Category: Reviews

Portland Bar Guide has reviewed Portland Lobster Company.

The Farmer’s Table received 4 stars in this week’s Taste and Tell review from the Maine Sunday Telegram.

The simplest things can be the hardest to accomplish.

A bowl of perfectly cooked fresh mussels, juicy roasted chicken, a cup of espresso and semifreddo or half-frozen chocolate terrine are all good examples of basic pleasures you can enjoy at the Farmer’s Table in Portland.

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed GRO Cafe, the new raw food establishment near Monument Square.

Even without cooking, GRO Café may evolve and flourish too. What they do well is good enough to build upon successfully. The sesame noodles made from zucchini, for example, offered a nice contrast in texture to crisp carrot and celery. The almond Thai sauce was not too thick or sweet. Little nori dumplings were sort of interesting, though their nutty, garlicky, bright green paste was a touch too dense.

but also went on to say

But there are things to improve. In the smallish sea veggie shiitake roll, the bitter collard wrap and seaweed aroma overwhelmed the other flavors. The mushrooms also get a bit lost in a too-sweet marinade when featured in an “Emma Goldman” sandwich, which replaces bread with two circles of wettish undercooked tortilla. But the Goldman was better than the veggie-ball sub . . .

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Bonobo.

He also said their wood-fired pizza is unbeatable. And he’s right. Everything is freshly made and they offer gourmet organic combinations (Taleggio cheese, smoke roasted tomato, leeks, garlic butter and arugula salad – and that’s just one pizza) you won’t find anywhere. I know, you thought Flatbread had the best pizza, right? Bonobo is upping the standards.

Fuji received 3 stars from the Taste & Tell column in today’s Maine Sunday Telegram.

Popular with a young crowd, Fuji offers drama at its downstairs hibachi tables, while upstairs tables provide more good spots to assemble for sushi, tempura and udon noodles.

Hilly Town has kicked off a new weekly cookie commentary with a review of the chocolate chip cookie at North Star.

This hefty cookie is no lightweight snack: measuring just over four inches across, it stands up to dunking in cold milk, hot coffee, or both. The thick, chewy interior is pleasant, though the edges wobble on the line between crisp and dry.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of a trio of burger joints including Vivian’s Drive-In on Forest Ave.

The double cheeseburger was remarkably similar to the Ray’s version. There is a bit more chew to the meat, and lots of diced grilled onion to complement the mustard and relish. The white cheese contributes more fatty texture than actual flavor. It comes with a bag of chips instead of fries or rings.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of a trio of burger joints including Vivian’s Drive-In on Forest Ave.

The double cheeseburger was remarkably similar to the Ray’s version. There is a bit more chew to the meat, and lots of diced grilled onion to complement the mustard and relish. The white cheese contributes more fatty texture than actual flavor. It comes with a bag of chips instead of fries or rings.

The Blueberry Files has reviewed a meal at Blue Spoon.