Restaurant Review

gelato, or a great bottle of wine. Now hosting wine tastings! theblacktieco.com, 756-6230 Clementine Restaurant located at 44 Maine Street in Brunswick. Chef-Owner Dana Robicheaw offers the culinary expertise that he acquired at Johnson and Wales and other Portland fine dining establishments. Clementine offers exquisite food and fine wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for a multi-course tasting menu for parties of two: $45 /person or $60/person with paired wines. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5-9 p.m. 721-9800, clementinemaine.com Cleonice Chef Richard Hanson presents the cuisine of the Mediterranean prepared from the finest local ingredients. Cleonice offers both delicious cuisine and affordable selections for lunch and dinner in the casually sophisticated atmosphere of the landmark Lucini Building. Nominated for the James Beard Award two years in a row. 112 Main Street in Ellsworth. Visit cleonice.com or call 664-7554. DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant offers the freshest lobster, seafood, Black Angus cuts of beef, Italian fare, and more. Located on Commercial Street in the Old Port, DiMillo’s offers fabulous water views of Portland Harbor from every table. Try our famous clam or haddock chowder, lobster stew, or one of our delicious salads. Serving from 11 a.m. Enjoy our famous Lobster Roll. Visit us at www.dimillos.com or call 772-2216. The Dogfish Bar & Grille, 128 Free Street, Portland, 772-5483, and The Dogfish Cafe, 953 Congress Street, Portland, 253-5400. “Great food, drink, and service in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere.” The Cafe (Monday-Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday Brunch) offers a more intimate setting while the Bar & Grille (open daily at 11:30 a.m.) offers live music WednesdaySaturday nights. For a real local feel, reasonable prices, and great food, check out either one or both! thedogfishcompany.com The Farmer’s Table American bistro supports the local farming and fishing community. Specialties include locally-raised Angus beef, fresh Maine lobster roll, “right-off-the-boat” beerbattered haddock, and fresh-roasted turkey club, all prepared by chef Jeff Landry. Open Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205 Commercial Street, Portland. 841-9114 Fish Bones American Grill is a casual upscale restaurant offering American cuisine with a multinational 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 historic Bates Mill complex, Fish Bones offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch. Come get hooked! fishbonesmaine.com, 333-3663 * G & R DiMillo’s Bayside 118 Preble Street, Portland. You’ll find a comfortable sports bar with excellent food! Catch the season’s most exciting games on multiple wide screen flat panel TVs. Featuring homemade pasta and bread, classic appetizers, soups, sandwiches, burgers; and

Lewiston’s snappy fish house is anything but run-of-the-mill. Lovely FishBones

Built in 1 0, Bates Mill is an architectural wonder of Maine, once drawing throngs of workers. Today, after a tasteful restoration of the comple , you still see lines of people here, but it’s largely crowds of diners heading for Mill No. and the bright lights of .

Restaurant owner Paul Landry says he and his wife, ate, opened this companion to their steak house across the river in Auburn “because we thought Lewiston needed a really good fish restaurant, concentrating on a more upscale culinary presentation.”

Landry also embraced the chance to take part in the Lewiston-Auburn renaissance.

Warmed and welcomed immediately upon entering, we passed through a lively bar lounge and plunged into a great deal one pound of succulent clams steamed with garlic, herbs, and Geary’s ale, for ust $9.

Ama ing. Served with ample clarified butter, bread, and a huge bowl of broth, there was enough for four of us to dip contentedly without coming close to depleting the supply.

Sharing more apps like the Maine lobster crepes $10 and tomato herb tart $ proved taste tantali ing and not too filling. The crepes, filled with asparagus, carameli ed onion, and Fontina cheese, are covered in tender lobster meat and truffle oil a hit with all, as was the tart a fine, flaky pastry baked with rich ricotta, basil, and vine-ripe tomatoes.

Ne t up, a classic Caesar salad, included with our entrees delighted all with lots of shaved Parmesan and the perfect amount of anchovies.

