I'm glad to hear it's still exceptional. I would agree, if Hugo's is still top notch, it's a better choice than Fore Street.

A top 5 finish in Pizza I can see (Al Forno alone carries a lot of weight), but burgers? I'd love to hear some suggestions, because I must be missing something. I've had some good ones, but not the best in America by a long shot.

Hmm...

1. Suckling Pig at the Roasted Pig in New Bedford
2. Pan Seared Scallops (w/ Macadamia Cream sauce) at Cork in New Bedford
3. Pork Alentejana at Mesa 21 in Fall River

Check out the Black Point Inn in Scarborough. Frankly, the food can be inconsistent; but when it's good, it's pretty good. The view, however, is one of the best. Great view of Prout's Neck, Old Orchard Beach and on a clear day, even Mt. Washington (you'll be amazed at how close it looks). They have indoor and outdoor seating.

http://www.blackpointinn.com/inn/bpi1...

The good news is that both Miyake and Duckfat are great for lunch. Eventide would be a good stop for 1/2 dozen and a drink, leaving two places for dinner, and late evening beers at GLB (although I prefer Novare Res too and it'll be closer to the other restaurants). I agree with the other poster who said don't eat at GLB... just drink. The food is forgettable (though the burgers can be OK if you must eat there).

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who is thoroughly underwhelmed with 555. I've been 3 times now (because each time I go, someone says, "you just went on an off night") and simply don't see the hype. I've found the food to be really unimpressive. Everything has been cooked nicely (scallops a nice medium rare, mussels beautiful, lamb tender and pink in the middle, etc) save for one steak, but the flavors have been woefully uninspired. Bland even. I'm quitting on 555. I've wasted too much money and feel it's just too overrated. At best it's inconsistent.

That said, Fore Street is excellent. Duck Fat has, to this day, my favorite fries. The dipping sauces are all made in house and are all very good too. Their poutine is excellent, but it's almost criminal to drown the fries in all of that gravy and cheese curd. Underrated are Duckfat's shakes. Hugo's has been nothing short of outstanding each time I've gone; but I haven't been since the change in ownership.

Street and Co. has always been sort of "meh" in my opinion. It's not bad, but I don't really see the hype. I feel the same way about Street and Co. that I did about Legal Seafoods down here (I'm in Boston) before they blew up... It's just OK, but some people seem to go nuts for it. You'll probably get a decent meal there, but there are FAR better options for seafood in Portland (Hugo's and Fore Street being a few notches above). You can't go wrong with Miyake either. He's an artist.

I typically suggest Fore Street or Hugo's. I know they're typical recommendations and have been for some time, but there's good reason for that. I guess Hugo's has changed ownership, but people seem to be pretty content for the most part. Fore Street has never disappointed. Given the fact that Hugo's Bear winner has left and that Fore Street may be one of the most consistently good restaurants anywhere, I'd go with Fore Street.

Cinque Terre was among the worst dining experiences of my life. Overcooked pasta and meat and deplorable service. I have a hard time figuring out how they manage to stay in business. I've read reviews on yelp (which I take with a grain of salt anyway) which seem to range from good to horrible. I guess it's hit or miss. I'll give most places a second try, but Cinque Terra is not worth it to me.