reviewed by Diane Hudson April 2009 Bella Notte The zing’s the thing: At Paciarino, a Milanese couple adds unforgettable sauce to the Old Port mix. Milan in Maine? It’s the dream of Fabiana de Savino and Enrico Barbiero, the husband and wife chef/owners of Paciarino,...

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,...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Reviewed by Diane Hudson Sept 2008 Emilitsa is not simply ‘the new Greek restaurant in Portland.’ It is the most exciting new dining establishment of any kind here, and it happens to be Greek. Sleek, urban, and altogether warm, Emilitsa–named for owner John Regas’s...

Rare Medium, Well Done Stake your claim–or claim your steak–at the newest hot spot at Wells Beach. reviewed by Diane Hudson - SumerGuide 2008 Lots of places call themselves “steakhouses,” but Wells Beach Steakhouse gives even the famous chain of Ruth’s Chris Steak...

reviewed by Diane Hudson May 2008 Good Food Bar None Bar Lola is a knockout in the East End. Seated at the crest of Munjoy Hill as Congress Street plunges toward the Eastern Prom, Bar Lola, the newest of the new up here, is delighting crowds of excited diners. We just...

Maine Street Surprise Popular Henry and Marty’s is a three-dimensional happening. reviewed by Diane Hudson - April 2008 A line of diners waits outside of Henry and Marty, a favorite Brunswick eatery since 1998 (now owned by Aaron Park–former chef/owner of the West...

Reviewed by Diane Hudson Feb/Mar 2008 Chef James Tranchemontagne of Uffa! fame revels in a neighborhood dining scene, so, when he moved to Westbrook, he packed up his popular Portland restaurant and took it with him. Transforming Chicky’s Fine Diner nightclub on...

Wait a minute. That really does taste like chicken! reviewed by Diane Hudson - WinterGuide 2008 Newly opened Green Elephant, with sensational vegetarian specialties, is likely to generate a mammoth supply of greenbacks for its enterprising and engaging young owners,...