In spite of fish ruling here clam chowder is a must on the ne t visit, as well as linguine with clams, red or white sauce $1 I surrendered to the delicious “Land and Sea,” a filetstyle Angus sirloin served with grilled sea scallops and shrimp $21 . Served rare per my re uest, the meat was tender and tasty enough for the cut, and the garlic mashed potatoes and ample veggies, including carrots and broccoli, provided perfect background music. The large shrimp and scallops two of each topped it off nicely.

The fish and chips do not resemble any we’ve ever seen, the haddock served, towerlike, over garlic mash, baby spinach, and mushrooms, and topped with a few crispy potatoes $1 . My partner devoured the entire dish with gusto.

The swordfish one of us ordered $2 , a special of the day, was as good as it gets, fresh and flavorful, and a large portion as well.

Then, too, the plate of grilled sea scallops $20 accompanied by ample asparagus, a warm salsa of mango and cilantro, and a delightful green onion citrus couscous won kudos from all.

Thoroughly impressed, we couldn’t resist continuing the fun with a couple of fine desserts blueberry cobbler with homemade ice cream and chocolate ganache cake $ each .

Bottom line You can feast heartily at Fish Bones on a bare bones budget Net result? A great evening. ■

FISH BONES AMERICAN GRILL 70 Lincoln Street, Lewiston Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch (now till June) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3333663 or www.fishbonesag.com

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homemade, hand-tossed dough for fantastic pizza. Monday–Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday noon-8p.m. grdimillos.com, 699-5959 The Good Table lives by its motto, “honest food, honest prices” offering made-from-scratch meals with 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. 527 Ocean House Road on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth. [Check for seasonal hours] thegoodtablerestaurant.net, 799-4663 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, and 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 In Good Company offers an Old World atmosphere of unhurried dining, coupled with a compelling wine selection and limited bar. The ever-changing menu of light tapas to full entrees utilizes locally-produced cheeses, sausages, meats, wild-harvested seafood, mushrooms, and greens. The daily dessert offerings are decadent yet sublime. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 4:30. 415 Main Street, Rockland. ingoodcompanymaine.com, 593-9110

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, 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. No reservations required for shopping. 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 * KON Asian Bistro and Hibachi Bar is inspired by the senses. Décor and music will invigorate the international essence of taking you to a different land. Thursday–Sunday evening a DJ will transform the bar into an Asian night club. Experience the world-class New York chefs prepare you a fresh, succulent dish. 1140 Brighton Avenue, Portland. konasianbistro.com, 874-0000

Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll

is coming to Portland! The new location on Exchange Street will include the sweetest Maine lobster with the company of a full-service bar. Using a ¼ pound of Maine lobster fresh from her own wharves and adding her special mix of herbs earns it the right to be called “Perfect.” lindabeansperfectmaine.com Lotus Chinese and Japanese Restaurant, 251 U.S. Route 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

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants & Watering

Hole! Two locations in Portland, others in Lewiston, Augusta, Orono, and Portsmouth. Always free hot chips & salsa, legendary margaritas, & the house specialty, the sizzling fajita. Happy hour MondayFriday, 4-7 p.m., free hot appetizers. In Portland at 242 St. John Street, Union Station Plaza, 874-6444, and 11 Brown Street near the Civic Center, 7749398. 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 Mia’s at Pepperell Square, located in Saco’s historic Pepperell Square, serves seasonal American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Mia’s features a full bar and a wine list expertly matched to our menu. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mia’s also offers a $24 three-course menu Sunday through Wednesday and monthly five-course wine dinners for $55. miasatpepperellsquare.com, 284-6427 Miss Portland Diner Visit the famous 1949 Worcester diner car #818, an architectural landmark in Portland. Back in operation and serving all the diner classics, Miss Portland is open for breakfast and lunch Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and MondayTuesday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Wednesday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located at 140 Marginal Way in Portland. missportlanddiner.com, 210-6673 Moussé Cafe & Bakeshop located in Monument Square serves breakfast and lunch all day and features a weekend brunch. Casual atmosphere with a full bakery, homemade ice cream, and outside dining on the patio. Favorites include huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, scones, herb focaccia paninis, and award-winning turkey meatloaf sandwich. Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. One Monument Way, Portland, 822-9955 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

