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Updating the Eater Maine Heatmap, October 2013

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right freaking now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot. And while the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the state, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to always highlight where the crowds are flocking to at the moment. New to this update: Piccolo, Empire Chinese Kitchen and b.good.

Did we miss your personal favorite blisteringly hot restaurant? By all means, let us know in the comments. Know of a hot upcoming opening? Hit up the tipline.


12/6/12 Added: Gather, Yarmouth; Tao, Brunswick; Zen Bistro, Buck's Naked BBQ and David's Opus Ten, Portland.
1/3/13 Added: Otto (Arts District), Portland
2/7/13 Added: Owen's Farmhouse, Kennebunk
4/4/13 Added: In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation, The North Point, Little Tap House, Blue Rooster Food Co.,
7/11/13 Added: David's KPT, Hugo's, Seabright
8/1/13 Added: Portland & Rochester Public House, MJ's Wine Bar
9/5/13 Added: Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill, Salvage BBQ, Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
10/3/13 Added: Piccolo, Empire Chinese Kitchen, b.good

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Salvage BBQ

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Jay Villani's latest spot brings legit Southern barbecue to Portland in a spacious, casual atmosphere. There's also a huge selection of local draft beer available by the pint, half gallon and gallon.

Empire Chinese Kitchen

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Portland's first Chinese dim sum restaurant mixes the traditional (steamed pork buns, wonton soup) with the creative (pastrami egg rolls, bacon fried rice) in a hip environment.

Portland & Rochester Public House

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This new Bayside neighborhood pub features craft beer and cocktails along with elevated pub fare and a more upscale bistro menu, all in a comfortable and casual setting.

MJ's Wine Bar

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After 15 years of working in local restaurants, Mark Ohlson opened his own place. The result is a modern, comfortable place to hang out and relax with a good drink. There are snacks, too.

In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation

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This innovative brewpub and distillery on Portland's waterfront offers an extensive and always-changing lineup of house beers and brewing collaborations. The menu includes inventive takes on pub classics as well as more refined plates.

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

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The craft cocktail bar from Andrew Volk showcases local spirits in a cool, modern space. The Scandinavian-influenced menu goes great with the drinks.
The Boston-based fast casual burger chain brings a healthier approach and focus on local ingredients to a cool, two-story Old Port space. And there's beer and wine on draft.

Piccolo

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Damian Sansonetti puts his spin on country Italian food while his wife, Ilma Lopez, elevates traditional desserts with advanced techniques. There's an interesting and reasonably priced wine list, too.

Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room

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Harding Lee Smith's fourth room is his most ambitious yet. It revives the classic Boone's name and location with an impressive, extensive and modern renovation. With the menu, Smith puts his culinary signature on traditional seaside fare.

Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill

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Adam Powers and Jeremy Rush got a huge custom smoker shipped in from Dallas. They're serving central-Texas style brisket and wood-grilled oysters in a sleek Meeting House Hill space that used to be an auto garage.

Salvage BBQ

Jay Villani's latest spot brings legit Southern barbecue to Portland in a spacious, casual atmosphere. There's also a huge selection of local draft beer available by the pint, half gallon and gallon.

Empire Chinese Kitchen

Portland's first Chinese dim sum restaurant mixes the traditional (steamed pork buns, wonton soup) with the creative (pastrami egg rolls, bacon fried rice) in a hip environment.

Portland & Rochester Public House

This new Bayside neighborhood pub features craft beer and cocktails along with elevated pub fare and a more upscale bistro menu, all in a comfortable and casual setting.

MJ's Wine Bar

After 15 years of working in local restaurants, Mark Ohlson opened his own place. The result is a modern, comfortable place to hang out and relax with a good drink. There are snacks, too.

In'finiti Fermentation & Distillation

This innovative brewpub and distillery on Portland's waterfront offers an extensive and always-changing lineup of house beers and brewing collaborations. The menu includes inventive takes on pub classics as well as more refined plates.

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

The craft cocktail bar from Andrew Volk showcases local spirits in a cool, modern space. The Scandinavian-influenced menu goes great with the drinks.

b.good

The Boston-based fast casual burger chain brings a healthier approach and focus on local ingredients to a cool, two-story Old Port space. And there's beer and wine on draft.

Piccolo

Damian Sansonetti puts his spin on country Italian food while his wife, Ilma Lopez, elevates traditional desserts with advanced techniques. There's an interesting and reasonably priced wine list, too.

Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room

Harding Lee Smith's fourth room is his most ambitious yet. It revives the classic Boone's name and location with an impressive, extensive and modern renovation. With the menu, Smith puts his culinary signature on traditional seaside fare.

Elsmere BBQ and Wood Grill

Adam Powers and Jeremy Rush got a huge custom smoker shipped in from Dallas. They're serving central-Texas style brisket and wood-grilled oysters in a sleek Meeting House Hill space that used to be an auto garage.