By David Foxley

Since opening in 1988, Hugo's, situated at he top of Portland's Old Port district, has evolved from its humble Irish-pub roots. Today, Hugo's is a nationally acclaimed culinary destination known for New England-style dishes with a refined approach: cornmeal-crusted soft-shell lobster; local pheasant with polenta, turnips and shiitake; rabbit salad. "There's a sense of community here", says Andrew Taylor, a co-owner and chef. 'The people who work here love their jobs, and their love of the food and their energy comes across to the guests."