The Kennebec Journal has published a review of Hot Suppa.
Portland has many high-end, fine-dining restaurants, but at Hot Suppa you get fine dining without the high prices. If you are looking for taste, value, uniqueness and friendly atmosphere, this is the place to dine in the big city.
The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Eventide.
In addition to oysters, Eventide packs a lot of imagination into a relatively slim menu. Scallops, squid, mussels, clams, lobsters, and a variety of fish are variously cured, pickled, grilled, poached, stewed, or served raw — often kissed with the sharp, clear notes of sour, garlicky, vinegary Asian flavors. Despite the variety it never feels like a jumble, and each dish is its own well-conceived whole.
The Golden Dish has published a review of Congress Bar & Grill.
The food is still well priced at Congress Street, with barely an entrée more than $17. And this is good because what Portland lacks in spades is casual joints like this where the ambiance, the food and the mood all contrive to make it an exciting reason to dine out without breaking the bank.
The Press Herald has published a review of 158 Pickett Street Cafe,
The cool and funky shack is smack-dab in the middle of the seaside campus of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. So unless you live nearby or find yourself at SMCC often, you might have to go a little out of your way to eat there.
But it’s worth the trip, in more ways than one.
and a bar review of Pizza Villa.
Pizza Villa is a hot spot for medical staff, sporting fans and those wanting to kick back and relax. Located in Portland’s West End and close to Maine Medical Center, the pizzeria and bar has been an institution since 1965. The family-owned-and-operated business is extremely welcoming and very casual.
Also in today’s paper is a letter to the editor about the Maine Food Producers Alliance.
The Blueberry Files has published a review of the January edition of Pocket Brunch.
For additional photos of the event see the Broadturn Farm blog.
Map & Menu has published a review of Duckfat.
I opted for the roasted pork belly panini with fennel relish, jalapeno, and caramelized miso, and Meredith ordered the cream of tomato fennel soup with ciabatta croutons and asiago. The easiest decision was the large fry, because going to Duckfat without ordering fries is akin to walking down the Champs-Élysées in an American flag unitard – just don’t do it.
Photo Credit: Map & Menu
pArts has published a review of Zen Chinese Bistro.
We’ve waited a long time in Portland (and surrounding area) for not even great Chinese, but DECENT Chinese. When I first learned they were opening, I was disappointed to see the menu was, essentially the same American/Chinese food offered at every other Chinese eatery. My disappointment turned to joy upon realizing that though the dishes shared the same names, the versions of these dishes at Zen were head and shoulders above anything I’ve had anywhere else in Maine since the departure of the now-defunct “Stir Crazy” (great food, strange atmosphere, unfortunate name).
The Maine Sunday Telegram has published a review of Bayou Kitchen.
From start to finish, the Bayou Kitchen was a warm and casual respite from the winter chill.
Service was a perfect blend of friendly and sassy, and the food prepared with an expert and subtle hand. Flavors were layered, and the menu showed an intelligent blend of options — each representing the Louisiana theme, but not catapulting it into caricature.
I will be back, earlier next time, to linger and savor.
The Golden Dish has published a review of Kushiya Benkay.
Kushiya Benkay is a very intimate and likable restaurant. The wait staff is good and so very gracious. And the food is not complicated by the usual kickshaws of more sophisticated, trendier fusion fare found in so many other places around town.
Map & Menu has published a summary of their favorite meals of 2012.
Michael & I are thrilled to share the next part of our 2012 favorites with you all – the best dining experiences in our beloved Portland, Maine. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of our local favorites, only a recap of the places that we shared with you all in the last year. Upon finishing up a meal in town we more often than not talk about how lucky we are to live in a city with such incredible culinary offerings. After reading this post, I think you’ll see what we mean!