By Sarah Mastrian
Lobster is king in Maine, but local chefs have much more to offer.
The city of Portland, Maine, combines the conveniences and culture of a large city with the charm and relaxed atmosphere of a small town. Spend the morning experiencing the life of a lobster man aboard the Lucky Catch, followed by an afternoon of browsing the boutiques and antique shops at Portland's Old Port. End your evening with a show at Portland Stage. Of course, no visit to Portland is complete without a stop at one of its award-winning restaurants.
Five Fifty-Five
The restaurant presents New American cuisine in courses billed as "plates." From the initial Small plate, you can progress through Green, Savory, Cheese, and finally, a Sweet plate. Memorable dishes include the Truffled Lobster Mac and Cheese, which will leave you wondering why all macaroni and cheese dishes aren't served with shaved truffle and fresh shucked Maine lobster. The brunch menu features the Chicken or the Egg dish, a crispy chicken confit and a fried egg with an anchovy-parsley emulsion.
Five Fifty-Five
555 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101-3308
(207) 761-0555
fivefifty-five.com
Pom's Thai Taste Restaurant & Noodle House
Pom's Thai was voted Best Thai by the Portland Phoenix in 2009. Pom's specializes in fresh, authentic Thai cuisine. It offers an extensive menu of appetizers, soups, salads, fish specials, curries, noodle dishes, fried rice, vegetarian items and desserts. Pom's Thai Taste Restaurant & Noodle House also offers sushi. The flavors of Maine and Thailand come together with dishes like Crab Meat Pad Thai and the house specialty of lightly battered lobster tails served with your choice of Thai orange, basil, yellow curry, ginger or three flavors sauce.
Pom's Thai Taste Restaurant & Noodle House
571 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-6999
thaitastemaine.com
Street & Co.
Readers of "The Portland Phoenix" consistently rank Street & Co. as the best seafood restaurant in the city. Street & Co. serves the best local sea fare in a rustic, Mediterranean fashion. Each dish is simply prepared to honor every flavor, no matter how subtle. In addition to a delectable list of appetizers and salads, you'll find daily seafood selections prepared with linguini, grilled, blackened or broiled.
Street & Co.
33 Wharf St.
Portland, ME 04101-4145
(207) 775-0887
streetandcompany.net
Resources
About the Author:
Sarah Mastrian has been writing and editing since 2003. In addition to writing for a variety of lifestyle and travel websites, Mastrian has an extensive background in developing marketing and public relations materials, and editing non-fiction books. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, and Master of Education in sport management and marketing from the University of Minnesota.
Photo Credits:
lobster image by jedphoto from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
