Last night Gillian and I stopped into Chef David Turin's two-year old restaurant, "David's 388." It's located in South Portland's Willard Square neighborhood. David is a real pro, his food is excellent and the atmosphere that he and his team have creatd there is wonderfully inviting; you feel like you're someplace very special. It's a beautiful little place.

388 reminds Gillian and me of our all-time favorite restaurant, Mia Francesca, located in Chicago's "Wrigleyville" neighborhood. We'd walk to Mia Francesca from our apartment on Belmont Harbor at least once or twice a month. We splurged when we went there. That was fifteen years ago and it's still a splurge when we go out. At 388, costs are a little easier on the wallet. He's priced the menu just right -- eight-dollar apps and fourteen-dollar entrees.

His choice of colors and lighting are warm and relaxing. The din of customer voices, music, kitchen pots and pans is far from overwhelming. The room is full of energy. I think 388 is on par with Back Bay Grill, Bresca, Bar Lola and similar small rooms. These kind of places feel more alive than most larger rooms.

Something special happening at 388. If you've not been there yet you should add it to your dining destinations list. Cheers.