Letters

list of the 87 Round Tablers. Quite a misnomer, that, for I never encountered such a group of elitist squares.

Portland Monthly really indecently exposed itself in this sorry selection.

Consider, less than a quarter of your 'Portland's 400' are women, while surely close to half could be termed wealthy. And that's only for openers. You left out 'intriguing,' perky Jan Fox; and even perkier Kim Block. Too, conspicuous for their absences are representatives of: the black leadership, such as Gerald Talbot and Neville Knowles; the dramatic arts, such as The Portland Players and The Portland Stage Company; serious writers of published books of historical non-fiction such as Bob Niss ("Faces Of Maine"), Mason Philip Smith ("Confederates Dowheast"), and (oh, well, grudgingly) that Caldwell fellow. He comes from away.

Where are the moral leaders of the community, such -as Bishop O'Leary, Rabbi Sky, and the agreeably ubiquitous Reverend Richard Hasty who has gone to the mat for every liberal cause since day one?

Almost deviantly attracted to CEO's of financial institutions, development companies, and publications, you in- . clude John Murphy, yet exclude his influential editorialists and thoughtprovokers Don Hansen and Jim Brunelle.

Never, ever would they nauseate their readership with CAPITALIZED CELEBRITIES. And where oh where are Channel 6's Fred Nutter, and Channell 0's Angus King? The emperor reaJly turned the spotlight on his nudity, however, when he failed to include those unsung community activists: Jim Oliver of the People's Building; Alan Caron of Munjoy Hill; Nat Shedd of the Foster Grandparents Program; Neva Cram _ot Ingraham Volunteers; Sheriff Marty 10yce, who houses the homeless every frigid night in his gym; and the folks who run the Preble Street Chapel food kitchen.

Good heavens, where did you ever get such money-grubbing values as those you display?

Even further, you drag out every politician who ever ran for office, even dusting off dear old honest Maggie Smith in an attempt to dignify your travesty, yet you neglect one who has more experience as a political candidate than all the rest put together: Walter Kozineski. For shame! I can hear him intoning it now: For shame!

You include Joan Benoit because she runs well; Louise Gendron because she realtors well; and Penny Carson because she IPE's well. Yet you neglect Pam Plumb, Esther Clenott, Cheryl Leeman, and Linda A bromson, though they govern superbly.

And where's Tim Honey, who knows where the bodies are buried, yet didn't bury them ? You include Henry Stupinski of Bath Iron Works in Portland, yet fail to invite fellow Mainer Caspar Weinberger, who could give Henry some more juicy ship rehab contracts over franks 'n beans. And where is Bob Dole's next Vice President, Mainer George Bush?

And finally, if you think for a moment that the real reason that I wrote this diatribe is because I'm miffed that I'm not one of the chosen 87, why of course, you're absolutely right! Spell that in capitals: ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!

Philip Jenkins Portland

Absolutely Right Redux

To The Editor:

Just the other day I mailed a letter to the editor to Portland Monthly.

My letter was scathingly critical of your article titled "Introducing The State's Newest Tradition," on pages 32-33 of the February 1987 issue.

However, there were three errors in that letter that I would like you to correct before you publish my letter. 1. Eliminate the reference to the claimed failure to include "representatives of the dramatic arts" (because a careful re-reading of the article reveals that there is indeed such representation). 2. In the sentence ending "group of elitist squares," change this to read: "group, in good measure, of elitist squares" (because not everyone in your list is an elitist square). 3. Eliminate the reference to Joan Benoit (because Joan Benoit doesn't merely run "well," she runs superbly).

Despite these corrections, I think my letter really tells it like it is.

Remember, it is a superior publication that can print criticism of itself; just as it is the superior reader who continues his subscription despite his extreme distaste for an article in that publication. Don't you agree? Philip Jenkins Portland

Balanced Viewpoint

To The Editor:

I was just getting turned on to Portland Monthly -literate, balanced viewpoints and not provincial - when the February issue arrived.

Of what possible benefit is it to your readers (whom you should be courting right now) to see the list of Portland's finest "habitues" who will gather for the state's newest tradition at the Portland Regency?

