Hugo's was on the top of the "Must Try" list for our recent trip to Portland Maine.
Chef/Owner Rob Evans of Hugo's and our beloved Duck Fat restaurants was just awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast. We knew that Duck Fat was outstanding, but we had not worked Hugo's into our Portland rotation.
We made one day a Rob Evans doubleheader. We had lunch at Duck Fat and for dinner that evening we went to Hugo's.
Timing our arrival just at the 5:30 opening, we snagged a couple of seats at the bar where we ordered from the bar and a la carte menus.
My favorite dish of the day was the "Asparagus with Pickled Fiddleheads, Dried Olive, Wild lettuce and Chopped egg." (Shown in the photo above.)
We also had the "Maine Whelk and Clam Risotto" and the "Poached Halibut with a Bernaise Sauce."
One thing that I hadn't read much about was the very nice selection of wines including some excellent half bottles. We began with a glass of sparkling wine and then shared a half bottle of an excellent "2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Blanco."
Dessert was superb. We shared a "Wild Maine Blueberry and Ginger Sorbet with Homemade Lemon-thyme Soda." It was clean tasting, bursting with clear flavors. The sweet and tart were balance and it was perfect for my taste.
Our service was smooth and professional. The staff does try to explain the concept of small plates to newcomers. Once we made them aware that we understood but still wanted to share plates, they were perfectly willing to work with us on pacing.
There's no doubt that we will make many return trips to Hugo's and we'll recommend it to anyone visiting Portland.
Down East Magazine is a perfect way to prepare for a trip to Maine or to keep up with what's happening in Maine if it's one of your favorite vacation spots.
Details:
Hugo's
88 Middle Street, Portland ME
Other Opinions:
The Chowhounds say
New England Board search on Hugo's Portland
Here's the yelp
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hugos-restaurant-portland
