Category: Reviews

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of District.

Does this hard-to-define approach work better for a television show than a restaurant? Sure, because watching TV is basically free and you can sit on your couch with your box of wine. You need to get to the restaurant and pay for the food, which heightens your level of scrutiny. That’s why Las Vegas is the best and District is pretty good. Was staying home to watch Las Vegas what you hoped you would be doing on a Friday night? Probably not. But once you did, you rarely regretted it. When you think upscale, District might not be the first place you think of. When you think pub, or cocktail bar, it won’t either. But if you end up at District, you won’t regret it.

From Away has published a review of Granny’s Burritos.

Ordinarily, if you told me about a new burrito place that was completely divorced from the burden of any kind of South-of-the-border influence, I wouldn’t have high hopes. Granny’s, however, by virtue of their fresh flavors, contrasting textures and temperatures, and focus on wholesome ingredients, is a solid choice for a quick, workday lunch.

The Golden Dish has published a review of Caiola’s.

Having her own restaurant has allowed Harmon to cook as she pleases, igniting a culinary brigade of fire and light that has kept her in fine fettle ever since. Her food is big and bold — inspired comfort food that’s done with style and creativity.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of The Thirsty Pig.

A very critical part of any grilled tube meat is the bun, and the Pig pulls it off well- a buttered and toasted split top bun.  The salty crunch of the bun adds a nice textural element, whereas most soft white rolls simply serve as a vehicle, rather than a player in the overall taste.

Joe Ricchio has penned a review of the Cafe at Pat’s for the Maine magazine blog.

It is important to keep in mind that, as of this visit, the Cafe at Pat’s had only been open for about two weeks. Nothing about my experience even remotely suggested this to be the case, as each aspect was seamless and well executed. I look forward to joining the many regulars here for more ambience- and wine-induced ramblings throughout the fall and the long winter that follows.

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Gauchos.

The focal point is the curved semi-circle bar that curls into the space between the two doorways to the dining areas. About 15 unique, metal-worked chair-type stools make the bar a place where you can take a group of friends or co-workers for a quick drink and bite to eat. If you visit on your own, as I did, the outgoing staff and friendly regular patrons of Gauchos will make sure you don’t feel alone.

The Golden Dish has published a review of Maria’s Ristorante.

I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by my dinner at Maria’s but rather I was in the mood for classic Italian American cooking. Unfortunately my curiosity went unheralded at this relic from a bygone era.

Both Maine Belle and Appetite Portland have published reviews of Schulte & Herr, the new German restaurant on Cumberland Ave.

Maine Belle had this to say about her lunch,

We were not disappointed – it was the perfect amount of food to share. The beets were well cooked and warm. The cucumber salad provided a lighter side to the meal. But of course, the highlight of the meal was the spaetzle. Amazing.

and Appetite Portland writes that,

But it was my first breakfast at Schulte & Herr that moved me from fan to neighborhood regular. Melt-on-your-tongue house cured lox ($9) had me at first bite. Cured in salt, sugar and orange juice and edged with a thick fringe of fresh dill, it elicited a long breathy “oh my” that started in my brain and hissed from my mouth in a loving growl. Pile it on a forkful of crackly potato pancakes with a swab of the horseradish sauce, capers and slices of gherkin pickles and you’ve got yourself a mini tower of heaven.

Between these two very positive reviews and several enthusiastic comments online when they first opened it looks like Schulte & Herr is off to a very good start.

 

From Away has published a review of Taco Escobarr.

The food at Taco Escobarr is much, much better than the garish name and concept art would have you believe.  If you can push past the obnoxious cartoons, ignore the triple-pun forced into the name of the restaurant, keep the longhorns hanging above the open kitchen out of sight, ignore the jukebox playing Kings of Leon, and just order a basket of tacos, you will be happy with the results. It’s not “authentic,” but it almost doesn’t matter. Taco Escobarr is cranking out some delicious, inexpensive, mostly well-executed tacos, that show a real knowledge and appreciation of their source material, paired with fiery salsas and simple side dishes. There’s finally a real taqueria right smack in the Old Port, and I look forward to going back.