Category: Reviews

The Portland Bar Guide has published a review of The Porthole.

Why do I love the Porthole so much? I don’t even know if I can put it into words. Located on 20 Custom Wharf St., it’s slightly off the beaten path. That helps. Inside, it’s slightly eclectic, giving the eye something to do other than people watch. Ten seats at the bar and ten large tables throughout the inside of the restaurant, there is plenty of room to eat if it’s cold outside. If not, head right out to the deck and find a picnic table.

Food for Thought has published a review of Hugo’s.

So my meal there the other night was a true revelation. From the get-go, each course was a winner. What’s offered is either a tasting menu of 6 courses or their regular menu, in which it’s recommended that you order at least 3 courses. All courses are basically the same size. I wound up ordering four, plus dessert. That turned out to be too much food for me.

The Blueberry Files has published a review of Miyake.

So, yeah, I definitely recommend Miyake for great sushi in Portland. It is not your typical sushi place, but rather challenges your previously held notions of sushi with new flavor profiles and preparation methods.

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

The impeccable, fresh pasta at Paciarino, compelling Italian recipes and the fine Italian wine make dealing with a noisy dining room very much worth your while.

Hilly Town has published another installment in it’s weekly cookie review series. This week Hilltop Coffee Shop‘s peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie was the focus.

Hilltop’s PBCCC contained a goodly amount of salt, which suits my personal taste, and despite its age the insides were wonderfully soft and chewy. However, the bottom was greasy and the edges ever so slightly sandy, two minor design flaws that I will blame on the peanut butter. And peanut butter, as you know, is delicious, as long as you are not one of those poor people who is allergic.

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 . . .