and served on a bulky roll. The pork was tender, the bread incredibly fresh, and the egg satisfied my craving for early-morning fare.

and a bar review of Sur Lie.

Babcock’s definition of a cocktail menu is a mix of pre-prohibition knowledge infused with a quirky modern-day palate. He whips up two or three drinks at once, and can talk you through your food choices as he goes – “start with one or two plates, and then order more from there,” he’ll say. He’ll offer tastes of whiskeys you’ve never heard of and tell you all about the distilling process for each. In other words, Babcock is the real deal. His Grey Ghost cocktail was recently featured on the happy hour menu (4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday) for $8 (usually $10). Dickel white whiskey is combined with house made apple and pear syrup, angostura bitters and pink peppercorn. This drink will hook you from the first sweet sip – savor it.

The Maine Dish Food Theater

Today’s Press Herald includes an article about a set of 12 short food related plays being staged during Maine Restaurant Week by the Snowlion Repertory Company.

The idea for “The Maine Dish” began with Margit Ahlin and Al D’Andrea, co-founders of Snowlion Repertory Company in Portland. They have an in-house playwriting group, and suggested food as a theme for the playwrights. They were invited to write a short play about food; that was the sole restriction.

The result is a menu of wildly diverse plays featuring 17 actors, a dozen playwrights and four directors. There are comedies, dramas and a musical. Some are set in restaurants, others in the kitchen.

For more information visit www.snowlionrep.org. Tickets are $18 and are on sale at Brown Paper Tickets.

Review of Hugo’s

Our Man on the Ground has reviewed Hugo’s.

Golden raspberries with a chocolate bark are the main ingredients of the next desert which includes a dollop of raspberry sorbet, tiny floral leaves and a smattering of crumble.  Both are displayed on the plate beautifully and tasted as good as they looked.

The imagination that goes into each individual portion of food is truly impressive. I would go to Hugo’s Restaurant again and again.

This Week’s Events: Beer I, Incredible Breakfast Cook-off, Maine Restaurant Week, My Father’s Garden

Wednesday — Maine Beer Company is releasing Beer I.

Thursday — the Public Market House is holding a beer and cheese tasting.

Friday — Maine Restaurant Week is holding the Incredible Breakfast Cook-off.

Saturday — there will be a Marshall Wharf tap takeover at Novare Res, and the Winter Farmers’ Market is taking place.

Sunday — it’s the first day of Maine Restaurant Week; check the MRW website for menus and pricing at all participating restaurants. MRW is holding the Chef-Am Bowling Tournament, and there will be a screening of My Father’s Garden at MECA.

For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.

Review of Otto Pizza

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Otto.

The vibe is casual and the crust memorable at Otto Pizza on Cottage Road in South Portland. Embrace your inner glutton and order the 16-inch Pulled Pork & Mango: It’s sweet and spicy and ample enough to satisfy two or more. Craving classic comfort food? Try the Meatloaf and Mashed Potato, a filling take on a family favorite – minus the ketchup. Otto does offer cannoli for dessert, but it’s the pies that shine here. Consider skipping the sweets and saving room for an extra 12-inch pizza instead.