@BobfromRIinVA,
Thanks for the kind words! Oh, I can’t eat like that every night. I have no idea how reviewers do it!
When I’ve gone up to Portland or other areas in Maine solo, I’m generally looking for things that are more unique to that area + willing to spend more than I usually would, since I’m on vacation. So certain kinds of food that are more commonly available in my area such as Italian (Leeward), BBQ (Terlingua), Chinese, Mexican I am avoiding. I also do a lot of walking, drinking water, etc.
Also, I’m usually in the Old Port area when I’m in Portland, so my eatings have trended towards that area.
I have posted other Portland area places before such as Chaval, Little Giant, Scales
Scales has rightly received a lot of praise, but I can’t rave enough about Chaval. I wanted to go back my last time there, but didn’t have enough time. Some Little Giant people are now at Regards (on Congress St.)
I’ve also posted here about a lot of places in the area:
There is an article about Erica’s in a recent Press Herald:
I’ve been to Erica’s twice, and the people who work there were very nice and accomodating. Although it was busy, it wasn’t jam packed like many of the other lobster pounds. I completely understand why locals would only come here to get the lobster and bring it home to cook, rather than eating here.
Other notes about past trips to Portland:
I’m spoiled by New York area bagels, so the ones at Forage and Scratch didn’t blow me away.
I’m also not knocked out by Holy Donut. I had a couple donuts at the place on Congress Street on the west side of 295 (Tony’s?) and was happy with those.
I’ve had Beal’s ice cream, which is fine, but I never get anything else there besides Gorgeous Gelato. The only better gelato I’ve had was in Italy. I have no idea how their Boston outpost is.
I did get a quick scallop roll at Pai Men Miyake, which was incredible - broiled, I think, on top of the roll, and practically melted in my mouth. I also had the lobster buns, both of which were done well - very doughy bun, properly cooked lobster - but together, it didn’t knock me over. However, I would try anything at either Miyake restaurant.
More thoughts in a bit.
