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Tell everyone what you think of your favorite and not so favorite restaurant experience. Describe the atmosphere, service and most importantly the food. And see other people's reviews too! Post your review by filling out the "Write Comment" section below.

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Comments (32)

	1. 08-06-2009 11:28
	New restaurant just opened and it is worth the drive. The food is outstanding and the views are amazing the restaurant sits on piers right over the water - high tide is the best time to be there. The atmosphere is fun, hip, cozy, great bar to sit at or sit in front of the fireplace or sit by the windows and watch the waves – its all good. Guest Report

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	2. 08-04-2009 12:15
	One Dock I recently drove up the coast of Maine and stopped at One Dock, located at the Kennebunkport Inn, to experience their outdoor dining patio. The Inn recently renovated their main restaurant, serving delicious native Maine cuisine, with a fusion flair. Sitting outdoors enjoying great food, wine, and live entertainment is my idea of a perfect summer evening. And since we were in Maine, we had to have lobster, so we started with lobster spring rolls and lobster stuffed mushrooms, both filled with lots of fresh Maine lobster. For the main course, we shared the lobster ravioli and filet mignon – making our dinner a true “surf & turf.” Desserts are all homemade – be sure to try one featuring local blueberries. www.onedock.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	3. 08-06-2009 13:36
	Bella Luna Bella Luna, located in Market Square , Portsmouth has an interesting way of fleecing the unaware. They have a very nice menu, everything priced in the high teens, a couple of items at$22. Their specials board is located at the door, attracting passers by. I ordered the special, a lovely Rib Eye steak serveds with fresh vegetables. It was delicious. Much to my surprise, when the bill came the steak was priced at $35! This is DOUBLE most items on the menu. Neither the specials board nor the server bothered to mention that the steak was priced so high. BAD BUSINESS PRACTICE. Guest Report

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	4. 05-03-2009 18:51
	Chef Showdown #4, Ten Center Restaurant The Chef Showdown series at Ten Center Street in Newburyport is cooking with gas. Executive Chef Harley Smith is fired up to challenge select leading chefs from around the Seacoast, and to put their skills and skillets to the test. On the last Tuesday of the month, each chef uses the same key ingredient to create three delicious courses in a face-to-face culinary contest. The fourth Chef Showdown event on April 28, featured Chef Justin Napier of Ithaki Restaurant located in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The first course was zucchini – Chef A prepared zucchini blossoms with lobster stuffed-mini zucchini fritters topped with zucchini tatziki, and Chef B prepared roasted zucchini gazpacho soup with smoked salmon, truffle salt and fried zucchini match stixs. The second course was lamb– Chef A created a crusted lamb duo with dijon and confit of shoulder served with 3 cheese polenta and morrell mushrooms, Chef B created slices of spiced lamb sirloin with avocado feta orzo salad, creamed spinach and petite greens. For dessert, chocolate was used to prepare a phylo white chocolate napoleon with grand marnier crème anglaise, and a truffle banana split with coulis of banana and strawberry topped with chopped walnuts and vanilla crème. This is a very creative event where you get to taste and be the judge. It’s not always easy to choose a favorite when you know there are two great chefs in the kitchen thoughtfully creating your meals, but it’s a job we all can enjoy. Results from the evening are provided the next day. The results from the fourth Chef Showdown – Chef Justin Napier of Ithaki Restaurant swept all 3 courses. The results from the third Chef Showdown – Chef Stephen Harding of Epoch Restaurant wins. 1st Course (eggplant): Chef Stephen Harding, Epoch - wins 2nd Course (tuna): Chef Stephen Harding, Epoch – wins 3rd Course (vanilla): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins The results from the second Chef Showdown was a tie between Chef Evan Hennessey of the Dunaway Restaurant in Portsmouth and Chef Harley Smith of Ten Center Street 1st Course (mushroom): TIE 2nd Course (beef): Chef Evan Hennessey, Dunaway – wins 3rd Course (raspberry): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins From the first Chef Showdown, the overall winner was Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas and Wine Bar. 1st Course (beets): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 2nd Course (shrimp): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 3rd Course (banana): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins On Tuesday May 19, the fifth Chef Showdown will be served. Two great chefs, two great menus, all for only $40 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, 978.462.6652 or www.tencenterstreet.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis Grande

