Tag Archives: Reviews

Sur Lie – Tip Top Tapas

Sur Lie is a very good new restaurant specializing in tapas. Addressing the elephant in the room, despite serving small plates, this restaurant is not trying to compete with the award winning Central Provisions. The owners recognize that Chef Chris Gould is making some of the best food in the country and that is rarified territory. What they have built is a welcoming spot to enjoy delicious food and drink with friends.

Sticking to the theme of a fun night out,the Missus and I sampled liberally from the drink menu cocktails:Midnight Manhattan, Nector of the Bogs, Made Man, and Blood Eagle. We thoroughly enjoyed them all, but the Midnight Manhattan was my stand out favorite. The Punt e Mes vermouth they use makes it delightfully bitter. It made me Happy, happy.

Standout dishes were the scallops with white sweet potato,a wonderful concoction involving plantains and chorizo, and delightful cream of white beans with pork belly. In the first dish I loved the addition of pickled vegetables. They added a delicious crunch to the savory plate. While the chorizo with plantain was a heavenly blend of salty/sweet/tangy goodness. The bean soup was comforting and flavorful, the pork belly managed the rare feat of being both crispy and tender.

Despite my sworn enmity to anything brulee, I could not resist trying the Maine Grain oatmeal pudding with brulee sugar and cranberries for dessert. This dish is based on a recipe the chef’s grandmother made him as a child and is reminiscent of warm rice pudding with a delicate candy top. Service was very,very good almost telepathic and everyone was very warm and welcoming.

Maine Oatmeal Pudding

Maine Oatmeal Pudding


Scallops with white sweet potato

Scallops with white sweet potato


Pork Belly and White beans

Pork Belly and White beans

Hot Suppa! Hot Damn!

Hot Suppa is a Congress Street gem, serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Locals know to get here early or expect to wait on weekends, but try this place mid-week and you can often be seated right away. Look at the menus and you will see updated traditional diner food with a touch of southern flair. Good stuff!
On this particular visit I had grits with black bean chili, cheddar, poached eggs, and warm perfect puffy tortilla chips. So creamy/crunchy/rich/good! I also love that they not only make good coffee, but also have giant pitchers of cream for the table. This makes me happy, happy!
Grits w chili and poached eggs
IMG_1861 - Copy
Cream

The Saucy Fish Company

Have you ever felt like you wanted to eat more fish, but just couldn’t face eating plain grilled or baked fish one more time? Or have you ever felt Like you should eat more salmon, but just don’t like how it comes out when you cook it at home? If so, thanks to The Saucy Fish Company, I have something you may like.

The Saucy Fish Co. is based out of the U.K. and have started offering their sustainably harvested fish at Hannafords,and they were nice enough to send me some samples to try. To start off with, I love that the fish is sustainably harvested and fresh. While it can be frozen and thawed, I shop frequently and prefer not to have to defrost my supper before cooking it. Most other “fish diners” that I have seen come from the frozen food aisle and are loaded with additives and preservatives, making Saucy fish a better option for me. I also like that it is kept next to the case next to the fish counter. Its a convenient spot that I visit regularly visit to pick up lox for my bagels and doesn’t require waiting to be served. At $7.99 for dinner for two, I also think it is a good value.

Saucy Fish at Hannaford

Saucy Fish at Hannaford

So how did it work out? Pretty simple, I preheated the oven to 375 for the salmon (it’s 350 for the tilapia) 20 minutes later I had two perfectly sized portions cooked just right and ready for sauce. In the same amount of time (convenient) I made basmati rice and steamed some haricot verts (fancy green beans). I also had a chance to say Saucy Fish about a hundred times, just because it is fun!

As an aside, I can’t remember the last time I made baked salmon at home, while I love it when I have it out, it never seems to come out right at home. I dont know if its the type of salmon used or the delicious chili lime ginger dressing, but the Saucy Fish salmon came out just right. Bottom line, if you are pressed for time, and looking for a sustainable fresh option for a quick fish dinner Saucy Fish is worth trying.
Saucy Salmon
Salmon Ready to cook
Healthy Quick Supper

Way to go little Bigs!!

Congratulations to Little Bigs for making the Buzzfeed‘s list 33 donuts to try before you die! This relatively new South Portland bakery has been keeping locals happy, happy with their delicious donuts and hand pies. Now the rest of the country knows too!

Box of Happiness from Little Bigs

Box of Happiness from Little Bigs