So much for my intention to blog more regularly. After a
year of going to Portland, ME once a week on business I have very few posts
about the hotels, restaurants and people I’ve encountered. But recently I’ve been
motivated by requests for recommendations, so I’ll try to catch up on the year. It will take a few post, but here goes, starting with my favorites…

Central Provisions: Discovered this place in May 2014,
not knowing it had opened the month before, and it soon became one of my favorites.
‘Small plates’ are delicious and
inventive, and some are rich enough to feel like a big plate. The craft
cocktails are thoughtfully prepared – and sitting at the bar is a show in
itself. The bar is great for solo travelers, though it fills up quickly.

Eve’s Garden: This is the restaurant at the Portland Harbor Hotel. I’ve only had bar food – fish tacos, lobster roll, grilled Caesar salad, empanadas – but it was all excellent. I’m betting the regular menu is delicious too. Hoping to actually eat in the garden one day.

Eve’s Garden at the Portland Harbor Hotel

Walters: I’ve never seen this show up in any ‘best of’ or
‘top’ lists, but it’s one of my top 10. I hear
both meat and fish dishes are great, but I can only attest to the fish – outstanding.  As a solo traveler I prefer the small tables that
cozy up to a wall or room divider.  But everyone
at the bar looks like they’re having fun.

Local 188: On Congress Street in the funkier, artsy part
of town.  I had dinner after attending a
Fringe Festival event. Loved my meal (cioppino) and also the atmosphere – fun
and lively yet comfortable for a solo traveler.