Each week the Orient spotlights different aspects of the arts and entertainment scene in Portland. This week's installment focues on restaurants that are ideal picks for dates.
Valentine's Day is on the way, and if you're looking beyond Brunswick for a restaurant that would provide that date-night milieu, Portland could be your place. Eating in Brunswick is great, but taking your valentine to a standard Bowdoin haunt won't get you high marks for originality.
For this week's City Scene column, I visited two small restaurants in Portland: Walter's Café and Vignola. Both spots will be sure to set the right mood, either on Valentine's Day or on date-nights in the future. In addition, both spots are romantic without falling into the category of the cliché, uninspiring date restaurant.
The first restaurant, a staple of Portland dining for more than ten years, is called Walter's Café. Having recently moved locations from within Portland's Old Port to just outside of it, Walter's is building on its established reputation and heading in a new direction.
The Old Port, the location of both of the two restaurants, is a revitalized warehouse district. Connected to the waterfront, the Old Port provides much of Portland's dining, shopping, and nightlife.
I spoke with Anna Ewing, a regular at both places I visited, and an account director at Front Burner PR, which represents the two restaurants. According to Ewing, Walter's transformation has been more aesthetic than culinary.
"It's sleeker, more modern, and has more vibrant colors than were used before. You feel like you're not in Portland," she said.
The inside of Walter's certainly feels more newly-designed and decorated than the image that comes to mind when we picture a typical Maine eatery. The combination of its tried-and-true menu items and a classy new atmosphere make Walter's an attractive option.
"It's very comfortable...the colors are reds, yellows and browns. It has a cool fireplace right when you walk in the door that sets the ambience," said Ewing.
With a number of group tables as well as tables-for-two, Walter's would also make a good venue for a double date—a definite draw for the college dating scene.
As far as food goes, Walter's certainly does not lack in variety. Chef and owner Mark Buerhaus mixes Asian, Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors with more traditional local dishes.
Since its change in location, Walter's has kept many of their signature dishes, and added several new ones.
"Cracklin' calamari is really good as an appetizer. It has candied jalapeno peppers on it that [give] it a little bit of a different flair," said Ewing. "The Two Ducks entrée is also one of my favorites." For dessert, Ewing recommends the Tiramisu and the Chocolate Chestnut Tart.
Vignola, the second restaurant I visited, is also in the Old Port and located not too far from Walter's. An Italian restaurant named after a small town in Italy known for its food culture, Vignola prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and use of local ingredients.
The interior of Vignola is colored mostly brown and gold, with a brick wall bordering one side of the restaurant. Lights hang down from the ceiling and illuminate the glass-enclosed wine collection.
According to Ewing, Vignola is a popular spot for dates. "It's got a great ambience for couples. It's festive but dimly lit, has a nice cozy bar, and a lot of two and four top tables for intimate dinners."
Vignola's menu is extensive and varied. Using ingredients from its farm in Gray (about 25 miles northwest of Portland), Vignola serves all kinds of Italian specialties, from Damariscotta Oysters to handmade gnocchi.
"The menu changes a fair amount," said Ewing. "They have a relatively upscale menu with an extensive wine list."
Their menu for Valentine's Day is a pre-fixed menu which includes a starter, entrée and dessert. Some of the special items in the Valentine's Day menu include their Grilled Gulf Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli.
Both restaurants—Vignola and Walter's—are surrounded by pubs and live music venues, and are within walking distance of Portland's Commercial Street.
Ewing advises making reservations for either restaurant if you plan on going there on Valentine's Day.
Walter's Café
207-871-9258
2 Portland Square
Monday -Thursday 11:30a.m. -2:30 p.m.
and 5 - 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11:30a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 pm
Vignola
207-772-1330
10 Dana Street
Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.