atmos phere will entice you to stay. Flatbread pizza after 4 p.m. and pesto chicken, roast beef, wild bison meat loaf, wild Alaskan salmon, and many vege tarian items–something for everyone. Falmouth, 781-8889 One Dock o ers creative, contemporary, New England Cuisine and traditional Maine favorites in a relaxed setting overlooking the Kennebunk River.The menu o ers “small plates”such as duck spring rolls, atbread signature pizzas, pan-seared scallops in a maple glaze, and the lobster and chipotle cheddar macaroni & cheese, which are proving to be fan favorites.Wednesday-Saturday 6-9 p.m. 967-2621 or onedock.com 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 papayakingme.com, 899-0600 The Pepperclub is a prize-winning restaurant (“Best Vege tarian” & “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 Pier 77 and The Ramp Bar and Grill are owned and managed by Kate and Chef Peter Morency. Pier 77 has a formal dining room with stunning views of Cape Porpoise Harbor and live music each weekend, while The Ramp is more casual, with its own bar menu at hard-to-beat prices. pier77restaurant.com has all the details. 967-8500 *

Pom’s Thai Taste Restaurant, Noodle House,

and Sushi Bar at 571 Congress Street in Portland, 772-7999, voted “The Best of Portland ‘09” by Phoenix readers. Featuring vegetarian, wheatfree, kid’s menu, 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 Saeng Thai House serves authentic Thai food at two locations in Portland. With an upbeat tempo and tantalizing dishes, zesty flavor awaits you. Entrees include house specialty seafood choo chee, pad Thai, ginger fish, and much more. Eat in, take out or delivery available. 267 St. John Street in Portland, 773-8988, or Saeng Thai House 2 at 921 Congress Street, 780-0900. The Salt Exchange American-style tapas using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Extensive beer and wine list. Wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. include complimentary canapés. Open for lunch 12-2:30 p.m., and dinner Monday–Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m. Lounge open for “The Hours” Monday-Saturday 5-7 p.m. Includes heavily discounted beers, martinis, and sangria with discounted appetizers. 245 Commercial Street, Portland. thesaltexchange.net, 347-5687 SeaGrass Bistro, 30 Forest Falls Drive, Yarmouth, an inti mate 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. Music while you dine Thursdays in October & December. Open Wed nesday-Saturday for dinner, reservations starting at 6 p.m. For cooking class information: seagrassbistro.com, 846-3885 * Twenty Milk Street, in the Portland Regency Hotel, serves U.S.D.A. prime and choice steaks and the freshest seafood, combining awardwinning 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 Varano’s Italian Restaurant–food so good, you may never cook again. Featuring stunning views of the coast and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Varano’s serves the best Italian food north of Boston. The menu offers signature Italian dishes and special family recipes, and the comprehensive all-Italian wine list is a Wine Spectator award recipient since 2002. 60 Mile Road, Wells. varanos.com, 641-8550 Verrillo’s features a variety of fresh seafood and shellfish along with choice steaks and chicken dishes. Moderately priced with emphasis on quality, service, and value. If it’s not fresh, it’s not here! Open Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 155 Riverside Street, Portland. verrillos.com, 775-6536 Walter’s eclectic menu changes seasonally with popular blackboard specials. The best in casual fine dining, featuring cuisine with international influences. Bar manager Steve Lovenguth’s wine list complements chef Jeff Buerhaus’s menu selections. Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; dinner from 5 p.m. Look for us in our new location, 2 Portland Square. Coming Soon! walterscafe.com, 871-9258

Wells Beach Steakhouse and T-Bone Lounge

serves prime and all-natural steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious salads, featuring Kobe sirloin steaks, set in a plush atmosphere. Enjoy a selection from the highly allocated new world wine list, or a signature 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, 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

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