Our Stories

Patrick Dempsey

How he juggles Hollywood, Harpswell, and his hopes for a healthy Maine

2009 Josephine Peary was hardly amused when her husband, polar explorer Robert Peary, confessed he’d fallen in with an Inuit woman at the dome of the world. Undaunted, she courageously kept her marriage together and became a best-selling author, retiring to 290 Baxter...

Star East Café

reviewed by Diane Hudson feb/march 2009 Desperately seeking recession-friendly places, we happened upon the Star East Café, in the heart of Woodford’s Corner. Pleasant and affable as is his cuisine, owner Saad Albeshir has just purchased and renovated this building,...

Winterguide 2009

Slates

après fire - Slates reinvents itself in Hallowell. reviewed by Diane Hudson Winterguide 2009 Having suffered and resurrected recently from a devastating fire, Slates Restaurant in Hallowell is going stronger than ever. A magnet to travelers for over 25 years, the food...

December 2008

Ms. Portland Diner

The newly restored landmark is sure to be a favorite of early risers…and nighthawks, too. reviewed by Diane Hudson - Dec. 08 Walking into the Miss Portland Diner catches you off guard if you’re expecting nostalgia alone from this 59-year-old lady. Our first impression...

November 2008

Vignola

Italian for Beginners… …and experts, too! Vignola charms on Dana Street. review by Diane Hudson - Nov. 2008 Vignola, the northern Italian sensation that’s a sister to award-winning Cinque Terre, glows in the heart of the Old Port, with festive wine-bottle chandeliers,...

October 2008

The Grill Room

reviewed by Diane Hudson Oct 2008 License to Grill Imagine–an F. Parker Reidy’s for the 21st century. Discriminating diners in love with Chef Harding Smith’s first venture, The Front Room, are now also lining up at his staggeringly successful new restaurant, The Grill...