Dapper Drinks at Eve's

There's an air of class lingering as you walk up the carpeted, curving staircase of the Portland Harbor Hotel. To the left is the bar, where you'll find lush couches, a small, mahogany stained bar, sophisticated tables and a grand view of the patio with fountains, garnished awnings and tables on a stone walkway.

I arrived for an early Happy Hour. Just one gentleman lounged next to the fireplace, reading intently. While the sign stated to wait to be seated we were given a nod from a server signaling we needn't wait to saddle up at the bar. The bartender handed us a leather-bound drink menu and a paper Happy Hour menu with $6 cocktails featuring Eve's Combo, Pineapple Infusion, Beach Martini, Lemon Drop, Pink Lemonade, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Dreamsicle, White Chocolatini, Pamatini and Washington Apple.

The Rangpur and Cranberry caught my eye. I'd never tried Tanqueray Rangpur and desperately wanted something new, however I didn't want any juice in my gin. I ordered the Rangpur (which is distilled with Rangpur limes) and tonic, a kingly choice, I felt. My royal companion ordered the Old Fashioned, which is Maker's Mark, muddled fruit and a splash of soda.

We were, indeed, feeling regal, forgetting the "Who Farted?" pin on the lapel of my vest, which barely hung on the back of the bar chair. Eve's is a place where even I, a known offender of white trashiness, can feel like an aristocrat. It was then I realized Eve's was the place for a first date, anniversary or romantic evening of grand drinking and conversation. Hell, there's a hotel upstairs - why wouldn't you want to start your evening at Eve's?

The bartender confirmed that many locals come in for their anniversary or for Valentine's dates. Although they say 40% of the clients are corporate travelers, 30% are recreational travelers and 30% are locals, Eve's is not a pick-up spot. There are no lot lizards, cougars or man-tramps littering up the mojo.

Though the place is quite classy, you don't have to dress the part. You can wear jeans and a fart pin or you can rock out your tuxedo or sequined dress. It really doesn't matter as long as you can blend and not cause a stupid drunken ruckus (save it for the next block of Fore Street).

Plan to throw down some cash - you're paying for the atmosphere, my friend. The cheapest drink you can buy is a Budweiser at $4. All other beers are $5 and include Sebago Brown Ale, Sebago Frye's Leap Ale, Sebago Seasonal, Shipyard Export, Shipyard Bluefin Stout, Shipyard Light, Peak Organic Pale Ale, Heineken and Amstel Light. Some of the cocktails are as expensive as $15. And the wine list - whew! - is high-end.

Some whites include Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling ($99), Trefethen Chardonnay ($81) and Vincent Girardin Puligny Montrachet ($103). Reds include Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino ($175), Jean Luc Thunevin Merlot/Cabernet ($74) and Colli Del Vent Barolo ($81). The range for all wines is $19-$275, plus there are champagnes, including Dom Perignon ($299) and Moet White Star ($99), with the prices ranging from $28-$299. Wine is also served by the glass.

Eve's offers a brunch menu, lunch menu and dinner menu. Kitchen is open until 10 pm, but a limited menu is available for room service until 6 am.

We decided to share the Diver Scallops, pan-roasted with fennel and papaya salad with a blood orange thyme vinaigrette ($12). It was a lunch portion - as they hadn't started dinner - and was delightful. With classic menu items like Grilled Natural Filet of Beef Oscar, Handmade Linguini and Seared Scottish Salmon, you can expect quality meals from the chef.

The servers raved about the desserts. Hopefully my sweetheart will take me back and I'll order the strawberry panna cotta.