David's Restaurant, in Monument Square (Portland, Maine), has historically been my "go-to" place for drinks and dinner.   I felt comfortable sitting at the bar, knew the people that worked there, and had a good meal most times I went there.   I think that might be over now, mostly for reasons that have little to do with food.

Havana South (50 Wharf Street, Portland, Maine) name sounds Cuban, but is far from it.  Growing up in Miami, I ate my share of Cuban food; I assure you that Maine lobster was never on the table.  Havana South is an American restaurant fused with Latin flare.  The menu includes steak, gnocchi, and seafood that is more local than the name suggests.

Nosh Kitchen Bar (located at 551 Congress Street, Portland, Maine) has a new menu and it looks great.  Whether the head chef has the good ideas, or the recent popularity from "Man vs. Food" is raising ambitions, or they listen to bloggers - the new menu looks fantastic.

Bar Lola (located at 100 Congress St. - Munjoy Hill) jumped to one of my favorite restaurants based on my Maine Restaurant Week visit.   My first, and only, experience with Bar Lola  several months ago left me largely disappointed.  I am happy to say that the previous time had to have been a fluke, because Bar Lola performed exquisitely last night.

Nosh Kitchen Bar (located at 551 Congress Street, Portland, Maine) is - hands down - one of the best new restaurants to open in Portland. The blogosphere has been raving about Nosh for quite a while; perhaps my rant will have its place. In the past ten days I have been to Nosh three times; ironically my first impression was that I would not be coming back.

The Grill Room (located at 84 Exchange Street Portland) is a meat house not to be missed.  My last visit, also my first, was just a few weeks ago.  During that food binge I decided to visit all three of Harding Lee Smith's restaurants in Portland.

The Front Room Restaurant & Bar (located at 73 Congress Street,  Portland, ME) is a restaurant I should have visited long ago.  This website is not designed to review all restaurants, only some that deserve special attention - the Front Room should have been one of them.  Although, I must admit, I wanted to burn all the clothes I wore that day - the smells of the restaurant penetrated every fiber - the food was fantastic and the menu ambitious.

David's Restaurant, in Monument Square (Portland, Maine), is a place I have visited many times. By now, I have have tasted every item on the menu;  and the ones that disappeared as well.   David's continues to be a place I will always consider, especially after last week's meal. 

Caiola's Restaurant, located at 58 Pine Street, Portland, ME (West End), is currently one of my favorite restaurants in Portland.  Caiola's is all about well prepared food, made with fresh local ingredients, a simple yet exciting menu, reasonable wine selection, and a friendly and busy atmosphere.  It is the kind of restaurant where I can celebrate the end of a busy week, or a special occasion, a dinner with friends, or a place where I can impress my clients.

It has been a few weeks since my last visit to Street & Company restaurant in the Old Port; I am glad we went out there tonight.   Street & Company, in my opinion, is one of the absolute best restaurants in Portland, Maine; much of it has to do with the quality and consistency of their food & service.

David's Restaurant, in Monument Square (Portland, Maine), is one of my favorite places to eat year round;  it's difficult to say why.    Their menu is far from seasonal, their atmosphere is a hit-or-miss,  and my favorite bar tender just left.  Food is often good, but not always great, and service can be sub-par on occasion.  Moreover, their menu has remained relatively static over the years, which by itself is not a problem, except that the restaurant appears to be on a roller-coaster some months.