The Press Herald has published a bar review of Empire.
Dragon’s Milk, Shiso Crazy, Yellow Fever. These are a few of the cocktails you’ll find at Empire Chinese Kitchen in Portland’s arts district. Scorpion bowls don’t cross the menu, nor do cocktails with tiny paper umbrellas.
The Press Herald recently polled a set of local chefs and random other food experts, including yours truly, about their favorite dishes from the last 12 months.
This year, once again, I’ve asked some local chefs, food writers and bloggers to weigh in and name a favorite restaurant dish they discovered in the state during the past 12 months. And judging by the number of exclamation points in their responses, they found some real gems.
The full list of recommendations was published in today’s paper. They range all over the board from fish chowder at Pizza Villa to the squid tappanyaki dish at Long Grain.
The Maine Sunday Telegram has reviewed Siano’s Pizzeria.
This is the quintessential Italian-American comfort food dining establishment that’s both a pizzeria made in wood-fired brick ovens and a full restaurant menu serving gutsy, well-made fare. The veal cutlet Parmigiana is one of the best in the Portland area, rich with sauce, cheese and buttery tender veal. Other dishes excel too, like their homemade ravioli and creative pasta dishes, chicken cacciatore and an array of very good pizza made with their homemade red sauce and pizza dough.
The Holy Donut was recognized by Grub Street as one of the 101 Amazing American Doughnut Shops With Serious Street Cred.
Piccolo was included by Eater National on their list of the 25 Hottest Brunches Across the US.
Drink Up and Get Happy have reviewed Bull Feeney’s.
While we were there our waiter was very helpful in answering any questions we had, recommending beers, and being attentive in general without hovering. We perused the whiskey menu, reported to be the largest collection offered in the area, but ultimately chose to stick with the brews that evening. We’ll save them for next time and with great service, great beers, and delicious bacon there will definitely be a next time!
The Golden Dish has reviewed Hot Suppa.
Or perhaps it’s an issue with Hot Suppa!’s kitchen, which could be doing better than it does. The food can be gutsy and at other times it misses. Yet none of this keeps the crowds away, lining up for weekend brunch or for lunch and dinner nearly every day of the week.
The Daily Meal has included Fore Street in their annual list of the 101 Best Restaurants in America.
Map & Menu has reviewed 158 Pickett Street Cafe.
There are more than enough options at 158 to satisfy any pizza enthusiast’s taste – like the standard cheese and sausage, or more creative flavors like the hot pink sauce, charred jalapenos, and cheese ‘Stinger’ – but regardless of your decision, everything we’ve heard and tasted has been fantastic.
Photo Credit: Map & Menu
The semifinal list of nominees for this year’s James Beard Awards were released today. 7 Maine chefs and restaurants made the list:
The final list of nominees will be released March 18th, and the winners will be announced on May 2, 2014 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City.
Peter Peter Portland Eater has reviewed C-Squared.
Our meal came to about $110 with tip. It was a little pricey, but it was quite good and I was happy with the overall experience. I do think that this is a place that can survive in Portland and will have some success. Their menu offerings are excellent and their execution is solid. I would definitely go back and I suggest you check it out for yourself. C Squared served their food with love and made it a most delicious Valentine’s Day.
Becky’s has been recognized by Food & Wine as one of America’s Best Diners.
Bon Appetit columnist Andrew Knowlton has included Eventide in his list of his 10 Favorite Oyster Bars.