MK Kitchen — Restaurant in Gorham

Edit: This review was a 3/5, which I have updated to 4/5 based on our last experience. Unfortunately, I am well over the number of characters needed to post the second review, so please see my review on facebook.

I had heard so much about this place since my wife and I started house-shopping in the Gorham area; eventually buying a house about 8 minutes out of town. We finally got a chance to try it tonight and I think we were both underwhelmed. It's a close, but no cigar sort of thing. Ambience and service was great and even the price wasn't out of line if the food matched. Ultimately it missed the mark and I'm debating as to whether I feel like dropping another $80 to see if it was a fluke.

We started with soup, with my wife getting the tomato and me the clam chowder. The tomato soup was good, although not particular noteworthy in the pantheon of tomato soups my wife has tried (including, most-shockingly, the tomato bisque at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Probably welcomed had it been an inclusion to the entre, but not worth $8. My clam chowder came out looking beautiful and was loaded with clams. Unfortunately, it didn't match with flavor. A bit thin and underseasoned for my taste (needed more leeks/aromatics in addition to salt added during cooking imho).

Our entrees came out and I immediately noticed how small my wife's gnocchi dish was, despite her ordering the full portion. She did enjoy what was there and I don't think there were any complaints beyond the size. My filet... well, I just feel bad for the cow that gave it's life only to have the most-prized morsel (at least traditionally) abused so viciously. I started to cut in, expecting the characteristic pink to quickly reveal itself, as any good medium rare steak should. Well, I kept cutting and it stayed just as grey. I cut right through the middle and found an ovaloid of barely discernable pink, maybe 1.5cm tall. As I'm not a purveyor of mistreated meats, I cannot say whether this was a medium-well or perfectly executed well-done, but it was a long way from med-rare. Given the thickness of the cut, it was likely 5+ minutes past... No small slip-up.

As someone who abhors waste, I didn't have the heart to send it back; eating it to at least honor the animal if nothing else. Not all was bad. The wilted greens were perfect and the fingerling potatoes struck the right balance between proper browning and crust development and a delicate middle. I would quibble at the lack of other notes (garlic, parsley, etc.), but they were still enjoyable with the pan sauce and some extra salt/pepper.

When our bill came out, we saw that my wife's gnocchi was only listed as the small portion, despite a very clear 3-way communication between the server and my wife regarding the full size. (At least we knew that this wasn't a repeat of the laughable portion size at CinCin in Vancouver experienced a couple weeks ago.) Regardless, it was a disappointment, both in terms of having to come home and make food, and also in the shattered confidence that we'd have a nearby place to show off to friends and family.

I think MK Kitchen is likely close to greatness. Presentation was beautiful around our large table, with nearly every dish looking of magazine quality. However, by the end, looking down the row revealed other missteps, including a braised short rib not consumed, presumably due to the strong resemblance to tire sheds.

The fact is that Sebago Lake brewing company had better food at every step; better soup, better meat, better potatoes, and cheaper beer (and they make great beer). All the pretty presentation, Edison lightbulbs, and modern-industrial chique interior trimmings can't hide mediocre food and I am saddened to have to write yet another negative review of a lauded Portland-area...

MK Kitchen ... what a mixed bag and disappointment. This was the third time we visited and the first time since COVID. Since I had a good experience the first two times, I chose MK Kitchen for my birthday dinner. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations and we ended up home much sooner than anticipated (I guess I didn't need to leave the light on at home). Good things first though... Hostess was friendly and seated us promptly. Menu had a good variety of options and looked great. Appetizers were very good and came out quickly. I had the escargot and my wife had the onion tart. Unfortunately that's it for the positives. The service was sub par. Our waitress was more interested in chatting with the table next to ours than to check on us. People dropping off food, literally dropped off our food and ran without checking if we needed anything else (silverware would have been nice). My water had something black floating in it, which was quite concerning. My wife's pasta was luke warm at best (I think even the OG knows how to properly heat up pasta) and the beets in her salad tasted very bland (canned beets anyone???). I had the Paella which was okay...mussels were a bit dirty and the shrimp were tough. At least the rice was good. Overall not worth the 29 bucks. The most shocking part of the meal... We were in and out in under an hour. I think I've spent more time at an Applebee's. This is just not what I expect from an "upscale" restaurant. Overall the evening just felt very underwhelming. Would I go back? Probably not in a while. Wait staff definitely needs more training and the kitchen needs to ensure the food is cooked properly. I shouldn't have to point out that my wife might want more soda after her glass had been empty for a while. Also, checking that silverware is present is not a very high bar to pass. I wish I could have written a more positive review, but I hope the restaurant learns from...

If you are looking for a nice dinner with some drinks and tasty food outside of Portland this is a great choice. Came for an anniversary dinner with my wife and booked a reservation and were greeted with a surprise note at our table congratulating us and thanking us for dining with them. Was a nice touch. Enjoyed some cocktails, and both seemed to be strong so if you want some quality drinks check them out. Do wish the strawberry-jalapeño margarita had more heat to it though. They bring you some complimentary bread with olive oil to start. Then you can pick from their apps (bruschetta, lobster cones, cheese board, escargot) to name a few, salads (wedge, Cesar, beet, etc) to start your meal. Then they have pasta and grain options such as quinoa bowl, gnocchi dishes, ravioli, and risotto. These can all be bought in app sizes or entree sizes. We were told the ravioli for example is 3 compared to 6 for a size difference for reference. Lastly they have a variety of other entrees too; haddock, salmon, burger, filet mignon, duck confit leg, chicken parm for some examples. Your waiter/waitress will also let you know of their specials too. Lastly you can enjoy a dessert if you save room which we tried their peach and blueberry crisp but they had about 5 other options. Overall friendly service with a good menu variety both drink and food wise....