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A different Southern Maine area restaurant reviewed every month.


in good company1





Melody on the Rocks
In Rockland, great art like this deserves to draw crowds

Culinary Institute of America grad Melody Wolfertz is sizzling as chef/owner of In Good Company.

A stop here is the perfect prelude to an afternoon at The Farnsworth Museum, with its wonderful Wyeths and hot new Robert Indiana show.

The international wine list brings you adventurous choices from South Africa to Maine. Intriguing beers abound as well, from the local to Sri Lanka.

It would be easy to make a feast from the tapas alone in the “Nibbles” section of the menu, including marinated olives ($4), tapenade or pesto with crostini ($4), white- bean hummus with rosemary foccaccia ($9), whole baked garlic topped with molten goat, brie, or blue ($7), and sweet and hot pepperdews stuffed with Seal Cove goat ($6).

Delighted with the exceptional use of artisanal cheeses and meats of all kinds here, we decided on a selection from the cheeseboard and charcuterie ($16). A knockout, the plate jumped with tasty dry salami, Jasper Hill cheeses including scrumptious Bayley Hazen blue and pungent Constant Bliss, a perfect French bread from nearby Atlantic Bakery, and spicy French tarragon and cranberry mustards. All flavors stood up well to the jammy punch of McLaren Vale Razor’s Edge Shiraz (2006, $26).

Salads rock here. Ours, a colorful assortment of roasted eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, and huge rounds of marvelous Mozzarella hit the spot, splashed with Pedro Jimenez vinegar and extra virgin olive oil–an amazing value at $8!

My halibut ($18) sported tasty browned pistachios and an intoxicating passion fruit beurre blanc, an oven roasted sweet potato, and crunchy broccoli. My partner’s pizzetta ($14) was a meal in itself, its super-thin crispy crust the perfect stage for Terra Optima (a farm in nearby Appleton) Canadian bacon, spinach, ruby potatoes, and tasty Taleggio.

Don’t miss the chocolate fondue with fruit and assorted chocolates from Maine chocolatiers. We relished every morsel of our chocolate fudge cake, made with 60-40 Belgian chocolate and Madeira, dangerously accompanied by a rhubarb blueberry compote.

-Diane Hudson

paciaIn Good Company, 415 Main Street, Rockland. Open Tuesday through Sunday 4:30 to close, reservations accepted for eight or more. 593-9110

Restaurants are listed alphabetically. Click a link below to view a full review. Check back with us often as we frequently add new reviews.

A1 Diner
Afghan Restaurant (The)
Artemisia Cafe
Bandol

Bar Lola
Bella Cucina
Blue Spoon
Bonobo
Chebeague Island Inn

Dogfish Cafe
El Camino
Emilitsa
Evangeline
Eve's Garden
Five Fifty Five
Five-O
Frog & Turtle
Front Room

Fuji
Good Table (The)
Green Elephant
Grill Room
Grissini
Haggarty's
Happy Cooking
Henry and Marty's
Hi Bombay!
In Good Company
Jam Maine Jamaican Restaurant
J's Oyster
Local 188
Lotus
Marcel's
Mediterranean Grill
Mims
Miyako
Ms. Portland Diner
Muddy Ruddy
Old Port Seagrill
Ribollita
Paciarino
Robinhood Free Meetinghouse
Saeng Thai
Saltwater Grille
SeaGrass Bistro
Sea Star Grille
Slates
Star East Cafe
Stripers
Thai POM'S
Tu Casa
Turkish Delights
Venezia
Vignola
Walters
Wells Beach Steakhouse

restaurants

157 Cafe & Bar at the Eastland Park Hotel, at 157 High Street in Portland, features a warm and casual atmosphere. The menu sparkles with delicious, freshly-prepared local seasonal offerings, Maine seafood, steaks and more. Serving breakfast daily from 7-11 a.m.; dinner daily from 5-10 p.m. and lunch daily at Top of the East (Portland’s only roof-top lounge) from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. eastlandparkhotel.com, 775-5411.

