mminmaine's Profile
Pai Men Miyake - Noodle Bar In Portland
Oh man, this place is just what Portland was missing. And if you don't live here, let me just tell you that we are not missing much in the way of amazing food in this town. But warm, slurpy noodle soups and amazing amazing amazing pork buns? I think I have found my winter love.
I was greeted at the door within seconds of joining the crowd in the entryway at 7:30 on a friday night. The host was efficient and polite, and seated me within minutes at the bar, despite the fact that my friend wasn't there yet. Twenty minutes later, when she still hadn't shown up, ALL the staff were friendly and genuinely made me feel like it was no big deal that I was taking up space. They were super polite, were available to take our order when we were ready but didn't rush us for a minute. The space is beautiful, fun but simple and clean. The owner was there watching everything, and the service felt efficient and well coordinated. I love that seating at the bar isn't so crowded that you don't want to be there. You can turn towards the person next to you and not worry about elbowing anyone next to you.
And the food, oh the food. It was delicious....every bite.
Point Judith - Any thoughts cuisine in Point Judith?
There's also a nice farmer's market on Sunday mornings at the Fishermen's Park at the end of Point Judith road where it meets the Galilee Escape Road.
One dinner in Portland, ME: Bresca vs. Street & Co?
Bresca IS wonderful, though I think for seafood, Street is a far better choice. I agree also with what other diners said...it's almost too intimate at Bresca and you can feel like you need to talk quietly there. Street is far more bustling, but very romantic and warm for an early December dinner. I'd ask to be in the room that does NOT overlook the kitchen, as it's a little prettier, and a bit quieter.
I could not be a bigger fan of Caiola's, but when I have guests in town who want seafood, I always take them to Street and Company. It feels like classic Portland, whereas Caiola's is a bit more of a neighborhood place....
And you can't go wrong with Duckfat! I'd be hard pressed to think of a better lunch spot in Portland.
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Caiola's
58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102
Bresca
111 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101
Best Dishes in NE List
I concur with the Sicilian slice pizza at Miccuci's in Portland!
A couple other favorite eats:
meatloaf panini at Duckfat in Portland
bacon white pizza at Fifth Element, Newport, RI
Harissa rubbed ribs at Cleonice, Ellsworth, ME
hot dog with everything at Wasses, Rockland, ME
mahogany clams at Street and Company, Portland, ME
New Bedford recommendations?
I'm hoping for some good recommendations in New Bedford. I've seen some discussion of the best Portuguese food, but it doesn't seem like there's been a clear winner. Can I inspire some debate again, please?
Also interested in other recommendations...mostly for breakfast and lunch.
Thanks!
Lunch in Westport MA?
I am planning a day trip from Newport over to Westport to the Winery and Buzzards Bay Brewery for my boyfriend's birthday. Any suggestions on a good spot to have a nice lunch? Sandwiches , even to-go for a picnic, are fine, but looking for something higher quality than diner food.
Also, would love any other recommendations in this area....even New Bedford? Thanks!
Portland - Help in Choosing!
Bresca, Bresca, Bresca.
Although, I've not been to Evangeline. But I wouldn't give Fore Street another thought if Bresca was an option.
a week in Eastport, ME -- recs?
I haven't been yet, but friends in the area tell me that the year-old Pickled Herring in Eastport is outstanding.
New Mexican Restaurant in Portland
had lunch there today. pollo burrito...was delicious. fish tacos also look promising, and the drinks list is admirable. good service--esp from the woman who greeted us and explained the menu--despite it being day 2 and PACKED. no glitches, seems like! the line was out the door and tables all full. also liked the design sensibility.
Traveling through Downeast
Nothing is more delicious than Cleonice in Ellsworth! Their tapas are amazing, but so is everything else. I especially recommend the harissa rubbed short ribs.
Is Becky's Diner Worth it? If not, what is yor fav breakfast place?
I would not only skip Becky's, I would say Bintliff's is just as mediocre, just more expensive with a longer menu. Atmosphere is good, but they've been resting on their laurels for years. Try Caiola's or Front Room if you're looking for something more upscale, or Porthole for a more diner-like Portland waterfront breakfast.
Off-season mid-coast ME
Not to revive any sense of tension after a nice ending to a thoughtful debate....and I mean this to all as purely food for thought....but FAS is actually considered by many to produce a high quality seafood product, as there is little time for quality to deteriorate on the vessel or in transport. Once thawed, the fish is virtually as fresh as the moment it was removed from the sea.
That said, I am a HUGE proponent of eating local seafood, and could not be happier to see that others seem to share this value. Instead of emphasizing the importance of fresh seafood, you might consider encouraging your favorite local restaurants to purchase very local seafood whenever possible. There are growing numbers of fishermen pursuing direct marketing opportunities to local restaurants and other customers--ensuring a better price for the fishermen and exceedingly fresh product to the customer.
Paciarino, Portland, ME
They DID just open. It's incredibly hard to run a successful small business in Maine, and especially difficult to keep a restaurant alive, so it's important to support the good ones so they are able to remain viable. That was my only point.