	5. 04-01-2009 20:16
	Chef Showdown #3, Ten Center Restaurant The Chef Showdown series at Ten Center Street in Newburyport is cooking with gas. Executive Chef Harley Smith is fired up to challenge select leading chefs from around the Seacoast, and to put their skills and skillets to the test. On the last Tuesday of the month, each chef uses the same key ingredient to create three delicious courses in a face-to-face culinary contest. The third Chef Showdown event on March 31, featured Chef Stephen Harding of Epoch Restaurant, located in the Exeter Inn, Exeter, NH. The first course was eggplant – both chefs went with Mediterean recipes – one was an eggplant-kobe moussaka and the other was eggplant cannelloni stuffed with shitake mushrooms, spinach, ricotta, tomato veloute and fresh basil. The second course was tuna – both chefs prepared Asian influenced recipes - one course was ahi tuna - olive oil poached and fennel seared with crisp pea shoots, avocado cilantro salsa and ginger ponzu, and the other was spicy tuna maki with a soba noodle salad topped with a sesame miso vinaigrette dressing and served with avocado crème and carrots. For dessert, vanilla was used to prepare frozen vanilla mousse, and hazelnut chantily crepes topped with Irish crème espresso anglaise and strawberry coulis! This is a very creative event where you get to taste and be the judge. It’s not always easy to choose a favorite when you know there are two great chefs in the kitchen thoughtfully creating your meals, but it’s a job we all can enjoy. Results from the evening are provided the next day. The results from the third Chef Showdown – Chef Stephen Harding of Epoch Restaurant wins. 1st Course (eggplant): Chef Stephen Harding, Epoch - wins 2nd Course (tuna): Chef Stephen Harding, Epoch – wins 3rd Course (vanilla): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins The results from the second Chef Showdown was a tie between Chef Evan Hennessey of the Dunaway Restaurant in Portsmouth and Chef Harley Smith of Ten Center Street 1st Course (mushroom): TIE 2nd Course (beef): Chef Evan Hennessey, Dunaway – wins 3rd Course (raspberry): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins From the first Chef Showdown, the overall winner was Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas and Wine Bar. 1st Course (beets): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 2nd Course (shrimp): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 3rd Course (banana): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins On Tuesday April 28 the fourth Chef Showdown will be served. Two great chefs, two great menus, all for only $40 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, 978.462.6652 or www.tencenterstreet.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	6. 02-27-2009 06:55
	Chef Showdown #2, Ten Center Restaurant The Chef Showdown series at Ten Center Street in Newburyport is cooking. Executive Chef Harley Smith is fired up to challenge select leading chefs from around the Seacoast, and to put their skills and skillets to the test. On the last Tuesday of the month, each chef uses the same key ingredient to create three delicious courses in a face-to-face culinary contest. The second Chef Showdown event on February 24th featured Chef Evan Hennessey of the Dunaway Restaurant in Portsmouth. The first course was mushroom – both chefs created dishes with bacon and special ingredients such as truffle oil and parsnip-nutmeg. The second course was sliced Kobe Beef – both chefs cooked the beef to perfection – one was served with an Asian sauce, the other dish had a French flair. For dessert, it’s amazing (and delicious) how many ways to use Raspberry. This is a very creative event where you get to taste and be the judge. It’s not always easy to choose a favorite when you know there are two great chefs in the kitchen thoughtfully creating your meals, but it’s a job we all can enjoy. Results from the evening are provided the next day. The results from the second Chef Showdown, it was a tie. 1st Course (mushroom): TIE 2nd Course (beef): Chef Evan Hennessey, Dunaway – wins 3rd Course (raspberry): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins Overall TIE From the first Chef Showdown, the overall winner was Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas and Wine Bar. 1st Course (beets): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 2nd Course (shrimp): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 3rd Course (banana): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins On Tuesday March 31, Chef Stephen Harding from Epoch Restaurant will face up to Chef Harley Smith. Two great chefs, two great menus, all for only $40 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, 978.462.6652 or www.tencenterstreet.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	7. 02-19-2009 14:58
	Chef Showdown #2, Ten Center Restaurant My friend and I were celebrating an important event and came to Portsmouth to have dinner at Café Mediterraneo. We chose this restaurant based on the recent review by TV Diner. We were seated by a friendly face and we were also greeted by one of the owners. Abbie was our gracious, friendly and helpful waitress: she was great! Our meal began with a fresh salad that had a lovely presentation and was delectable. The entrées consisted of two of the several veal choices: Veal Alla Romano and Veal Marsala. Both had ample portions of sauteed veal that was very tender. The tiny vegetables gave a lovely color to each of the plates. We both had the penne with garlic and wine which was cooked to perfection. We ordered a great Pinot Noir to have with dinner. I found it impossible to think about dessert, however, my friend ordered a tiramisu which I could not resist. It was incredible, served with whipped cream. The atmosphere at this restaurant is great, the service is great, and the food was outstanding. I disagree with TV Diner's rating of "Gold Plate" and do hereby designate a personal rating of "Platinum Plate" to Cafe Med. I will go back again and again to this great place. Guest Report

