What area are you in?

For a nice lunch on Friday, I would recommend Pai Men Miyake or Petit Jacqueline next door (parking is on street and can be tricky, but totally worth it).

Boda is really delicious. As Lawshark said, it is not a traditional American-Thai restaurant but more an upscale interpretation of Thai homestyle and street food. As for the more standard Thai fare, I have no suggestions.

For Indian, I absolutely recommend Taj - http://tajofmaine.com . The menu is online and they have a very good buffet. It is in the spot previously occupied by Aroma, which was also good although I think Taj is better.

Many such places? That doesn't sound right. Can you name a few?

What @bobbert said is good info, though I would add Two Lights for an amazing setting for a lobster dinner.

Actually did that very thing! Figured also could for ground lamb, pork, turkey, etc. Any burger recipes you'd like to recommend? Anything from a more 'budget' mix to a 'fancier' mix appreciated.

I used to purchase Hannaford's "Nature's Place" ground beef because it is (as I understand it) still Wolfe's Neck Farm beef. However, the last several times I was in the grocery the meat was in a pre-packaged block that was dense and unappetizing looking. I'm all done with that.

Quick note - Portland Lobster Co. is a seasonal, outdoor restaurant so it may not be an option.

But what a way to go!

With all the recent activity on this thread, I'm surprised no one has given Elevation Burger a try! I will admit to have been passing by, getting curious and giving it a try. It was really, really tasty! Same style as 5 Guys, for those who may not know, but 100% Organic, grass fed beef and all ground on site. Can't say which I prefer yet, although I like the quality/handling of beef aspect. I also like the potato buns they used, maybe made it sit less heavy in my belly? I don't know, but I look forward to hearing what others think.

Also, someone recently mentioned liking the lunch burger at David's. I haven't had that, but the burger at David's 388 in SoPo can be quite awesome and very satisfying.

I think J's is a love it or hate it kind of place. One person's gritty, divey bar is another's charming, insiders hangout. To me, what can be "great" about it would be experienced drinking and sitting at the bar and interacting with the interesting, eclectic clientele. Absent nostalgia, sitting at the tables to eat might not be as satisfying as other options.

If I'm reading you right, you are looking for a place to eat on New Years Eve a later hour where you can make a reservation so you're not locked out of a decent meal and where your child will blend in and not be totally out of place in the "glamour" of the evening. Does that sound right?

If so, looking at the list on portlandfoodmap.com December 19, 2011) I would think David's and Old Port Sea Grill might work. Bigger spaces, boisterous and full menus.

Might want to check if Yosaku takes reservations for that night, also family friendly. I think Pai Men will be insane that night and rather adult. Just my opinion.

Flatbread Company is tasty, family-friendly and would be quite celebratory that evening I would imagine. They have a "call-ahead" system, so you could call and get your name on the list as you near Portland.

New place has opened in the old Beale St BBQ/The SoPo space at 725 Broadway. Troy Mains is chef/owner along with Chris Johnston.

I stopped in for a brief visit last night and had the mussels in a house-made green coconut curry. They were outstanding, the mussels perfectly cooked and a totally delicious and addictive broth. Beer selection was so-so, but they did have Baxter IPA on tap which was tasty.

Really, really hoping this place finds success and the rest of the menu is as successful as that mussel dish.

Open lunch and dinner.

Where is Al Huda located?

Good for you! I love the green chile powder because I find you don't need to cook out the rawness like you do with the red chile. One of my favorite things is to take leftover mashed potatoes, mix them with some chopped canned green chiles and spread in a small baking dish. Sprinkle green chile powder and cheese (I used parm cause that's what I had) over the top and bake in the toaster oven. The green chile flavor really shines with the powder adding a brightness.

Do you think it is practical to leave Storyland for lunch someplace nearby?

For what its worth, frozen chiles can be ordered online. We order green chile powder that way with great success from Hatch. Otherwise, I've only seen fresh when in season at Whole Foods. We use a lot of canned.

@LStaff - I sure like the sound of that!

"... but I have the eating range of a four year old."

Hehehe.

Absolutely second the Bar Lola suggestion for the reasons cited by mainemal. The food is really, really lovely.

Another thought might be The Well {at Jordan's Farm} for something different. The food is simple - great local ingredients, beautifully prepared and enjoyed on picnic tables at the farm. Its BYO. Definitely some sophistication with no pretense and abundance of charm. Something fun and different!

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Bar Lola
100 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04000

The Well {at Jordan's Farm}
Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth, ME

Don't know whether this is a weekend or weekday trip, some suggestions that meet your criteria are Miyake, Duckfat, Paciarino, {Corner, Grille, Front}Room or Green Elephant.

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Paciarino
468 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

If your 18 month old generally does well in restaurants, then I think Fore Street early in the evening would be fine. Its not a quiet restaurant and the food is not particularly slow in arriving. Of course, you know your kiddo best, but kids have done fine there among the hustle and bustle. I'd give them a call.