2 Dine In is a specialized culinary courier service delivering over 15 restaurants to Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth. Order by telephone or the user-friendly website and experience how easy and quick it is to dine at home or the office! Accepting all major credit cards. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., dinner Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 2dinein.com, 779-DINE (3463).

3 Dollar Dewey’s in the heart of Portland’s Old Port is not to be missed. Pub fare includes chowder, appetizers–including beer-battered shrimp, buffalo wings, and glorious nachos–as well as chili, salads, seafood, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and build-your-own pizzas. A beer-lover’s heaven with 36 draft beers and 42 bottled beers. Open every day 11:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m. 241 Commercial Street. 3dollardeweys.com, 772-3310.

51 Wharf is a nightclub for those who are looking for high energy entertainment with a polished, elegant atmosphere. Candlelit tables and an enticing arrangement of intimate areas with beautiful custom furniture allow you to relax in comfort and style. Open daily from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at 51 Wharf Street in Portland’s Old Port. Visit 51wharf.com, for more information 774-1151. *

Anthony’s Italian Kitchen, 151 Middle Street, lower level, Portland. Voted “Best in Portland” three years in a row. Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. All homemade recipes including lasagna, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and Italian sausages. Variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Beer and wine. Catering available. 774-8668. *

Beale Street Barbeque continues a tradition of eclectic American cuisine at their new location in South Portland. Still serving the best hardwood-smoked and
grilled meats, poultry, fish, and seafood, as well as tasty appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads, and creative daily lunch and dinner specials. Full bar featuring Maine microbrews on tap. No reservations needed, children welcome. Open all day, every day at 725 Broadway in South Portland. mainebbq.com, 767-0130.

Becky’s at 390 Commercial Street, featured in Esquire and recommended by Rachael Ray, is “a slice of diner heaven,” according to Gourmet. Serving classic diner fare within the call of gulls, it’s Maine’s best family-friendly place to keep it real. Open 4 a.m.-9 p.m., 7 days a week. 773-7070

Bernie’s Place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere with a fantastic kid’s menu. Featuring great local seafood including lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and baked haddock. For breakfast, indulge in homemade traditional favorites like eggs benedict. Open Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner Thursday-Saturday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. 65 Gray Road in Falmouth at the Hannaford Plaza. berniesplacefalmouth.com, 899-4988.

BiBo’s Madd Apple Cafe, 23 Forest Avenue, Portland, in the heart of the Arts District. Focusing on creative, affordable cuisine with an eclectic wine list to match, served in a bright casual atmosphere. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., brunch Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner Wednesday-Saturday from 5:30 p.m. and Sundays 4-8 p.m. Menus change with the local growing season. Menus online at bibosportland.com, 774-9698

Bonobo restaurant in Portland’s West End bakes up over a dozen tasty varieties of 13-inch wood-fired pizzas–many by-the-slice–along with daily specials and salads. Try the namesake (Bonobo) pizza, topped with mushrooms, prosciutto, baby spinach, leeks, fontina, and creamy sauce; or the Marley, with jerk chicken sausage, roasted red peppers, pickled hot peppers, cheddar, mozzarella, sauce, and scallions. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. Dinner Sunday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4-11 p.m. 46 Pine Street at Brackett. bonobopizza.com, 347-8267.

Café Stroudwater has been an award-winning local favorite for many years. Chef Paul L’Heureux features delicious local cuisine using local products based on the season. For a truly unique experience, reserve a “Chef’s Table,” where you and your guest will be seated right in the kitchen while the Chef prepares your six-course meal accompanied by select wines. 1050 Westbrook Street in the Embassy Suites, Portland. 775-0032 *

DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant at 25 Long Wharf off Commercial Street. You can’t beat the location for fabulous water views of Portland Harbor. Escape the hustle & bustle of the city. Watch the boats go by. Enjoy fresh Maine lobster year-round, steak, seafood dishes, & more. Serving 7 days from 11:00 a.m. Children’s menu available. For drinks & a lighter menu, try our Portside Lounge. dimillos.com, 772-2216.

