A-LIST-January 2012

By Sophie Nelson

Illustration by Kris

01 555
Reserve a two-top along the second-floor railing and treat yourself and your loved one to a most incredible dining experience. Creative comfort food enjoyed in low light above a bustling kitchen that isn’t yours—what’s not to love?
555 Congress St. | Portland | fivefifty-five.com

02 Arrows Restaurant
An experience dining at Arrows begins with a drive down a classic country road. On entering the garden-filled grounds, moods lift and time slows down. This is a dining experience you’ll be happy to extend.
41 Berwick Rd. | Cape Neddick | arrowsrestaurant.com

03 Bresca
Tiny. Intimate. Low lit. Chef Krista Kern Desjarlais serves foods inspired by her Baltic and Scandinavian heritage: grated egg noodles, goulash, smoked meats. Shake the snow off your coat, warm up, and eat up.
111 Middle St. | Portland | restaurantbresca.com

04 Earth
Whether seated outside beside a roaring bonfire or within Earth’s walls made of balsam and birch trees, you will meet with the calming sounds and fresh tastes of nature. Indulge in local iced oysters and cocktails mixed with just-picked herbs and flowers.
354 Goose Rocks Rd. | Kennebunkport | hiddenpondmaine.com/earth

05 Emilitsa
Co-owners and brothers John and Chef Deno Regas bring their Mediterranean mother’s masterpieces to a whole new level at Emilitsa—boldly flavored Greek dishes inspire love for all.
547 Congress St. | Portland | emilitsa.com

06 Francine Bistro
Francine Bistro is for the set that enjoys a cozy, lively, music-filled space. In the dining room’s buttery glow, delight in warm lobster salad with faro greens and squash or pizza with sauerkraut, smoked pork, local cheese, and mustard aioli.
55 Chestnut St. | Camden | francinebistro.com

07 Havana
This seasonal restaurant offers incredible service and a fresh, fun environment. Split a bottle of wine, a paella appetizer, and a plate of delicious grilled meat with your loved one. Lucky you: you’re on Mount Desert Island.
318 Main St. | Bar Harbor | havanamaine.com

08 Hugo’s

Hugo’s offers contemporary cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Order several plates because each sublime bite inspires conversation. If you find yourself at a temporary loss for words, wait. Revel in it. Adjectives will soon come to you.
88 Middle St. | Portland | hugos.net

09 Miyake

To share a dinner in Miyake’s clean and cool dining room is to share in an unforgettable experience of tastes and textures. We recommend you share a bottle of cold, winter-fresh sake and submit to the omakase, or “chef’s choice” option.
468 Fore St. | Portland | miyakerestaurants.com

10 Natalie’s

After enjoying a wonderful meal in Natalie’s red and white dining room salted with glassware and overlooking Penobscot Bay, string romance along for the night and stay over at the world-class Camden Harbour Inn.
83 Bayview St. | Camden | nataliesrestaurant.com

11 Primo

In a farmhouse on a hill in Rockland—complete with nooks and crannies and vaulted ceilings—relish Mediterranean tastes with Chef Melissa Kelly’s signature twists.
2 South Main St. | Rockland | primorestaurant.com

12 The White Barn Inn

In the wintertime, the evergreens seen through the windows are wrapped in lights. Piano music fills the air, and candlelight reflects off warm, rich wood. For Valentine’s Day, the Inn serves quail breast and foie gras, with scallops as an appetizer.
37 Beach Ave. | Kennebunk Beach | whitebarninn.com