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.

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.

El Rayo Taqueria (Portland, Maine) has been an easy choice for a mid-week meal.  Location, simple parking, good beer, and a relaxing atmosphere are certainly part of that decision.  They have had their ups and downs and now - possibly - El Rayo has attained some level of stability.  Not great, but at least a solid option for a meal.

The Merry Table Creperie, on 43 Wharf Street, is an example of how wonderful Portland Maine is for foodies.  Authentic French crepes, french owners, and wine.

The first time I visited the Merry Table was a few months ago, almost a year after it opened.  Many of my friends have said it was fantastic, but somehow I always missed it.  I regret it now because it instantly became a place take it easy and enjoy something special.  It is a restaurant where not only do experience well made food, but the atmosphere helps you enjoy every bite of it.  Relaxed, friendly, warm, and delicious.

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. 

El Rayo Taqueria (Portland, Maine) has been an easy choice for a mid-week meal.  Location, simple parking, good beer, and a relaxing atmosphere are certainly part of that decision.  However, I go there to eat good food - and after this visit I might just have to stop.  Last week the food was borderline revolting.

On my last visit to El Rayo Taqueria (Portland, Maine) I was greeted by a host.  El Rayo Taqueria began trying to convert to standard table service.   I suppose this was somewhat understandable, as the restaurant was busy.  Unfortunately,  you could tell that their attempts at reversing entropy were futile when a beer-order placed at the counter had a 5 minute wait, and required the delivery by a waitress...

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.

My first visit to El Rayo Taqueria was during the 2009 Old Port Festival (Portland, Maine).  As usual, I heard about this place by word of mouth, the reviews were so great that I simply had to see it for myself.   Turns out El Rayo Taqueria was in its infant stages - open for just over a week - when I finally arrived.  El Rayo Taqueria is a converted gas station, but the size of the building is mis-leading as the dining area is much smaller than expected.  On that Sunday the inside tables and the picnic tables outside were so packed that I ended having to sit out on a park-bench.