457174 Sun Nov 04 14:26:14 -0800 2007 14 13 New England 0 3094314 Just found out my family and I have to be in Portland for one night. Wanted to take everyone to Fore Street, where I have had several outstanding meals, but they have no tables. What would be your #2 choice behind Fore Street (that's assuming it would be your #1, which may be a rash assumption). Sun Nov 04 14:26:14 -0800 2007 102643 MercerChow 1 3094572 Street and Co. -- While I've never been to Fore Street myself, from what others have said about it, it sounds that the rude waitstaff at Fore Street would put me off. The seafood at Street and Co. is really, really good. Scallops cooked to perfection! Sun Nov 04 16:20:26 -0800 2007 3094314 25708 Keithel 1 3094626 555 is just about as good as Fore st. Sun Nov 04 16:40:26 -0800 2007 3094314 106255 chazzerking 1 3095489 Five Fifty Five is far superior to Fore Street. Equally fresh, quality ingredients but prepared with greater creatively. Their execution is flawless. I have a review on my blog if you'd like greater detail. If you have trouble getting into Five Fifty Five, I would try Bresca or Hugo's (in that order). Erin blog.typeadiversions.com Mon Nov 05 04:56:40 -0800 2007 3094314 120841 TypeA 1 3095609 Hugo's has great crafted food. Mon Nov 05 06:22:06 -0800 2007 3094314 133355 jspear 1 3096976 If you go to Street and Co. be sure to ask for a table in the "second" dining room. The "first" has the kitchen at one end of it and the tables are close together. Very noisey! Oh, and the last time I was there they served the food in a frying pan. I guess they thought it was charming. I thought it was tacky. I would recommend Caiola's on Pine St. Good food, nice people. Mon Nov 05 11:58:15 -0800 2007 3094314 136446 ellieeggplant 2 3096991 When I was there (August I think?), the food was indeed served in a frying pan. I'd agree that it isn't very elegant, though the quality of the food and waitress service more than make up for it IMO. Mon Nov 05 12:02:08 -0800 2007 3096976 25708 Keithel 3 3098031 Keithel: since when is Street & Co elegant? They have excellent product and I look forward eating their sole in a frying pan. It also keeps the fish hot a lot longer. I love the frying pan effect. Mon Nov 05 16:24:57 -0800 2007 3096991 10302 irwin 2 3099172 In my experience at Street & Co., everything served in a frying pan is outstanding, and everything served on a plate is dull. I always ask to be sure that my dish comes in a frying pan. Tue Nov 06 06:20:39 -0800 2007 3096976 70775 sciencediet 3 3099298 Even since seeing the "dish in a frying pan" at the No Name in Boston almost twenty years ago, I always loved it for what it is. Non-stuffy, fun and it certainly keeps the food hotter than a plate. Dana Street, from Boston, brought this to St and Co., what is it now, almost 20 years ago. Timely then, charming now, and standard for many. Tue Nov 06 07:00:22 -0800 2007 3099172 13480 Noreaster 4 3101071 Well, it sure does keep things hot, though I was concerned with burning myself. Certainly tasty! Tue Nov 06 13:52:34 -0800 2007 3099298 25708 Keithel 1 3099558 I second Caiola's in the West End for a great dining experience. The food is great and the service is warm and welcoming. Tue Nov 06 08:08:05 -0800 2007 3094314 128533 StevensAve 2 3101129 In case some of you didn't know, Abby, the co-owner and head chef of Caiola's was the exec chef at Street and Co. for many years prior to opening her own place. Tue Nov 06 14:06:17 -0800 2007 3099558 13480 Noreaster 1 3104407 If you really want to go to Fore Street and are willing to eat on the early side, they do reserve a good portion of their tables for walk-ins during the first seating at 5:30. They start taking names at 5:00 when the bar opens and will seat you, first come first serve, at 5:30. You can also have dinner at the bar (full menu) or in the couch/chair seating area (lounge menu which is apps, sides, desserts from the full menu). Wed Nov 07 13:49:48 -0800 2007 3094314 92862 BikeToEat 1 3107291 Don't pass up Bar Lola at 100 Congress St. Easily the equal of the best restaurants mentioned here: my personal first choice having eaten at them all several times. 775-5652 Thu Nov 08 10:43:52 -0800 2007 3094314 74762 Dual