The Dogfish Bar & Grille, 128 Free Street, Portland 772-5483, and The Dogfish Café, 953 Congress Street, Portland, 253-5400. “Great food, drink, and service in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere.” The Café (Monday-Saturday lunch and dinner, and now serving Sunday Brunch) offers a more intimate setting while the Bar & Grille (open 7 days a week at 11:30 a.m.) offers live music Wednesday-Saturday nights. For a real local feel, reasonable prices, and great food, check out either one or both! thedogfishcompany.com

Eve’s at the Garden
, 468 Fore Street, Portland, promises a unique experience and a fresh, local approach to food. Chef Jeff Landry and his team utilize products from Maine’s coastal waters and farms: jumbo diver-harvested scallops, naturally-raised organic pork and beef, sustainably raised fish and shellfish, and fresh Maine lobster prepared in Mediterranean style. Free valet parking during dinner. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner 5-9:30 p.m. portlandharborhotel.com, 523-2040.

Fish Bones American Grill is a casual upscale restaurant offering American cuisine with a multi-national flair. Techniques include light grilling, sautéing, and use of homemade food paints to further enhance our plated creations. Located in the heart of Lewiston in the newly renovated historic Bates Mill complex, Fish Bones offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday Brunch. Come get hooked! fishbonesmaine.com, 333-3663.*

The Fishermen’s Net a full-service fish market featuring an assortment of fresh seafood supporting Maine’s local fishermen. Also offering an extensive take-out menu and lobsters steamed to go at no additional charge, Fishermen’s Net will satisfy all of your seafood cravings. For your convenience, Fishermen’s Net offers platters, entrees and chowders. Call ahead to order. Special orders welcome. Fishermen’s Net, 59 Portland Road, Gray 657-FISH (3474)

Fresh!
aims to keep the food local and organic, the atmosphere friendly and casual, and everything about the dining experience FRESH! The menu changes weekly, and is influenced by the availability of the freshest produce, poultry, meat, and seafood. Open for lunch Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Fresh! is located in
Knightville in South Portland at 171A Ocean Street. wonderfullyfresh.com, 699-2646.

G & R DiMillo’s Bayside is nestled between downtown Portland and Back Cove at 118 Preble Street. You’ll find a comfortable atmosphere, excellent food, and fine dining during lunch and dinner. Featuring creatively prepared and classic appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizza and delectable Italian entrees. Catch the season’s most exciting games on the multiple wide screen flat panel TVs. Full bar. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday noon-8 p.m. grdimillos.com 699-5959

The Great Impasta, Premier Italian Restaurant in Brunswick, recognized as one of the “Top 25 Italian Restaurants in all of New England.” Intimate dining room setting, fun and varied wine list, and creative Italian & Mediterranean-inspired dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. 42 Maine Street, Brunswick. thegreatimpasta.com, 729-5858.

Great Lost Bear, 540 Forest Avenue in the Woodfords area of Portland. A full bar with over 60 draught beers from local micro-breweries and imported specialties. Our menu features salads, sandwiches, steaks, a large vegetarian selection, the best nachos & buffalo wings in town. Discover where the natives go when they’re restless! Every day 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. greatlostbear.com, 772-0300.

The Good Table lives by its motto, “honest food honest prices” offering made-from-scratch meals with a beloved brunch, lunch and dinner. A well-rounded menu with choices to please every palate. Featuring inspired blackboard specials, the kitchen always takes advantage of locally-grown produce and seafood. Full bar with seasonal cocktails. Private function room. 527 Ocean House Road on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth. [Check for seasonal hours] thegoodtablerestaurant.net, 799-4663.