This can only serve to make the rest of us business people, volunteers, and active citizens feel a little less than important to you - as weJl as to the continuing development of Portland. I hate cliques! Grace Russell Hollis Center and Portland

Titular Nobility

To The Editor: .. .I don't doubt that you'JI sell22,000 copies ... with the influx of phony snobs currently infesting Portland and vicinity.

My God, what an obsequious, insipid piece of slick trash! The snobs will love it... .. .I hate to be the one to tell you bootlickers this, but in Section Nine of the Constitution there is a provision forbidding titular nobility in the U.S ... George Stratton Portland

A Good Laugh And Only $1.951

To The Editor:

I find your magazine laughable as it continues to pander to the handful of big money interests, developers, trendy yuppies, and other pseudo-intellectuals

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ENCLOSURES. that have converged on Portland in recent years and have attempted to tum the city into Boston-North. What makes Portland and the rest of Maine special are not the people you find in the Exchange Street bars on a Saturday night, but the proud, hard-working, non-pretentious individuals that domi· nate the population. Mainers aren't caught up on their ranking on some meaningless social stratum ... Why not try glorifying Portland and the people that have made it unique over the years, not the ones that are attempting to ruin it.

Gregory M. Betts Portland

Re: "Canada Via VIA," February 1987

To The Editor:

It was a real treat to read your article . on your rail passenger trip from Maine to Canada and return. It's a treasure that many Maine people fought to maintain.

VIA Rail is Canada's passenger rail network, a quasi-governmental corporation set up much like Amtrak in the U.S., and is not the passenger division of the Canadian and Pacific Railway. VIA Rail operates its trains over the Canadian Pacific, through Maine on its trip linking the Maritime Provinces and Montreal, and over the Canadian National railroad in other parts of the country.

An interesting trip is the Atlantic, from Brownville Jct. to Montreal on VIA Rail, then on to Amtrak's overnight Montrealer to New York, returning to Montreal on a daylight run up the Hudson River Valley and along lake Champlain on the New York - Montreal

The Adirondack Amtrak train, returning to Brownville Jc1. on the eastbound Atlantic.

Then, there is the VIA Rail Canadian, the transcontinental train between Montreal and Vancouver, British Columbia - the train in the photo you were given by Via Rail for your pages 12-13spread. It's a train-lover's delight, and it's reachable from that "picturesque littlepassenger train statio~ which Amtrak brochures have been politely neglecting to mentiOli'for years ... " The

print pieces put out by Amtrak don't mention Portland, Maine, either, and that's something worth investigating further.

In the meantime, we must remember h t "C d' . aI " .t a ana a s nation treasure IS Maine's, too. Ron Palmquist Cape Elizabeth

No Friend Of Ernest's

To The Editor:

Your February article on a littleknown travel system, "Canada Via VIA," was very enlightening considering you only had four columns to ride with. '

Your coverage of Montreal and Toronto (I was born and raised in Toronto, lived in Montreal for three years) would get- you 2 1/2 stars for perspicacity. But speaking of stars, giving the Toronto Daily Star to Hemingway will win you no accolades in that city, particularly at the Press Club. Canadians are touchy about things like this. My father, Wilfred H. Goodman, who was city editor at the time that Hemingway was a freelance reporter for the "Star," were he alive, would have much more scathing comment to offer, not to mention a few documentaries on dealing with Ernest.

Should you be planning a return trip to Toronto and the Press Club, you would be welcomed and possibly treated to some acerbic wit from some of the membership, including Brother Rod Goodman, an editor of the Star, "ombudsman," and president of the Press Club.

Willard Goodman

Peaks Island

Del icious Advertisement

To The Editor:

I am writing to congratulate you on your wonderful Portland Monthly magazine! Have found it delightful reading, and the photography is outstanding. Keep up the good work. You are providing the people of Maine with a magazine they can be most proud of.

While I am writing, I cannot resist telling you of the good fortune I had in answering one of your advertisements. Sent for two pounds of the peanut butter creme fudge from the Sweet Comfort ad (Mail Order Fudge by Suzanne). Do not know if you ordered any, but it is the most delicious fudge I have ever eaten. Th.ought you might be interested in this information about one of your advertisers. Have since ordered five pounds to be sent to my daughter in California. They make ideal gifts for me to send family and friends, as they come giftwrapped in beautiful pink tissue paper and box.

It is good to know we can buy such lovely products made right here in our State of Maine by local people.