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	8. 02-19-2009 13:32
	Chef Showdown at Ten Center Restaurant The Chef Showdown series at Ten Center Street in Newburyport is cooking. Executive Chef Harley Smith is fired up to challenge select leading chefs from around the Seacoast, and to put their skills and skillets to the test. On the last Tuesday of the month, each chef uses the same key ingredient to create three delicious courses in a face-to-face culinary contest. The opening Chef Showdown featured Chef Greg Sessler, chef and co-owner of Cava Tapas and Wine Bar, in downtown Portsmouth. The first course featured beets – both Harley and Greg prepared a dish combining pasta. The second course featured shrimp and for dessert banana was the choice ingredient. This is a very creative event where you get to taste and be the judge. It’s not always easy to choose a favorite when you know there are two great chefs in the kitchen thoughtfully creating your meals, but it’s a job we all can enjoy. Results from the evening are provided the next day. From the first Chef Showdown, the overall winner was Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas and Wine Bar. 1st Course (beets): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 2nd Course (shrimp): Chef Gregg Sessler, Cava - wins 3rd Course (banana): Chef Harley Smith, Ten Center – wins On Tuesday, February 24, Chef Harley will be going up against Chef Evan Hennessey from The Dunaway Restaurant in Portsmouth, NH, and next month on March 31, Chef Stephen Harding from Epoch Restaurant will face up to Chef Harley. Two great chefs, two great menus, all for only $40 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, 978.462.6652 or www.tencenterstreet.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	9. 02-12-2009 13:40
	Epoch What a memorable evening at Epoch! The dinner and wine tastings we’re excellent. Shawn was the perfect tableside host pairing our wines along with Steve…both extremely knowledgeable and truly excited about all that’s going on at Epoch. The night felt so welcoming and the food was amazing! JoAnn and I had a great time catching up with all of you. Amazingly enough we were there for 4 hours, indulging in great food, wine and fun conversation. You were all such great host and I’ll spread the word. See you at The Bloody Mary Sunday Buffet to make my own or at the bar some night to catch the next flight, that is martini flight. Guest Report

Keith L.

