Old Restaurant Reviews

The Food Critic: The Wine Bar

Address:
38 Wharf Street Portland, ME
207.772.6976

Location:
Upstairs above a chocolate desert bar; although they look the same. Fantastic location and I love the idea.

Day of Visit:
Friday night

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What Did I Hear?
Nothing – saw the signs.

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What Did I See?
Interesting décor and rather comfortable. Come in to relax with a group of friends. Definitely the place to share a bottle of wine rather than order by the glass.

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What Do I Say?
The by-the-glass selection is poor; that night only 11 bottles and most of them very cheap. Settled on a glass of Fonseca Port and my companion was Almura Syrah blend (glass priced more than the bottle in the store). Did not like the glasses the reds were served in, I feel they should be bigger in a wine bat. Dessert was simple, elegant, and satisfying.


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Final Thoughts:
Good place to visit with friends. Not perfect, but it’s hard to do business like that in Portland. They have the right mix: relaxed atmosphere, comfortable seats, good selection of appetizers.

RATING: 3 out of 3. Come back, even though the wines should be better. It’s all enjoyable.

Address:
29 Wharf Street Portland, ME
207.772.0072

Location:
Great location –sort of – next to Street and Company, but unfortunately under the failing Cactus Club (previously Lava Lounge, previously Mercury, etc…). Looks slightly out of place as it should be gourmet Indian but instead is just a regular restaurant sitting out of place.

Day of Visit:
Friday night

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What Did I Hear?
Saw a few reviews online that seemed good, but I did not actually hear of it. I smelled it walking past, and it was wonderful. Not very busy for the time of night.


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What Did I See?
All fried appetizers were served on a red plate that was straight out of a college café; cheap. The main dinner plates had nothing to do with the side dish plates. Soup was served in plastic miso bowls. I had a real problem with the plates. Seemed like someone went through a garage sale and got the best bargains in town.

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What Do I Say?
Food was a massive disappointment. On the table we had the mixed grill, rice, raita, tandoori roti, honey shrimp, and a mixed appetizer. The mixed grill contained a mass of overcooked and distastefully dry chicken, lamb, and 1 shrimp and surprisingly under-seasoned. The lamb sausge looked like something my dog assembled –sad too because it is one of my favorite items when it is done right. The honey shrimp looked like it was floating in snot. The appetizer tasted as it was deep-fried in the oil discarded by fast food restaurants.



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Final Thoughts:
Stay away, let it die, and let something better fit in its place.

RATING: 1 out of 3. Sadly, I’ve been to all the Indian restaurants in the area and never liked them. My favorite place is Jewel of India in Biddeford (and I do make the drive for a take-away).

The Food Critic: DAVID's RESTAURANT
Address: 22 Monument Square, Portland ME

Location: Easy to find restaurant in downtown portland serving modern, simle quisine done well. The atmosphere, each time I went, has been busy but not noisy. A mixed crowd of people ranging from young to old, from business to causal. Comfortable atmosphere.

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What Did I Hear?
I was looking for a place to eat and decided to walk into Monument square; saw the place and invited myself in. Never heard of David's Restaurant before then.

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What Did I See?
The menu is priced reasonably but more inviting than some of the trendy "eclectic" places in Portland mainly because David's has not adapted the First Course > Second Course > etc.. flow on their menu. In other words, I did not feel pressured to order more than one thing. Once the food arrived it was freh, simple, and done well. They put a wonderful spin on meat & potatos with their Bistro Fillet, and their duck is wonderful also. Most of the things on the menu can easily be done at home, but why bother when you can order them.

I made a couple of vistis to David's and did find a few thins that took away from the charm. On one occasion a group of customers was asked to leave their table to free up space. I watched it happen -- no drama, they were perfectly fine with it - but it's something I don't believe anyone should be ever asked to do. Why not sit around after dinner, drink, and talk?! I felt like I would be pushed out too. While waiting, I wanted to get drinks at the bar, and even though it was empty the bar tender was unintersted in taking care of things. Furthermore, the staff said I would have to pay for my drinks before being seated.

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What Do I Say?
Great place I will certainly go back to. I usually spend about $50 per person, but 20-30 is perfectly reasonable. Their specialty drinks are only $6 and martinis $8. Great wine list on top of that. Food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is friendly. Go try it.

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Final Thoughts:
3 stars (out of 3).

The Food Critic: HERB’S GULLY

Address:
55 Oak St. Portland, ME 04101

Location:
Small restaurant on a quiet street - near the art museums. Presents an interesting crowd. The place tries hard to be an authentic Mexican restaurant. Seems very popular among locals.

Day of Visit:
Lunch time on Fish Taco Friday

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What Did I Hear?
I found this place using an online search, and Fish Taco Fridays definitely brought me there. Some times a hole in the wall is the place to see when you want something more authentic.


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What Did I See?
Fish Tacos were on the menu, rather small, but with a delicious tortilla. The problem – they looked pretty but major disappointment. First, really no room for hot sauce – because of their size. Second, very runny. By the time I finished I had a bowl of soup, problem is I don’t know where all the “juice” came from. Overall, it was a disappointment. I left there somewhat full, but far from satisfied. Keep in mind, they did not taste bad, just were too messy and inappropriate for a lunch during business hours.


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What Do I Say?
I am disappointed to say the place tries hard to be a more authentic and causal Mexican restaurant, but fails miserably. The atmosphere was rather uncomfortable – drafty at times, hot others, and just downright not pleasant. It felt like the owners were certainly making money but were trying to cut corners everywhere possible. The service was quite poor and the time it took to get my simple meal was simply too long.


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Final Thoughts:
I might go back and try a burrito, but it will be a while. 1 star on my 3 star scale, will avoid it in the future.

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UPDATE:
I feel sick. That's all I'll say.