Category: Reviews

The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed the dinner service at Artemisia Cafe.

You can’t go wrong at this relaxed eatery where evening chef Guy Frenette specializes in classic dishes – many Italian inspired – that are big on flavor and fresh, local ingredients. Groups of up to four will enjoy booths lining the walls of the simple dining room; large parties are seated at central tables. The wait staff is welcoming and responsive and quick to answer questions (agrodolce is an Italian sweet and sour sauce) or accommodate special requests. Go hungry and take a friend so you can try a small appetizer, a shared plate of pasta such as pumpkin ravioli, and seasonal entrees – rich braises like pork osso bucco in fall and winter, lighter fare in warmer months.

The new MST restaurant reviewer is James Schwartz. According to the bio in the paper Schwartz,

Schwartz has covered food, travel and architecture for The Washington Post, Downeast, Coastal Living and Southern Living magazines for more than 30 years. Long a commuter between Portland and Washington, D.C., he retired from his job as vice president at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2013 and relocated to Maine. He lives in Cape Elizabeth and Brooklin.

Drink Up and Get Happy has reviewed Dock Fore.

The day we chose to go to Dock Fore was cloudy and chilly so it was a great choice to cozy up to the bar and enjoy some $1.95 Shipyard Pumpkinheads. The atmosphere inside is that of a neighborhood bar. As a staple of the Portland bar scene it’s a great place to go and get away from the more touristy hot spots.

The Golden Dish has reviewed Bramhall.

Bramhall is also open for lunch and their sandwich menu is expanding. Consider Porky’s Revenge, shaved and seasoned pork loin with pickled jalapeno and greens on a hoagie or the Flip “em the Bird, a hearty roast turkey sandwich with Fontina and roasted corn and tomatillo salsa on a hoagie.

Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed Bramhall,

When all was said and done, my portion of the bill came to around $30 including tax and tip.  Bramhall was really fun, reasonably priced, and had an incredible atmosphere and decor. It would definitely qualify as an anytime hangout. The place wowed me as soon as I walked in which is also when the party started. From there it just got better. I would undoubtedly recommended this place to anyone for a great drink and some unique snacks.

the Press Herald has reviewed Golden Lotus,

White rice, or as my brother-in-law likes to call it, “the candy of grain,” is something I could also do a lot of damage with, and this certainly was the case with what I consumed at Golden Lotus. Cooked to perfection, it didn’t stand a chance, even with my less-than-stellar chopsticks skills. Also, the portions were generous. Not enormous, but plenty of food to satisfy the bottomless pit of my stomach.

and published a bar review of Bonfire.

Aside from the Solo cups and the self-serve beer wall, another exclusive detail at Bonfire is the choice of seats. Ever sipped a beer from a Solo cup on a cowboy saddle seat? (Don’t answer that.) Well, here, in the dim glow of Mason jar candles and the blue glare of 12 flat screen TVs, you finally can.

Over the last several days a blog called The Magpie’s Fancy has published her favorite spots for breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper in Portland.

The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Ten Ten Pié.

A terrific almond croissant has more pastry and less paste than Standard’s version, making it feel a bit more adult. A little bundt-shaped cannelé, made with burnt custard, had that combination of crunchy-chewy crust and softly chewy interior that marks great bagels. Chocolate pudding was rich and creamy, and topped with a miso-caramel cream (which tasted more of caramel).

The Golden Dish has posted a first look review of Bao Bao.

Dumplings remain the star of the show — prepared boiled or pan fried. Not to be missed are the wondrous steamed hake sheathed in shredded dumpling dough wrapped around the filling. They’re like the Asian version of quenelles — delicate, sweetly flavored and incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The Blueberry Files has published a first look review of Bao Bao.

By the time we left Bao Bao, the 40-ish seat restaurant was full, with a few people waiting outside. Several people came into ask about take-out options (none yet). The restaurant never felt too loud or crowded, although we did clearly overhear our neighbors’ conversation, so it’s not the place for secret transactions.

Rather, Bao Bao offers comforting Chinese delights, for which West Enders seem eager. Check out Bao Bao Dumpling House (open for lunch at 11:30am and until 1am); I’ll be back for those fun cocktails and to sample the many more flavors of dumplings.

I sidled up to the sunken bar and ordered an Oxbow farmhouse (best with dumplings) and perused the menu. Seated to my left was Sam Hayward and Dana Street. The power duo behind Fore Street, Street and Co. and soon Scales (2), were halfway through a five-course meal and ready to socialize.

I asked the epicure elder statesmen for a recommendation, because that’s what you do in situations like this. “Order the hake or lamb,” they said between chop sticking and white wine drinking.

The Bowdoin Orient has reviewed Ten Ten Pié.

After devouring the croissant, which combined sweet almond filling with savory matcha depth, I took a moment to look around. The sparse seating, wide selection of goods and reasonable prices add to the unique appeal of Ten Ten Pié. The owners prioritize quality food over trendiness. In an era when hip décor, twee gimmicks and overwrought menu typography seem to be the norm, Ten Ten provides a refreshing departure.

This week’s edition of the Portland Phoenix also includes a review of Ten Ten Pié. I’ll have a post about it once the article makes it onto the Phoenix website.

The Press Herald has published a bar review of Walter’s.

More than anything else, Walter’s bar scene is perhaps one of the best values in town, which, despite its non-youngster appeal, is pretty darn cool.