	10. 02-06-2009 18:39
	Rudis of Portsmouth Let’s do lunch! I love it when someone asks to meet for lunch. Rudi’s Restaurant in downtown Portsmouth is the perfect lunch spot. Of course I enjoy all the deli and bakery places on the Seacoast, but there are times when you just want to sit and be served. I had lunch at Rudi’s twice in less than a week and I’m ready for more. With this cold weather, I need a hearty hot sandwich to keep me going all day. Rudi’s burgers are the best – big and juicy. And, if meat is not your thing, try the salmon burger, and be sure to order the fries. Rudi’s fries can also be shared as an appetizer, or order them on their own. If you can’t take a lunch break, Rudi’s is open for dinner every night, with live music on weekends, and they serve a real Sunday Supper at a super price! www.rudisportsmouth.com Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	11. 01-27-2009 07:37
	Hagan's Grill Anyone who lives on the Seacoast and loves fine dining in a casual setting knows Hagan’s Grill in downtown Hampton. Dora and Bob Hand have owned Hagan’s Grill since spring 2006. The couple work as a great team running a successful restaurant, and have fun doing it. Dora is at the door greeting customers with a big smile and a very warm welcome. Bob spends his time making sure operations run smoothly. They both strive for quality in their food, service, and the overall presentation. I always look forward to dining at Hagan’s Grill for their eclectic American/Asian cuisine, prepared by Chef Kurt Holzweiss. However, I was there last week with a colleague and found Jodi Holihan cooking in the kitchen. Jodi is a chef / instructor at the McIntosh Atlantic Culinary Academy and was the featured guest chef at Hagan’s. She created a special menu for the week. Everything on the menu looked appetizing, so it was hard to decide on what to order. But, the wine decision was easy. I ordered a glass of Duckhorn Decoy Red Blend. Duckhorn was served at President Obama’s inaugural luncheon! After a few sips of wine, we ordered our food. For starters we had prawns, and then moved on to the classic Caesar salad – both great choices before our entrees. The steak tips were cooked to perfection and were mouth-watering tender. The vegetarian dish which consisted of lots of fresh eggplant and other seasonal vegetables was just enough – leaving room to share dessert. The “trio dessert” consisted of your choice of three mini desserts. A very fun night in Hampton, and it’s only January… www.hagansgrill.com or call (603) 926-5668. Guest Report

JoAnn Actis-Grande

	12. 01-22-2009 12:59
	Winter Warmer Beer Social at Portsmouth I knew that great beer would be served at the Portsmouth Brewery's beer dinner last week because I love their beer and going to local brew pubs. I was really impressed with the great food they paired with all the beer styles. The red Thai curry shredded chicken taco with cilantro foam and lotus root was as good as any dish served in Thailand - and their Winterweizen brew was a perfect match. There were a few guest brews too - the Dogfish Head Raison d'etre from Delaware was a good choice with the cayenne chocolate ooze with fresh crepes. I can't wait to return to the Portsmouth Brewery for their next beer dinner or create my own beer with the awesome beers they brew. Guest Report

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	13. 01-15-2009 16:18
	Epoch My husband and I recently had the pleasure of eating at Epoch at the Exeter Inn. The artistic presentation of the food was exquisite - it looked like each meal was made for a picture in a magazine. I had the duck with orange sauce and my husband had the filet mignon. They not only looked too nice to eat, but the duck melted in my mouth and my husband said his was the same. We don't get out that often with the economy, so when we do it is so nice to feel pampered and treated specially - that is just how we felt at Epoch. It was almost like we had gone to LA for dinner. Please keep up the great work. We will be back again and we will tell all our friends - my next plan is to try your Tomahawk Veal with the Butternut Squash Puree = ymmmmm. Guest Report

Kenyon Welch

	14. 12-09-2008 21:23
	Epoch Blue Sky - York Beach, Maine We had a wonderful dining experience. Not only was the setting spacious, modern, eclectic and different; it had a warmth and feeling that you just knew you were going to have some really good food! The staff was so attentive and personable, knowledgeable and above all ~ professional. From the delicious appetizers to the fresh and unique salads, to the fabulous baked stuffed lobster and the decadent deserts ~ well, we are still talking about the great experience. Guest Report

