Camden's Pig + Poet, Portland's Crooners and Cocktails Unlock Their Doors Tonight

CAMDEN — Former Top Chef semifinalist and People Magazine's 2012 pick for "Sexiest Man Alive" Sam Talbot opens Pig + Poet today at the newly renovated Whitehall, a Lark Hotels property which reopened May 10. The Penobscot Bay Pilot ran an extensive preview in December. Talbot, who hails from the Carolinas and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, told Eater he loves living in Camden and has already been trolling area farmers markets. He said, "Salt water is in my DNA," and he's looking to embrace "localness and underutilized items," including the whole haddock dish he surprised diners with at a recent Friends and Family event. Another hit was a chilled mussel salad with pickled vegetables and yuzu. The restaurant has 125 seats and will be open for dinner Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday 5 to 11 p.m. The bar is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Breakfast is currently for hotel guests only. Status: Certified open. 52 High Street, Camden, (800) 789-6565, website.

PORTLAND — What's old is new again, and owners Chris Harris and Rick DaSilva are betting this city is ready once again to embrace the white tablecloths and speakeasy vibe of the 50's and 60's along with the stylings of Ol' Blue Eyes. Their restaurant Crooners and Cocktails opens today after a successful Friends and Family event, with a guest calling the atmosphere "warm and sexy" and predicting "the beer and cheese fondue will definitely be one of their signature items." Chefs Andrew Rivera-Myers and Jason Daly will be in charge of the kitchen, which will serve dinner Tuesday to Saturday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Status: Certified open. 90 Exchange Street, Portland, (207) 536-0469, website.