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,...

TUSCAN HOLIDAY Grissini adds zest, romance, and warmth to the Kennebunks. reviewed by Diane Hudson Dec 07 Lingering over multiple courses at Grissini Italian Bistro is the kind of relaxed seduction that brings out the best of a starry December night. Enticed by the...

Sonnets from the Portuguese The new Local 188: Bohemian joie de vivre, Catalonian gusto. reviews by Diane Hudson Nov 2007 Bigger is resoundingly better, especially where popular eateries serving lusty Catalonian cuisine are concerned. Pulsing with energy and filled...

reviewed by Diane Hudson Oct. 2007 “Wood-fired pizza in the West End! Why didn’t I think of that?” Bonobo–not your typical animal, not your typical pizza place. Named for the much-researched and beloved peace-loving member of the ape family, this new stop on the...

reviewed by Diane Hudson July/Aug 2007 We’re hooked on Stripers, the starry waterside restaurant at the Breakwater Inn and Spa in Kennebunkport. Seated at an elegant table overlooking the mouth of the Kennebunk River, we watch all the yachts, lobster boats, Secret...

reviewed by Diane Hudson SummerGuide 2007 A transformed Walter’s wows tourists and Old Port denizens. Sometimes you forget to visit the restaurants you walk by almost daily. They seem so invisible, or something that “others” (like tourists) frequent. And then someone...