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	15. 12-08-2008 10:49
	Blue Sky on York Beach Blue Sky on York Beach is a fabulous spot for any occasion. The atmosphere is hip and comfortable without being over done. It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two or a fun girls' night out! There is an intimate bar area which is great for "meeting up". The menu is varied and well thought out. Having eaten at Blue Sky twice now, I have not had or heard any complaints about the food, service, etc. The overall experience was fabulous on both visits and I definitely look forward to going back in the future. It is located in the Atlantic House...also a must see! Plan an overnight stay! Guest Report

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	16. 12-09-2008 12:32
	Blue Sky Blue Sky, York, ME. If you have not been to Blue Sky in York, you are truly missing a outstanding experience. Lydia Shire's newest retaurant is one you will dream of getting back to quickly. The restaurant is in the Atlantic House (do the dinner and nights stay!). The atmosphere is simply elegant, combined with a menu that will blow your mind. A tastefully selected wine list, combined with glamorous dinner presentation really makes this a special place. One of the highlights of the night was the dessert, so be sure to save room! Guest Report

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	17. 09-25-2008 16:05
	Pepperland Cafe The Pepperland Cafe is a magnificent little hidden gem located in beautiful South Berwick, Maine. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated and slightly reminiscent of the Black Lodge for any fellow Twin Peaks fans. The constantly evolving menu offers eclectic and innovative takes on classic New England fare and sometimes perfectly infused with Asian, German or Latin influence. The ingredients are always carefully selected, often local, and change with the seasons. The brunch is to die for, I need not say more, especially while enjoying New England's best "Hemorrhagic" Bloody Mary. Speaking of which, beer connoisseurs will appreciate Lindsey's ever changing, small yet carefully selected draught selection that he will gladly pair with your dinner. The mixed drinks are as creative yet homey as the food. Finally, one of the biggest perks of Pepperland (especially for myself being a graduate student at UNH thus extremely... poor!) is the reasonable prices. They offer a casual menu for lunch and as an option for dinner for $10 or less for a stomach filling meal. The dinner menu ranges from an extremely fair $17 to $24 considering the time and love put into every offering. If you are constantly seeking creative dishes but also enjoy the New England style, then The Pepperland Cafe will delightfully impress you. Guest Report

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	18. 09-18-2008 13:54
	Union Bluff Hotel I just ate at the union bluff hotel, and i have to tell you..OH MY GOD the chef there karl mace should be in like every magizine around- he is amazing. The dessart menu has changed,he has hired a pastry chef. The hotel has done a 180 oh my god, you all need to do a story again and talk to his pastry chef. She blows every one else in the seacoast away and I eat out alot. It's better than Arrows!!!!!!!!!! And better than The Dunaway Find out where she came from cause he has a keeper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guest Report

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	19. 09-15-2008 17:26
	Four I went to Four on my birthday and I just can't stop raving about it. It was one of the best experiences I have had in Portsmouth. The food was amazing and filling. I had the 8oz Tuna with potatoes and roasted vegetables. My boyfriend had the Halibut with tomato,bacon,basil as well as roasted mushrooms. Both were exquisite. They bake their own bread and serve it with fresh roasted garlic and butter. We also had a bottle of champagne. The service was so good and they were so attentive that they did not allow anyone to have an empty glass. The place is so beutiful and quaint. I highly reccommend it. The owners Simon and Brian are such great people I feel that they will be around for a while. This is exactaly what Portsmouth needed- great service, great people and amazing food. Guest Report

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	20. 08-18-2008 09:29
	Hagan's Grill, Hampton, NH Hagan's Grill in down town Hampton is sure to be the best kept secret in the seacoast. The food is excellent, the service is friendly and very helpful and the chef is GREAT~ a true master in seafood. We are very happy that they have a function room to hold our meetings and enjoy a wonderful meal. Guest Report