When the weather in lovely Portland, Maine is cooperative, head out to the many public and private golf courses in the area. Otherwise, check out Fore Seasons Indoor Golf on Forrest Ave. where you can take a lesson, get your swing evaluated, or play a virtual round on one of 22 courses including Torrey Pines in California or the Belfry in England.
After your workout, check out the Greek food scene in Portland. For lots of good reasons, Portland has been a magnet for talented new chefs over the past several years and it really shows.
Greek Corner
Not a purist's Greek eatery, but one with lots of good, authentic Greek food served alongside the burgers, fisherman's platters and swordfish steaks so many of the Old Port Portland visitors crave, Greek Corner is worth a visit.
Although it is not exclusive on the menu, Greek cooking is not an afterthought here. All the vegetarian selections are Greek and all are priced well under $10 as of 2009. Try the sampler plate served with Greek salad and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves.
A trio of baked lamb main courses are a highlight and there are plenty of rotisserie grilled kabobs and gyros as well.
Greek Corner
90 Exchange St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-1551
Emilitsa
If you're dining alone or just like to make friends at dinner, make a reservation at Emilita on Congress St. and ask for a seat at the communal table. That table accounts for 8 of the 50 seats in this small and stylish Greek restaurant with a big and well-deserved reputation.
A new menu is printed monthly here. In December 2009, hot appetizers included lagos me phyllo, young rabbit with spinach, feta, basil, and roasted tomato rolled in phyllo pastry and served with a mustard and mythos beer reduction. Cold appetizers included baked pita served with three authentic dipping sauces.
Aside from the classic Greek salad there is one made with roasted red beet roots served with a potato and garlic puree.
For entrees you may choose from meat, fish and vegetarian selections as well as two "comfort food" options: braised local baby goat in a cumin tomato sauce served over cracked pepper pappardelle, or mouossaka--that irresistibly fragrant dish layered with eggplant, ground beef and a Greek yogurt bechamel.
Emilitsa
547 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 221-0245
emilitsa.com
Street and Company
Street and Company in Old Port does not bill itself as a Greek restaurant. Instead it is a well-loved seafood restaurant featuring Mediterranean sensibilities and dishes inspired by classic Greek cuisine. For example: for starters there is the herb-seared rare tuna with cucumber, or organic arugula with marinated carrots, dates, pomegranate, and Greek yogurt. The smoked fresh sardines with aioli and tapenade are also reminiscent of the Greek isles.
Fish is prepared simply with garlic, basil, and olive oil over an open flame.
Once you pass from the cobblestone street and through the old brick facade, the atmosphere remains rustic and warm. Prices are moderate.
Street and Company
33 Wharf St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-0887
streetandcompany.net
About The Author
Lois Lawrence is an attorney and freelance writer living and working in Stonington, Conn. She has written on many subjects including travel, food, consumerism, relationships, insurance and law. Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979.
