The Blueberry Files has reviewed Fishin’ Ships.
The O.G. preparation of the fish and chips was certainly good – crispy batter, flaky fish, not unpleasantly greasy, with crunchy fries – but the taco was my favorite. Next time, I’ll explore the flavored batters and dipping sauces, as I’m more excited by the unusual flavors the rest of the fish and chips preparations have to offer.
The Golden Dish has reviewed Timber,
With two drinks, tax and tip–and no dessert—this meal was hardly a bargain at $90, but it was awfully good. My next “budget” meal there will be the rotisserie chicken—half a bird for $19. Add in all the sides, cocktails and more, well, Timber is a steak house extraordinaire and you have to pay accordingly.
and the September edition of Down East includes a review of Central Provisions.
There are other Asian accents. The yellowfin tuna crudo has a hint of sesame, radish, and mustard — just enough to complement the pink flesh dissolving on your tongue. The spicy beef (carpaccio) salad has a nice Sriracha kick. And the halibut — a beautiful hunk of fish, seared crispy on the top and beribboned with grilled garlic scapes — has just a hint of heat from garlic and jalapeño to brighten the flavor of this dense fish.
The Press Herald has published a bar review of The King’s Head,
On a recent night, Amager Envy and Gluttony IPAs from Denmark were on tap, as well as Thornbridge Halcyon IPA out of England, Dieu du Ciel from Quebec, local brews like Bissell and Banded Horn, and even Prosecco.
Binet says “there will be no comfort beer” on tap, which means if you’re looking for Pabst Blue Ribbon and the like, you won’t find it here.
and has reviewed the new El Rayo in Scarborough.
There are lots of great starters on the menu, including fried plantains with chipotle mayo ($4.95), fried shisisto peppers dusted with sea salt ($7.95) and one of my favorites from the other El Rayo, Mexico City-style corn on the cob basted with chipotle mayo and dusted with cojita cheese ($4.95). I went with the corn-jalapeno fritters served with jalapeno jelly for those who want more kick. The small, thin fritters were nice and crunchy on the outside, soft inside with whole kernels of corn hidden throughout. These were as good as I remembered them, but at $5.75 for an order of about a half-dozen, they seemed a bit pricey.
Yahoo Travel has assembled a list of recommendations on where to go in Portland when you want to drink, but you’re looking for something other than beer.
It’s no secret that Portland, Maine, is a haven for beer drinkers, thanks to the omnipresence of breweries, such as Allagash and Banded Horn, in the area. In fact, a number of companies will even take you on beer-tasting tours throughout the city. But what if you’re (gasp!) not a beer person? Or simply want to take a day off from hoppy brews and try out some of Portland’s other liquid offerings.
NYC wine importer T. Edward was recently in Portland. He’s posted impressions of his meals at Hugo’s, Central Provisions and Vinland.
With an urban appetite and a farmer’s flair, Portland’s dining scene has come of age and is ready for courting. From Hugo’s on Middle Street that first opened in 1999, to Central Provisions and Vinland, both opened just this year, Portland has become a destination for everything local on the plate from umami to briny, to supple creams and tart berries.
The Golden Dish has reviewed Blue Spoon.
A main course of pan-fried flounder was perfectly cooked–flakey, fresh and well-seasoned. What drew me to the dish, however, was the accompanying side of caramelized green beans. These, however, were merely sautéed and remained al dente but not glazed whatsoever. The fish had a further garnish of crispy fingerlings and olive oil poached sun gold tomatoes with basil—a pleasing Mediterranean touch, though overall too much oil on the dish.
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed Lolita.
The medium dishes are the most intriguing on the page, and they deliver on it. In one dish, black trumpets brought out the earthy side of mackerel filet. Lentils, served with just pickled beets, could not have been more perfectly tender or expertly seasoned. Torchino pasta enlivens a simple creamy tomato sauce with the spice and texture of crumbled nduja sausage and the pop of fresh peas.
Portland Magazine has reviewed Slab.
Craving more of that insanely delicious bread–which is nothing like pizza dough–we’re captivated by the Sausage Raab Shoe Bianca ($9) served with a side of “slab gravy.” Crumbled, tender sausage meat is mixed with lots of quality cheeses and tasty, bright green broccoli raab, all tucked into that dreamy pillow of luna lusciousness.
The Portland Phoenix has reviewed El Corazon/Taco Trio/Hella Good.
With relief I instead got the Corazon burrito (on Spring St. near downtown) for half the price. It was great—the tortilla grilled but still spongy, the carne ground up, juicy and infused with spices. The tacos ($2.50) are also quite good. The pork is almost bellyish in its fatty tenderness. The fish has a great tart sauce and just-bitter cabbage crunch. The pulled chicken was tender and herbaceous. The truck itself is a red beauty.
The Golden Dish has reviewed the new Tandem Bakery.
The custard of the chess pie was flawless, thick and rich with the tang of citrus and buttermilk. The bottom crust wasn’t soggy, either, though the overall shell was a bit unusual. It’s an all butter crust, but I’d like to know what Holt is doing to it? It’s not flakey but crisp instead.
The blueberry crumble-topped pie was another perfect piece of pie. The filling wasn’t overly sweet but just right and I loved the crunchy, candylike topping.