Loco Pollo

Loco PolloThe Portland Phoenix has reviewed Loco Pollo.

Loco Pollo gets the tamale right in many ways. They respect tradition without becoming mired in it. They use enough lard to impart some richness without making the dough heavy. They steam them long enough to keep them moist but not wet. They use several wrappings, cornhusk in the Mexican style and banana leaf like the Central Americans, which impart different subtle flavors to the meal. And they fill them with meats, cheeses, and chilis fresh and ample enough that the soggy aroma fills your head.

Brunch at Local 188

New2Maine.com has reviewed the brunch at Local 188.

The check took a while coming, but it was nice to not feel hurried toward the door so that the next party could take our table. Overall we were pleased with, but not blown away by, our visit. We’d go again (I’ve heard the dinner is great), but probably not for brunch if we had lots to do in the afternoon.

Blueberry Files/Bresca

A new food blog, The Blueberry Files, has published a review of Bresca.

I had a great time, and really liked the attention to detail… like the fois gras slices on parmesan crips that came out at the beginning of our meal from the chef (who is a woman, hell yeah!). And I love going to a place where the menu catches me slightly off guard by using ingredients I’ve either never had or never heard of.

The Wine Bar

1:00 a.m. Curfew has reviewed The Wine Bar.

I planned to spend a good twenty minutes digging into the wine menu. Instead I found a dry-erase board with the night’s varieties – just six whites and five reds! There were eleven choices if you don’t count the five port and dessert wines listed on the menu. I have to admit I was disappointed.

Five Fifty-Five

Type A Diversions has reviewed Five Fifty-Five.

Five Fifty-Five is casually elegant; the cuisine is creative, yet not over-the-top; portions are generous without being overwhelming. It’s the one of the restaurants I always take foodies visiting from out-of-town, the respite I seek after a long week at work, and is on the short list of spots I go when celebrating a special occasion.

Fore Street

The Portsmouth Herald has reviewed Fore Street.

The restaurant isn’t fussy either. When you think accolades from big shot organizations and magazines you needn’t think pretentious or fancy when it comes to Fore Street — it’s warm, welcoming, entertaining, relaxed and above all, delicious.

Joe's New York Pizza

The Portland Press Herald has reviewed Joe’s New York Pizza.

The first piece I sampled was chicken-tomato-basil, with chunks of chicken and tomato and very flavorful basil. The cheese was just right, and wasn’t rubbery the way some re-heated slices get. I also tried a white spinach pie, with globs of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, fresh garlic and spinach. You could really taste the garlic, which I loved.

Borealis Breads Bakery & Bistro

borealis-breads-portland-maine-signType A Diversions has reviewed lunch at Borealis Breads Bakery & Bistro.

Though the Borealis Bakery & Bistro serves breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, soups, cheese plates and desserts, the only reason I would stop in again would be for a loaf of bread. If you’re in the area and looking for a breakfast or lunch spot, you’ll find far better fare a half a mile down the road at Big Sky.

Photo Credit: Type A Diversions

Duckfat

Where is Jenner’s Mind has reviewed Duckfat.

they have a nice selection of panini, salads, and soups and today seth and i both went for panini. i had the tuna melt with provolone, capers, tomato, and cornichons. seth was a little skeptical at my selection but was pleasantly surprised to taste the deliciousness. this was no ordinary chicken-of-the-sea tuna melt… it was salty and crispy and perfectly filling.