Chef Harding Lee Smith showed off his sleek prosciutto slicer when I stopped by to check out the new Corner Room Kitchen & Bar earlier today. The demonstration was a bit of indulgence since it's full speed ahead in the restaurant today as Chef Smith and his crew get ready to open for the first time at 5 pm tonight.

It's a busy night for restaurant openings in town, with Grace also set to begin serving dinner tonight.

This is Smith's third eatery in Portland and joins his Front Room on Munjoy Hill and his Grill Room just a couple doors down Exchange Street.

Located in the former home of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, the restaurant features a dining room with a warm, cozy feel and great views of the street life on Federal and Exchange streets.

The kitchen staff was hard at work in the open kitchen prepping for tonight's dinner. The menu includes a la carte antipasti choices of meat, seafood, vegetables and cheeses plus a robust selection of salads, pizzas, paninis and pasta. Everything is priced at $15 or under. Look for a list of Italian wines to round out your meal.

This photo doesn't do it justice, but there is a really sweet piece of signage art hanging above the door that depicts spaghetti dangling off a fork. Just looking at it makes me crave pasta.

The Corner Room is located at the corner of Exchange and Federal streets in the heart of the Old Port. It opens tonight at 5 pm. It will be open for dinner through the weekend, including July 4. On Monday it will open for lunch at 11 am and stay open until 10 pm. These will be the normal hours Monday-Saturday, and Sundays it will be open from 4-9 pm. Call 879-4747 for a reservation.