Cumberland Club Open To All For Restaurant Week

If you've ever been curious about what's behind the grand Federal facade of Portland's exclusive Cumberland Club on High Street, Maine Restaurant Week is your chance. In an effort to attract more members, according to The Forecaster, the 130-year-old club has opened its dining room for 3-course dinners at MRW's highest price point - $42. If you decide you like it and want to join, you'll pony up "$1,650 annual dues, $1,000 admission fee and $60 monthly food costs." A look at the dinner menu shows you won't be paying for culinary thrills, but this is no big surprise at a private club: broiled salmon; calves liver; steak tips. The garnishes and sides seem to be where chef Joseph Brennan flexes his creative muscles and the MRW menu looks interesting: braised pork belly with shaved Brussels sprouts and porcini-seared haddock in lobster broth are a couple of samples.

· Portland's Members-Only Clubs Look For New Life [TF]
· The Cumberland Club [Official Site]
· Maine Restaurant Week [Official Site]

Photo: Casco Bay Sunrise Rotary