Dan Zarin

Hank’s 150 Spurwink Rd., Scarborough 835-0091 hanksmaine.com Part subdivided farmland, part industrial park, part strip mall, part marsh and part beach town — Scarborough isn’t the kind of place that screams “dining destination.” But when it comes to breakfast, the sleepy suburb truly punches above its weight. I’ve written about a few standouts in the past, including Indy’s Sandwich and Honeycomb Cafe.

The golden heart of Portland’s grouchiest bartender I’m sitting on the little bench outside Ruski’s, the neighborhood tavern in Portland’s West End. It’s the summer of 2013. I’m alone, smoking a cigarette, having just devoured my Eggs Benedict among the weekend crowd packed inside the boisterous barroom. The front door opens and the waitress and bartender, Beth, walks out. Without a word, she sits down next to me and lights a cig, takes a deep haul. I try to act casual, but this is a big deal.

Gill’s Neighborhood Bar 133 Spring St., Portland 536-4150 gillsbarmaine.com Since selling my West End home I’ve been living in rural short-term housing without internet, cable or good cell service. Books, hikes and painting keep me busy, but the loneliness is nagging. Not being one to wallow, I’ve implemented a plan to combat this feeling. I’m luring friends — not into my woodland lair, but into meeting me for dinner for these reviews! Guess where I usually end up? The West End.