Foodie Favorite’s During COVID-19

We’ve been lucky with a fair and mild winter so far, but we’re only halfway through January. As temperatures continue to plummet, it’s only natural to crave hot, delicious food to fuel your soul. Dining out in 2021 is a whole new world compared to 2019, and that is why The Greater Portland Council of Governments, the City of Portland, the City of Westbrook, Portland Food Map, and Portland Downtown have all come together to organize Maine Winter Dine. This ongoing event promotes dining out in the Greater Portland area and supports the local restaurant owners and workers doing everything possible to provide safe and socially distanced environments where you can enjoy a freshly cooked meal and perhaps a moment of normalcy. Below are some of the many restaurants participating in Maine Winter Dine.

Foreside Tavern and Side Bar, Falmouth

Salads, seafood, comfort foods; Foreside Tavern has it all! This restaurant has been a staple of the Falmouth community since 2004 and is most well-known for its cozy environment and wide range of food options to satisfy any group of friends. Every Sunday, they feature a perfectly cooked prime rib served with a giant popover. If you’re not feeling hungry, join them for thirsty Thursday and discover their rotating tap beers.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available at Foreside. There are several cozy fire pits outside which put off ample heat, but warm clothing is still recommended to fully enjoy your experience. Due to the pandemic, seating is available by reservation only to aid with customer flow. Reservation can be made at 207-781-4255, and, as always, the staff appreciates your patience.

Dunstan Tap and Table, Scarborough

Often referred to as DT&T, this restaurant offers innovative and modern takes on pub fare, pizza, and burgers. They still serve classic comfort foods such as mac and cheese or a bacon cheeseburger, both staples to their menu. But they are better known for their more exciting meals, such as their fra Diavolo pizza and their pork belly banh mi.

For additional value, be sure to stop by DT&T between Wednesday and Friday for happy hour, which runs from 3-4. Options include $5 eats, $5 well drinks, $5 Allagash White drafts, $5 house wines, and $7 12″ artisan pies.

Reservations are strongly recommended for indoor dining. Their outdoor patio is still open, which features a gas fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. There are also other seats available sans fireplace for those who like to laugh in winter’s face.

Chaval, Portland

Relatively new to the Portland area, Chaval is already making a splash with their Spanish and French-influenced cuisine. Their delectable appetizers can be ordered tapas style if you are overwhelmed by the eclectic options. They are ready to satisfy everyone from vegans to carnivores with their patatas bravas, fried duck wings, or seasonal selection of salted and cured meats. Be careful not to fill up, though, because the entrees such as their New York strip or the coq au vin are every bit as delectable.

Chaval has taken a unique approach to COVID-safe dining. They have set up small greenhouses that serve as private dining areas for their patrons outside their restaurant. These greenhouses must be reserved in advance and are $25 per party. Seating on their heated patio is also available by reservation without a cover charge.

-Written by Stacy Oswald & Photo by Jay Wennington