Thanks again for Portland Monthly! Mrs. J. W. Bartlett Richmond

We Don't KnowWhat It Means, So We'll Print The Whole Thing

To The Editor: (Re: "God, The Devil, And Wilhelm Reich," February, 1987)

Willi Reich?

Part-time genius, possibly; full-time German - never!

Ritter von Leeb, a.d. (Nord)

At Schloss Los (Nr. Raus Haus) in the Maine Wald

Getting There From Here

To The Editor:

We findPortland Monthly very much to our liking, and that of our friends "from away" as well- though we feel a map of Portland and South Portland, with readable street names, in each issue would be a great asset.

Peggy Hunt

New Harbor Editor's note: Look for an entertaining map in our upcoming SUMMERGUIDE 1987.

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To The Editor:

Enjoyed the articles on the waterfront ("The Courtship Of Cunard Lines, Limited") by M. Reed Bergstein.

Mary E. Sigel

Boston

Spotl ight On Fritzi

To The Editor:

Fritzi Cohen - great as always (Spotlight, February 1987)! Keep up the good work.

Art Girard

Falmouth

-Continued from page 7

as fresh breads and pastries from upstairs. Local artists exhibit occasionally. Major credit cards. 775-0303. The Blue Moon. 425 Fore Street, Portland. Portland's new jazz club restaurant features Ie jazz hot -live - nightly as well as an entertaining dinner menu. A strong addition to Portland's nightlife. 871-0663. Boone's. Custom House Wharf, Portland. They've been serving an extraordinary range of seafood ~ince 1898. Portland memorabilia and antiques are displayed in the heavy. beamed dining room, and there are nightly specials in addition to the extensive menu. Lunch and dinner daily, all major credit cards. 774-5725. Bramhall Pub. 769 ~ongress Street, Portland. Soups and sandwiches in a pretty brick-walled setting beneath the Roma Cafe. 773-8329. Cafe Always. 47 Middle Street, Portland. One of Portland's newest restaurants. Features strong, ambitiou& menu and a romantic atmosphere. 774·9399. Cafe Comerbrook. Cornerbrook shopping plaza, opposite the Maine Mall, South Portland. The theatre kitchen serves up such specialties as sauteed soft-shell crab, philo pie, seafood and pasta salads. Quiches and soups are created daily; jazz bands play nightly. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Saturday and Sunday brunch. 772-3224. Camp Hammond. 74 Main Street, Yarmouth. Lunch and dinner are served in four rooms of a beautiful Victorian home. Veal and lamb are featured on a menu that changes weekly; steaks and seafood are great, too. Marble firepla· ces warm the rooms of this historic building, and conference space is available. Reservations suggested. 846·3895. Carbur's. 123 Middle Street, Portland. Carbur's is fun, from the menu to the antique advertisements, to the "Kit· chen Sink Club," a sandwich accompanied by a parade of the restaurant stafl. Although the menu features sand· wiches, soups and salads are homemade and inventive, too. Carbur's has a new banquet room with a special menu, and they have a prime rib special Thursday , Friday, and Satur· day nights. Lunch and dinner, major credit cards. 772·7794 . Cavanagh's. 154 Middle Street, Portland. Casual dining in the warm, comfortable atmosphere of a neighborhood pub. Breakfast menu includes full breakfast fare ($1.45 - $4.95) with daily breakfast specials ($1.99), Granola, fruit, yogurt, pancakes, french toast, and waffles. Lunch menu consists of hearty sandwiches ($2.45 - $4.95) served with choice of french fries, tossed salad, homemade soups, or fresh fruit when available. Delicious burgers and fried had·