Jacqueline’s Tea Room and Gift Shop, experience authentic Afternoon Tea in an exquisite English setting. Select from over 70 of the finest quality loose-leaf teas to accompany your four-course luncheon of scones with Devon cream, preserves and lemon curd, finger sandwiches of all kinds, and desserts. Great for intimate conversations and parties. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and alternating weekends. 201 Main Street, Freeport. Reservations only. jacquelinestearoom.com, 865-2123 .*

Jameson Tavern, with a casual bar, lounge & dining room. The building is the site of the signing of the Constitution for the state of Maine when it broke away from Massachusetts. Classic preparations served in a graceful & elegant setting make this a fine retreat from frenzied outlet shopping. 115 Main Street, Freeport. 865-4196 *

La Familia–best Latin American cuisine north of the border. Classic appetizers like empañadas and ceviche, and generously plated entrées: jumbo pan-fried shrimp in butter with garlic and onion served with fried plantains and salad, and rotisserie chicken with Latin seasonings. Try homemade flan for dessert. Lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday noon-8 p.m, Friday noon-10 p.m. Saturday noon-8 p.m. 906 Brighton Avenue, Portland. 761-5865

Lotus Chinese and Japanese Restaurant, 251 U.S. Rte. 1, Falmouth, Maine (Falmouth Shopping Plaza). We feature full-service bar and lounge area, sushi bar, Chinese traditional food not available outside of Boston, friendly atmosphere and courteous service. 781-3453

Luna Rossa serves the finest Italian cuisine in the Old Port, with a truly elegant experience. Featuring classic antipasti such as calamari fritti and olives tapenade; soups; pasta dishes including rigatoni con pollo e Florentine, and pasta al pastore with Italian sausage; and entrees like lombo di mainle—a pork loin stuffed with prosciutto and gorgonzola in a Madeira rosemary sauce. 188 Middle Street, Portland. 329-0288

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants & Watering Hole! Two locations in Portland, others in Lewiston, Augusta, Orono & Portsmouth, serving oversized meals & colossal drinks. Always free hot chips & salsa, legendary margaritas, & the house specialty, the sizzling fajita. Happy hour Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., free hot appetizers. In Portland at 242 St. John Street, Union Station Plaza, 874-6444 & 11 Brown Street near the Civic Center. 774-9398

Maria’s Ristorante, est. 1960, 337 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, one street down from Congress Street. Portland’s finest Italian Cuisine. Maine Sunday Telegram’s four-star restaurant. Homemade sausages and finest meatballs around, thick Veal Chops a la Maria, Zuppa De Pesce Fradiavolo, homemade gelato, and Italian-style cakes. Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, $13-$25. “Preserving the authentic Italian dining experience.” mariasrestaurant.com, 772-9232.

Miss Portland Diner Visit the famous 1949 Worcester diner car #818, an architectural landmark in Portland, Maine. Back in operation and serving all the diner classics and more, Miss Portland is open for breakfast and lunch Sunday-Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located at 140 Marginal Way in Portland. 210-6673 or missportlanddiner.com

MJ’s Grille and Tavern offers casual fine dining in a comfortable environment, with a variety of dishes–from small plates and seasonal salads to steak and local seafood. Handcrafted wooden bar offers a wide selection of beers from around the world, local beers, fine wines, and martinis. Private rooms for parties. Downstairs Tavern open Friday and Saturday nights with DJs and bands. 94 Maine Street, Brunswick. mjsgrille.com, 729-6574.