Paciarino, Portland, ME
468 Fore St
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-3500
Not sure what you mean by "red sauce Italian"...but it sounds negative to me. This is the real deal, true Italian pasta with the toothsome quality that only comes from fresh pasta. The sauces are beautiful and delicate and intensely flavorful. Perfect portion sizes--generous but not excessive. Each day the options are different.
Paciarino, Portland, ME
Despite the intense desire to not have to compete with everyone for a table at Paciarino, I have to encourage everyone to go there immediately if not sooner, and continue to support them so we don't ever lose this wonderful business! Fabiana is the nicest, most welcoming woman, and she and her husband have a great business model. You feel like you're eating at a friend's house, the music is lovely, the take-away treats enticing, but most of all, the pasta is amazing. I will be dreaming of the bolognese for weeks.
Enjoy!
Caiola's - Wow
Agreed! The food is tremendous, well-priced compared to other similar restaurants in Portland, but what really makes Caiola's special is the quality of the service. Lisa and Abby and their staff are so warm and accomodating. They always hit the mark....right there when you need something, but completely unobtrusive, and always sincere.
Newport, RI restaurants
The food at Tucker's is fantastic, and it's a much lower-key, more romantic vibe than Salvation Cafe. Depends on what you think they'd like....but for a romantic night, I'd choose Tucker's.
Maine Shrimp
For anyone interested in having a regular supply of Maine shrimp and supporting fishermen in the same way as CSA programs help farmers, check out the second year of the Port Clyde shrimp CSF (community-supported fishery). Shares are available now.
Half-share: 5 lbs per week; Full share: 10 lbs per week. Shares are of whole shrimp that can be shelled at home. Full shares are $210, half-shares are $105. Cooked shrimp shares may also be available for an extra $.50 per pound.
http://islandinstitute.org/publications/Shrimp-CSF-shares-now-available/12845/
Great meal at Local 188 (Portland, ME)
I have to second this. I have always liked the vibe of Local 188, but the service was usually pretty horrendous. Last week's visit turned the tides. Our waitress was amazing. She was funny and attentive and made everything on the menu sound irresistible. We sat at the bar and the chef made jokes with us. Overall, it was a fantastic service experience, and a complete 180 from what I've experienced there before.
The food continues to be solid, but not incredible. I agree that it's good value for the price. The mussels currently on the menu (winter greens and roasted garlic cream sauce) sent me to the moon and I have been craving them ever since. The meatballs have taken a serious downward spiral, which has been a tough thing for this gal to take. The paella, while beautiful and perfectly cooked and filled with seafood, was beyond salty. It took me days of water consumption to recover. But then there was the cocktail...wow. So good. I'll be back....despite what they've done to my favorite meatballs.
Jays Oyster Portland Maine
It stays in business because there are people who love it don't love it for its oysters. Look, you guys want something out of J's that it doesn't purport to provide. It's a fishermen's dive bar on the wharf. It serves an outrageously good and greasy fish sandwich for the right price, and the bartenders will look at you just fine if you're polite and have a smile on your face. J's is the best place in town for people-watching and learning what the marine economy in Portland is all about. It's also one of the few places a local can find a seat at the bar on a busy summer Saturday night and enjoy a bit of respite from the hordes of tourists. If you want fine dining, find some other destination, but don't expect a favorite Portland hole in the wall to be something its not.
Fryeburg Fair - Good Eats?
The best fair food, in my opinion, is at the falafel/gyro stand with the prayer flags hanging inside. The cook bakes his flatbreads on an old woodstove that he brings to the fair with him....it's so much better than all the fried, greasy stuff otherwise available.
And be sure to catch the beanhole beans and other items made in the kitchen (over by the farm museum and blacksmith shop).
Restuarants in Nantucket?
In my humble opinion, nothing is more traditional Nantucket than the Company of the Cauldron on India Street. Fixed menu and price that changes nightly, two seatings and lovely ambiance. The food has always been spectacular.
Skip the Galley...unless is has had a major overhaul in recent years, it was always more about the sunset than the food.
Though I haven't been there in a couple years, you might also see what folks think about the Ship's Inn this summer. My last meal there was heavenly.
Maine adventures
You're missing some of the truly great options right in Lewiston! Val's root beer is right on Sabattus Street, and Dairy Joy is true to its name. For the best breakfast around, take a Sunday drive out to Nezinscot Farm in Turner. Beautiful cheeses and they'll probably ask you to hold the baby or something while they fix your egg sandwich...but it will be well worth it!
Skip all the pub food...it's lousy. Pick up a six pack and head to the closest beach. If you must have a lobster roll, one of the best is at Five Islands, but everyone will tell you something different so just try them all. For another great seafood destination, try the Dolphin Marina at Basin Point in Harpswell. Do not miss the fish chowder, which comes with a steaming hot blueberry muffin of perfection. I dream of this meal all winter long.