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Fore Street
288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

I know this place has been around for awhile but we were able to stop in for the first time this week. It was SO good and definitely surpassed expectations. I thought it deserved a post with its name in the title :)

We ordered quite a bit of food. The tacos were a surprise in that each was dressed with a bit of rice and beans. I would not have thought I would enjoy that (and probably would have tried to change it had I noticed it on the menu) but it worked well, complementing rather than overwhelming the star ingredients. We tried the lengua (very tender), barbacoa, carne asada and another I can't recall. All were really flavorful although I did want a bit of salt for each (I'm a salter!).

The chicken tortilla soup was lovely with a delicious broth, kernels of corn (not too much though, thank you) and big chunks of chicken. The raw onion really made it and I could eat that every week. The shrimp ceviche was a generous sized portion, the shrimp tender with lots of crunch from the onions and whatnot. Really nice, really addictive. Sunshine, ceviche, beer - yeah, sounds great!

We don't get down that way too often, but will more often knowing there is such good food in a restaurant that the toddler also enjoys. I sure wish we had this place in Portland!

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Loco Coco's Tacos
36 Walker St, Kittery, ME 03904

You had excellent service at the bar? Lucky You!

We were there during Restaurant Week, our first dinner out together since our daughter was born. We ended up choosing a 3-course off the RW menu. Service was slow at first, the bar was busy but the restaurant wasn't (it was early). After we finally ordered, the first two courses came along in a timely fashion. The dishes really were so small but generally tasty. But then the wait for the entree course. We were so happy to be out so we were patient and upbeat. But still, no food. I look at the clock. Eventually, the bartender notices us again and tells us its coming up soon. We wait and wait. Then he says it will be right up, "they are plating it as we speak." We continue to wait. and wait. The food never came.

At this point I tell my husband its been a half hour since I last checked the time, which I had checked because we had already been waiting so long. Making it easily over 45 minutes. We were SO hungry at this point.

Finally we get the bartender over, and tell him "We'll take the check." To which he replies, "Ok." Didn't ask, is there a problem, nothing. My husband goes to the bathroom, sees the manager and says why have we been waiting over a half hour for our entree. (My husband misspoke, it was at least 45 minutes.) He says something about everything coming out and once and THEN says the bartender said you were waiting for 15 minutes. What? I'm thinking, "he told you your customers are leaving without their entrees after waiting only 15 minutes and you believe that? You don't want to ask them if there was a problem, anything?" I've just never had such a ridiculous, unprofessional experience at such an upscale restaurant. I still can't believe it. I'm normally not one to get "mad" about a restaurant experience, I just don't go back. But this, this experience made me angry.

The babysitter was kind enough to stick around long enough for us to pop over to Nosh for a quick bite because we were starving. What an incredibly expensive and disappointing evening. My husband keeps teasing me for tipping the bartender after all that, but Karma is a bitch so why take the chance. Needless to say, I will not ever go back.

I absolutely second the "keep them in business" sentiment! I'm not a dessert person, but the carrot halwa is like crack!

Tried it today and was so happy to find that it is really, really good! They offered a buffet for lunch which included goat curry, tandoori chicken, biryani, ldli, and of course a plethora of interesting veg dishes like okra and asian eggplant. Great flavors, great staff, and a good mix of local and expat diners! The food has some heat - its South Indian I think - the kind that accumulates beautifully through the meal.

This is the first Indian restaurant that has clicked with me here in Portland and I look forward to becoming a regular!

Their menu is posted on their website: http://www.aroma-indiancuisine.com/

Btw, I believe they are open through the holidays for those interested. Of course, call to confirm.

Located in the same building as Rockler, at Clark's Pond. 207-512-2200.

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Aroma
200 Gorham Rd, South Portland, ME 04106

I hate to say it, but its really not appropriate for a typical 3 1/2 year old. The place is very small (the bathroom is in the kitchen!) and the menu is small and quite specific - a "side of tofu" may not even be an option.

Yosaku is kid-friendly but is an entirely different thing. If you want to experience Miyake I would try and find a sitter.

I did try the Italian beef and didn't really find it very good. The beef was rather tough and its flavor didn't really marry well with the onions and peppers. Someone with more experience on a good Italian Beef would be much better able to comment on the specifics of what a good version should be like compared to this.

The hot dogs on the other hand were really good! Great condiment selection, good chili for the chili dogs. Will definitely return.

Really, could there be a more perfect concept?! Thanks for the post.

Interesting review, thanks for posting. I've never been to Cava but have to say, I think your criticism of the Patatas Bravas is a bit unfair. Patatas Bravas is a popular and ubiquitous tapa in Spain and is served outside of breakfast. If Cava is spanish-themed then this dish seems entirely appropriate and even welcomed for those who are fans of the dish. I don't know how tasty Cava's version is, but to this day I CRAVE some of the patatas bravas I had in Spain. Sorry their version of the dish let you down though.

I'm so glad the restaurant is attempting to set things right and that you are willing to let them try. For all the restaurants we have in Portland, there are not many who can get the food AND the service right and even fewer who can do it consistently. Good luck with your "do over" dinner and its potential for excellence!

Bewley - I respectfully disagree. In Greece, gyros are widely made with pork or chicken. We also found fries in gyros to be as prevalent on the Pelopennese which is more a Greek tourist destination than foreigners. That said, Greece is such an expansive and diverse country, that what may be typical in some areas may not be the case in others at all. Great food all over though :)