Thanks!

I think that, as at almost all the restaurants in Portland, even the upscale, you would fit in and be totally welcomed in chinos and a polo. The place is quite beautiful, but I didn't feel it was snobbish or pretentious in any way. The bartenders were rather casually dressed, so I don't think their emphasis is on a dress code.

I'm not sure if it's visible to anyone, but I posted about Spread a few days ago! I went there for a VIP resception a couple weeks ago. We had a limited menu, but the food was superb and the decor was elegant and original, with all artwork created by the owner, who is/was a chef at Fuji. The Maine Sunday Telegram gave it 4 stars in their review in the Audience section on June 17th. Can anyone tell me if this comment and/or previous post are visible??

Has anyone eaten here yet? I went for a private reception a couple weeks ago. The place looks fantastic and the food was elegant. We only had a limited menu, but everything was full of flavor and beautifully presented. Btw, this is the space formerly occupied by Gauchos. The owner is from Fuji restaurant, and has created all the artwork and decor in the restaurant.

Amen to everything you said! That Havana South idea would be great.

I know it's not such a surprising turn of events, but Gauchos has closed its doors for good. I was employed there for the first two years it was open and saw the downhill progression as it started.

I wonder what business/restaurant will attempt a go at that location next?

I believe we are fully staffed/volunteered on that day. :-)

Events on Broadway in So Portland, a banquet facility, is hosting a Thankgsgiving lunch. Also, 20 Milk St, the restaurant in the Regency Hotel in the Old Port, also will be open. Then there is Seasons Grille, where Verrillos used to be, near exit 48 off the Maine Turnpike.

If you would like more details, I would be happy to get you hours and/or prices after I get home from a volunteer shift at The Ronald McDonald House.

Just a minor correction. I work at the new Hampton Inn, and the restaurant that shares the first floor is Sebago Brewing, not Shipyard.

My family and I ate at Dry Dock Sunday. Had awesome burgers! Cooked to order (medium rare for me), with sauteed onions, full of flavor.

I've always gotten a great burger at Ruskis, which used to be owned by the same person as Rosie's on Fore St. I assume they have the same burger.

HFM isn't just a store, it's an experience. When you go, walk out the door to your left, and then go left onto the brick walkway that is next to the store. If you're lucky, you might see the resident harbor seal that knows where to get a yummy meal every day from what gets washed back into the ocean! I used to work right off that wharf and saw the seal (sometimes two) almost every day. You'll also see tons of seagulls and possibly a lobsterman offloading his boat.

Look for the seal when he swims under the floating dock behind the market.

I'm not sure how fancy or eclectic you want to go, but there's a great pizza place about 10-15 min. walk called Pizza Villa. They also do salads, sandwiches, calzones, wings etc. The pizza is Greek style...family owned business. There is also a restaurant called Dogfish Cafe within that same block.

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Pizza Villa
940 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

As some others have responded, it's because the seating is so limited, they need to ensure that they get top dollar (or minimum dollar) for the prime real estate (seating). If you have worked in a restaurant, you would know about the all too common no-shows/late-shows/lingerers/malingeres, etc. I think it's a brilliant policy and no one that I know who has eaten there has been disappointed.

The buffet has reopened.

Btw, this info. (with details) is available to the public at SoPo City Hall.

On Tues., the health depaartment shut down the Super GWB in So. Portland until they correcct deficiencies from a failed health inspection.

And yes, I believe you're right about the name. I had a friend who worked there for a short time and had a hard time collecting his wages.

Thanks for the link! I haven't been to the Old Port for a couple months and need to do a walking tour to see what's going on.

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Old Port Cafe
111 Main St, Winterport, ME 04496

It's in the spot formerly occupied by Walter's.

Has anyone eaten there? Are they still open?

What is a CFS??

I have read that Jan Mee on St. John Street in Portland has new owners. I saw someone delivering food from there and he said they are renovating and will become a buffet restaurant. Any comments about the food in recent months? I know they were sort of infamous a few years back but hopefully new owners will make a difference.

Wondering if anyone from CH has eaten there yet. They've only been open a few days, at the corner across from Amato's on Broadway, where Thornton's used to be.

Portland/Westbrook Maine USED to have the Polynesian style Chinese. Hu Ke Lau, The Polynesian Village and I think maybe the Hawaiin Hut would also fit the bill.

So sad. Henry VIII at Monument Sq. will be closing at the end of March. I heard their location in Kennebunk is closed or will also close. There is one with a different owner in Scarborough that will remain open.

They were reviewed in the Audience section of the Maine Sunday telegram on Jan. 16, 2011. The reviewer gave them 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

And you did what all the Chowhounders say you should have done after they read a negative review: you spoke to a manager. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should. You shouldn't have to "escalate" (keep going higher up the chain) just to get some acknowledgement that what you experienced is not their norm.

Binga's Stadium on Free St. downtown, across from the Civic Center.

There were several pieces in the Portland papers (Daily Sun, Press Herald) covering the story. The owner said he was closing to stay home and be a full time dad to his infant.