dock sandwiches ($2.95) are staples. Dinner menu features seafood broiled or fried, fresh-cut steaks, and tender chicken. There is a full bar with "the most affordable prices in the Old Port (draft beer $1.10, domestic bottles $1.35, imported bottles $1.50)." Well drinks always $1.50, featuring their World Famous 14-oz. Margaritas, 14-oz Bloody Marys, and screwdrivers. Wine by the glass $1.25, 112 litre $2.50, litre $4.95. Fine bottled wines under $9. Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, featuring all appetizers 112 price, including nachos 4-ways, potato skins 4-ways, and seafood. Free popcorn and 25-cent hotdogs during TV sports events and Maine Mariners games. Breakfast, lunch, dinner 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., 7 days. Major credit cards. 772·8885. Channel Crossing. 23 Front Street, South Portland. An elegant restaurant with an elegant view of Portland from its perch on the water. Teriaki sirloin is a favorite, as is "Fresh Catch," the very freshest fish available each day. Lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch, major credit cards. 799-5552. Christopher's. 688 Forest Avenue, Portland. Greek wines can be had with the baked lamb in tomato sauce and other Greek specialties. Philo pies and stuffed grape le~ves lead crisply into the fresh baklava and other desserts. A relaxed, spacious restaurant. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sunday. Major credit cards. 772-6877.

, Deli One. 106 Exchange Street, Portland. Spinach and sausage pie, pasta, omelets, deli sandwiches are among the international attractions in this cozy place. The soups and chowders are intriguing as well. A sunny patio when season permits. Breakfast, lunch, cmd dinner. Sunday brunch. Art exhibits by local talent. MC,V. 772-7115. DiMillo's Floating Restaurant. Long Wharf, Portland. Unique floating restaurant has steaks, seafood, Italian cuisine, ribs, and, always, lobster. Fine wines, nightly chefs specials, and entertainment. Lunch and dinner daily. Sunday brunch. Major credit cards. 772·2216. Dock Fore. 336 Fore Street, Portland. Daily specials in this cozy Old Port setting include burgers, quiches, soups, chowders, fresh fish, steamers, and mussels. Lunch and dinner. 772-8619. EI Mirador. 50 Wharf Street, Portland. The true taste of Mexico comes to the Old Port. Direct from New York City, EI Mirador is one of Portland's newest and finest restaurant additions. Authentic Mexican recipes are created from the freshest ingredients daily. Dine in the Ixtapa, Chapultapec, or Veracruz Rooms. Linger over a margarita in our exciting Cantina. Outdoor dining seasonal on our Patio. Open for lunch and dinner. Call for reservations. 871-0050. F.Parker Reidy's. 83 Exchange Street, Portland. Great steaks, seafood, soups, and American favorites are staples at this popular restaurant, a favorite with Portland's law community. 77 3-4 731. The Galley. 215 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Located at Handy Boat Yard, The Galley offers a beautiful view of Clapboard and Chebeague Islands plus sleek racing yachts and an impressive, varied menu of seafood specialties. Cocktail lounge on upper deck. A must for the yachting set. 781:4262. Ga's. 20 Milk Street, Portland. The Portland Regency's lovely new restaurant downstairs. Casual and yet elegant. 774-4200. The Good Egg Cafe. 705 Congress Street, Portland. Breakfast is the specialty in this comfortable cafe. House favorites are the homemade hash, English muffins, and multi-grain pancakes. The egg variations are endless, and there are herbal teas and fresh ground coffees. Monthly exhibits by student artists. Weekdays 6-12, Saturday 7-2, Sunday 8-2. 773-0801. Gorham Station. 29 Elm Street, Gorham. A lovely fullservice restaurant in a restored railroad station. Steak and seafood, American favorites. 839-3354. The Great Lost Bear. 540 Forest Avenue, Portland. The exotic burgers, the friendly service, the etched glass, the hilarious menu make The Bear a special spot. There's also the award-winning chili, ribs, chicken, and steak, and of course, the homemade T oUHouse Cookie Pie. For summery days, there is a patio in Bearidise Alley, and for Sundays, a champagne brunch. Lunch and dinner 7 days served right to 11:30. 772·0300. • Close to the Golf Course on 20 acres of beautifully wooded land lies the new Fox Run Planned Unit Development. Almost 10 undeveloped acres are yours to enjoy. • Handsome, tradltlonally-deslgned exterior town homes with many contemporary features. Pleasing to every homeowner will be fully-eQuipped kitchens, sunken living rooms, walk-in closets, attached garages and large decks. Fireplaces, finished b~sements, and built-in microwave ovens are just a few of the options available. • Minutes from downtown Brunswick & 1-95,and just off the River Rd., your new home is easy to reach. • CMP'. "Good Cents" Home makes good sense. And your new home meets the high standards of the Good Cents program. • Prices begin at $71,900and pre-construction commitments are now being taken.

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