159588 Sun Aug 24 14:45:28 -0700 2003 10 13 New England 0 856880 I have heard only the best about fore street in portland, maine. What are some menu recommendations, and what are some other restaurants to try? Sun Aug 24 14:45:28 -0700 2003 0 Mr. Tamale 1 856881 You HAVE to get the mussels as an appetizer. The best I've ever had. Sun Aug 24 17:32:52 -0700 2003 856880 0 Shaebones 2 856900 I will pass on Fore Street. Many better... (less attitude) places in the area. When we visit, the closest we get to Fore Street is the Standard Baking Company. Mon Aug 25 12:51:03 -0700 2003 856881 0 wb 3 856918 We got very little attitude sauntering scuzzily into the bar at 9:30 pm on a Thursday night -- Allagash White was nice, as were grilled sardines, a little crab w/ lobster sauce salady dish, and an antipasto plate (except for some strangely tasteless artichoke hearts). I would most certainly go back (though there seem to be plenty of other great places to try in Portland). Mon Aug 25 21:04:43 -0700 2003 856900 0 b grubbs 1 856883 I second the mussels. I can't go there and not get them. Much of the menu changes seasonally, but the mussels always seem to be there, thank goodness. Sun Aug 24 20:47:07 -0700 2003 856880 0 suzyb 1 856884 I agree on the mussels, but try anything with any of the wild mushrooms they have on hand that evening. Also for a main course the oven roasted whole fish is wonderful. For dessert, I would recommend the handmade chocolates. Sun Aug 24 22:36:40 -0700 2003 856880 0 ec 1 856894 They had a house salad with thumb-width asparagus and shaved parmesan (or pecorino) that was amazing-- don't know if it's in season. The lamb entree (island-raised lamb, you could taste the herbs and grasses they had fed on) and the truly enormous pork tenderloin serving were both excellent. Mon Aug 25 10:24:43 -0700 2003 856880 0 Erika 1 856895 Great restaurant however and it may have just been a couple of off nights the food wasn't up to par the last couple of times we went. Other suggestions: Micheala's (Braised Rabbit Casseolet!) Back Bay Grill (Sweet breads, and Lamb!) Both OUTSTANDING! Mon Aug 25 10:57:36 -0700 2003 856880 0 Oceanpt 1 856915 After dining around Portland for awhile this year,I find myself returning to Michaela's to try something else from the menu,each time I leave with a new favorite.It is quite a different cuisine experience than Portland has had to offer.They just recieved a nice write up in Downeast magazine [Sept. issue]It's obvious the Chef is serious about what they do there! I love Larry's more classic cooking style at Back Bay Grill and Hugos is also class cooking with a nouvelle touch.I like Sreet & Co.too! Mon Aug 25 19:36:26 -0700 2003 856880 0 IRV 1 856933 I was just there on Sunday. the highlights of our meal were the mussels, the lobster BLT with really smoky bacon and the hangar steak served with perfect roasted tomatoes and olives. All the desserts, particularly the pot de creme, were top notch. Tue Aug 26 10:16:28 -0700 2003 856880 0 Bronx Bill 1 856974 I can attest to the mussels, if it's the version I had a couple of years ago, smothered in garlic and olive oil and roasted in a wood-fired brick oven...yummm. But I think Fore St gets too much attention. The place is overhyped, and I continually hear stories from people who felt they were unpleasantly dealing with annoying pretentious waitstaff. There are so many other great places to go in Portland that will treat you like royalty and provide you with awesome food! Give the underdog a chance. Michaelas, Hugos, and the newest entry in the Portland culinary scene, Five Fifty-five (http://www.fivefifty-five.com), which has some really creative offerings all pretty much under the $20 mark, with excellent service. From what I've heard the chef only uses local ingredients, and you'll see him every Wednesday buying produce for the restaurant at the local farmers market in Monument Square. Wed Aug 27 23:56:25 -0700 2003 856880 0 Sassafras