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We
recently had the opportunity to spend
a few days in Portland, Maine. This
picturesque city on Maine's mid-coast has
become a hot spot for foodies for its focus on
fresh local ingredients and innovative cooking,
and has been featured in Wine
Spectator and Yankee Magazine,
among others.
Here are our
recommendations for top dining
spots:
Twenty Milk
Street - 3.5 out of 5
Location: Conveniently located
inside the downtown Regency Hotel, which was
once a historic armory.
Ambiance: Large armchairs and a
fireplace set a comfortable tone.
Food: We enjoyed breakfast here
(several times since it was so good)
although lunch and dinner are also served. High
notes were the exceedingly fresh smoked salmon
plate and Maine blueberry waffle.
Service: Warm, personable and very
attentive.
Prices: Moderate ($10-15 for
breakfast).
The Farmer's
Table - 2 out of 5
Location: On
the waterfront in the Old Port.
Ambiance: Attractive exterior. Decor
inside a bit mismatched.
Food: Uninspired and mixed execution.
Some dishes were decent but boring, such as
French Onion soup. Others lacked seasoning or
were poorly prepared. Scallops and shrimp in
seafood pasta were slightly mealy and
didn't seem altogether fresh.
Service: Not great. Server was easily
confused by questions.
Price: Moderate ($18 - 25 for
entrees).
Duck
Fat - 2.5 out of 5
Location: In
downtown but farther away from city
center.
Ambiance: Bustling and fun! You may need
to wait for a table.
Food: We love the concept - gourmet
sandwiches and french fries cooked in duck fat
(thus the name) - but were disappointed in
the actual food. This place is so popular maybe
it was an off day? Our corned
beef sandwich was underseasoned; fries
weren't crisp and had a slightly rancid
flavor.
Service: Helpful but you do feel they
want you to eat and move on.
Price: Inexpensive ($8-10 per
sandwich).
Five Fifty-Five -
4.5 out of 5
Location:
Downtown center location.
Ambiance: Nicely decorated inside,
although nothing exceptional.
Food: Unquestionably the standout at
this restaurant is the food (as it should be).
Dishes were creative and expertly made.
Standouts were the pork pozole (if only pork
were always this tender and succulent) and
fried pear dumpling dessert.
Service: Excellently timed. Servers were
knowledgeable and accomodating to special
requests.
Price: Expensive ($25-35 per
entree, tasting menu
is available)
Gilbert's Chowder House - 3 out of
5
Location: On the
Old Port, on the water side of Commercial
Street.
Ambiance: Nothing fancy.
Food: Do I even need to say it? Come
here for the clam chowder - it's creamy,
well-seasoned and has lots of tender clam
pieces. Lobster roll is also a solid
showing.
Service: Fine. Basics are
covered.
Price: Inexpensive ($8-14 for
sandwiches, $15-22 for dinner
entrees)
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Article: Memorable
Meals
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