Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100773.7210 375 Fore Street in the old Port Facebook.com/bullFeeneyS @bullFeeneyS Scratch-made Nice People Totally Authentic Bull Feeney’s Bull Feeney’s portland’s pub D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 6 9 Restaurant Review photos: corey templeton(2); Food by Jeff roberts days. 29 Dock Sq., Kennebunkport, 967-9111, hurricanerestaurant.com J’s Oyster is a premier seafood destination and locals’ favorite with indoor and outdoor waterfront seating on one of Portland’s scenic piers. Established in 1977, J’s offers classic favorites and friendly service. Coastal Living claimed J’s one of “America’s Best Seafood Dives 2016.” Find us on Facebook. 772-4828 Kon Asian Bistro Steakhouse & Sushi Bar serves Asian cuisine with modern flair. Japanese, Sushi, Thai, Chinese, or hibachi tables. Private party rooms accommodates groups from business meetings to birthday parties. Choose fresh, deli- cious items prepared before your table. Family friendly; open Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. to 11 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m-11 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 874-0000, konasianbistrome.com. Maria’s Ristorante is Portland’s original classic Italian Restaurant. Greg and Tony Napolitano are always in house prepar- ing classics like Zuppa de Pesce, Eggplant Parmigian, Grilled Veal Sausages, Veal Chop Milanese, homemade cavatelli pas- tas, Pistachio Gelato, Limoncello Cake, and Maine’s Best Meatballs. Prices $11.95 - $22.95. Tue.-Sat. starting at 5 p.m. Catering always available. 337 Cumberland Ave. 772-9232, mariasrestaurant.com. Pedro’s focuses on simple yet full- flavored Mexican and Latino food. Offering tacos, burritos and an impressive array of margaritas, sangria, beer, and wine. Especiales de la semana (specials of the week) keep the menu varied and fresh and showcase different Latino cultures. Seasonal outdoor dining available. Open daily, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. 181 Port Rd., Kennebunk, 967-5544, pedrosmaine.com. Rivalries Sports Pub & Grill An upscale sports bar serving creative pub food in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Known for some of Portland’s best casual food, Rivalries’ menu has something for everyone.And with 30+ HD TVs and every major pro and college sports package, you won’t miss a game! Located in Portland’s historic Old Port. 774-6044, rivalriesmaine.com Solo Italiano Traditional northern Italian cuisine mixes Maine freshness with Genovese flavor frm international chef Paolo Laboa. Enjoy the crudo bar or the daily changing menu. Included in Food & Wine Magazine’s 2016 “What to Do in Portland, ME.” Open daily 5 p.m–10 p.m. 100 Commercial Street Portland, 780-0227, soloitalianorestaurant.com *reservations recommended Petite Jacqueline experiences a renaissance in the Old Port. by diane hudson W e arrive at PetiteJacqueline’s new location on Market Street on a Wednesday evening, a hap- py accident as this is the one night of the week when Petite Jacqueline offers oysters on the half shell for just $1.50 each. Big and succulent, the Damariscotta beauties are an early holiday treat. Happy hour is an added bonus (5- 6 p.m. at the bar), so we begin the meal with a classic martini ($5) and a hoppy pour of Maine Beer Compa- ny’s Lunch IPA ($4). Unable to resist authentic French fare on offer, we order the escargots as an appetizer to share. The snails do not come in their shells (a small disappointment soon forgotten) but instead bathe in a but- tery garlic and basil concoction filled with tasty button mushrooms. Baked here (and replenished often by our attentive server), the bread is a traditional French baguette, perfect for dipping in the herbed butter sauce. Nostalgically, we also select French onion soup ($10). Topped with a crusty crostini and Gruyère cheese, this French classic is more subtly flavored than many we’ve come across. The entree list requires some serious con- sideration. My partner deliberates over the “French Attitude” burger with Gruyère, caramelized onion, and house aioli ($15 or $17 with fries) before settling on the Pois- son Meunière en Papillote ($24). Baked and served in parchment, the delicate flavor of the white fish is accented by zippy capers and creamy melted butter. Green beans and tiny potatoes are served on the side along with a small bowl of Meunière sauce–mean- ing “miller’s wife”–made from brown butter, parsley, and lemon. Who can resist boeuf bour- guignon (pictured, $26) at a French bistro? Filled to the brim with perfectly cooked beef, this dish boasts deep, authentic flavors and pleasingly fatty piec- es of meat. This is the real deal, decadent and comforting on a cold winter evening with its rich, smoky gravy made from bacon lardons and attentive braising. Sweet and tender, the firm, colorful vegetables include carrots, ba- by onions, potatoes, celery, and button mush- rooms. Formidable! We finish with a perfectly executed crème brûlée. Longfellow Square’s loss is the Old Port’s gain. Petite Jacqueline triumphs anew as a moveable feast. n PetiteJacqueline,46MarketSt.,Portland.Open sevendays from11:30a.m.toclose,553-7044,bistropj.com French Twist, Part Deux