Fore Street
Maine
A brick and soapstone hearth defines Fore Street in Portland’s Old Port, one block from the waterfront. Its wood-fired oven, grill and turnspit remain visible from much of the dining room, with hardwood and applewood lending their character to seafood, meat, game and vegetables. The menu changes with supplies from farmers, fishers and foragers. Maine oysters might begin the meal, followed by wood-oven rope-cultured mussels with garlic-almond butter and dry vermouth, or wood-grilled marinated squid. Turnspit-roasted chicken provides another expression of the hearth. Opened in 1996, the restaurant continues to place seasonal ingredients and fire at the centre of its cooking.