North Star Music Café, 225 Congress Street, at the base of Munjoy Hill in Portland. A coffee shop and café offering soups, sandwiches, salads, and specials made from scratch. Eat by our sunny windows or take your food to go. A full coffee bar, sodas, beer, and wine available. Music most nights. Check northstarcafe.net for calendar and hours. 699-2994

O’Naturals serves natural and organic flatbread sandwiches, tossed salads, Asian noodles, soups, and kids’ meals. Quick service, but our leather couches, wireless internet, and comfortable atmosphere will entice you to stay. Flatbread pizza after 4 p.m. and pesto chicken, roast beef, wild bison meatloaf, wild Alaskan salmon, and many vegetarian items–something for everyone. Portland 321-2050 and Falmouth. 781-8889

Papaya King has been called by Zagat the “best, cheapest (stand-up) lunch in New York City”, and now can be found in Portland’s Old Port! Famous for its hot dogs made with all-natural products and juice drinks made from “the fruit, the whole fruit, and nothing but
the fruit.” Located at 5 Dana Street. Check out papayaking.com 899-0600

The Pepperclub is a prize-winning restaurant (“Best Vegetarian” & “Best Value” in Frommer’s Guide to New England) with creative world cuisine. Blackboard menu lists five vegetarian, three fish, & three meat entrées, including an organic beef burger. Relaxed, affordable dining on the edge of the Old Port w/free parking. Open nightly at 5 p.m. 78 Middle Street. pepperclubrestaurant.com, 772-0531.

Pom’s Thai Taste Restaurant, Noodle House, and Sushi Bar at 571 Congress Street in Portland (772-7999) uses only high-quality, fresh ingredients in all of their 90+ menu selections, guaranteed to satisfy. Featuring a kids’ menu, monthly specials, made-to-order noodle soup, and $1 SUSHI every Monday & Tuesday. Other locations in South Portland: Pom’s Thai Restaurant at 209 Western Avenue (347-3000) and Thai Taste Restaurant at 435 Cottage Road (767-3599). thaitastemaine.com.

SeaGrass Bistro, 30 Forest Falls Drive, Yarmouth, an intimate 40-seat dining room with an open kitchen. Chef Stephanie’s style of American Bistro Cuisine, with Asian, French, and Tuscan influences, uses fresh local ingredients. Menu changes frequently. Music while you dine Thursdays in October & December. Open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner, reservations starting at 6 p.m. Visit our website for Cooking Class Information. seagrassbistro.com, 846-3885 .*

Twenty Milk Street, in the Portland Regency Hotel, is proud to serve U.S.D.A. prime and choice steaks and the freshest seafood, combining award-winning classic American cuisine with fine wines in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Featuring crab cakes with lemon shallot mayonnaise, baked escargot, charbroiled chili-lime scallops, and sumptuous desserts. Dinner seven nights a week; also serving breakfast, lunch and brunch. Complimentary valet parking. theregency.com, 774-4200.

Walter’s, 15 Exchange Street, Portland. Cuisine with “worldly” influences–casual fine dining with a metropolitan flair. Menu changes seasonally with popular blackboard specials. Bar manager Steven Lovenguth’s wine list complements Chef Jeff Buerhaus’s menu selections. Interesting cocktails and dessert drinks, also. Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch; dinner from 5:00 p.m. seven nights a week. Private room available for up to 26 guests. walterscafe.com, 871-9258.

Wells Beach Steakhouse and T-Bone Lounge serves prime steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious salads, featuring Kobe sirloin steaks, stuffed smoked salmon and grilled swordfish in an upscale, plush atmosphere. Enjoy a selection from the highly allocated new world wine list, or a signature 28-ounce Wells Beach martini under the starry ‘sky’ of the lounge. 73 Mile Road, Wells. wellsbeachsteakhouse.com 646-2252

Yosaku, at 1 Danforth Street, is an authentic Japanese culinary experience, designed by owner Sato Takahiro and lead chef Matsuyama Masahiro. Premium sushi, sashimi, and rolls, including Yosaku roll, spicy scallop roll, Godzilla roll, Portland Pirates roll, and traditional cooked Japanese cuisine for the sushi-shy. Enjoy a bento box beside a tranquil Japanese waterfall. Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-3 p.m. Dinner 5-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10:30 p.m. 780-0880
*reservations recommended