If I’m a creature of habit, then I’m all for self-indulgence--that is, to indulge in my favorite restaurant meals. It’s no wonder that I’ll go to the same places over and over again because I want a particular dish that the establishment does so well.

I was thinking about that when I came back from vacation. I had been in southern Florida, enjoying the warmth and sunshine, but the dining out experience was erratic. Some of it was very good, and other places fell short of hyped-up expectations.

So it felt good to be back on home turf and know where to find the “best bites” in town.

I’ve made a list—by no means definitive, and still a work in progress-- of some of my favorite dishes from various dining halls in the region.

Rachel’s. When I’m in the mood for a really heart-warming, soul-satisfying pasta dish I’ll head here to ingest with abandon their meat ragu and rigatoni. It’s one of the best versions in town and truly evokes the flavors of Italian cooking at its finest.

Provence (Ogunquit). The last time I was here in the late fall (they’re closed for the season) I had a memorable dish of braised short ribs. It was braised in a rich red-wine sauce with mushrooms and olives, so typical of Provencal cooking. I can’t wait until they reopen in the spring.

Casa Novello. For hearty Americanized Italian food, Casa Novello fits the bill. My favorite dish here is their gigantic portion of veal cutlet Parmigiana

Pier 77, Cape Porpoise. A very good restaurant to our south, this place is perched over the harbor, and has one of the prettiest views in Maine. I generally go for lunch and always enjoy their fisherman’s stew--prepared with the usual mix of clams, mussels and shrimp in a delicious tomato-saffron broth. Pier 77 is closed for the season but will reopen in March.

Back Bay Grill. I particularly like the way they do roast chicken here. Lately made with a pecan crust, which is delicious.

Fore Street. By mid summer, when local tomatoes are ripe, Fore Street always serves an heirloom tomato tart, which is one of my favorite dishes on the menu. It’s enveloped in puff pastry and is sublime.

Five Fifty-Five. The other night I had a celery flan that accompanied a main dish of pan-seared scallops. I hope they do this side dish again because it was sensational. That and the ginger cheesecake were two home runs on the menu.

Café Uffa. Speaking of home runs, I always look forward to going to Café Uffa because I love their rustic French country cooking. I don’t’ know of another restaurant in our area that serves old-fashioned Beef Wellington as good as it is here.

Street & Co. My favorite dish here is the savory bread pudding. It’s prepared with lobster or crab and sometimes with mushrooms. It’s a great first course.

Cinque Terre. One of the standout dishes here is the sformatino, their version of a flan. It’s made from a puree of squash and served with an unusual celery sauce. A great preparation. It’s offered as a first course and is one of the most unusual choices on the menu.

Katahdin. Though I’m not a fan of their food, I have to admit that they prepare the best and biggest cocktails—sorry all you teetotalers.

Hugo’s and Bandol. The food at both these establishments is so good and refined that I don’t think I can single out a particular dish that stands out more than any other. When I go to either place I want it all.

Mim’s. The spinach side dish that used to be served here, spinach confit (correct me, dear readers, if I’m wrong), was fabulous; but Mim’s took it off the menu and now serves a plain sautéed spinach. Bring back the original.

Scales. I go to Scales all the time. The fishcakes and baked beans are terrific. But the other day when I dropped in I ordered their Maine shrimp cone. These native morsels were coated in a delicious batter and served with great French fries. Try the shrimp while they’re still in season.

DuckFat. Here’s another place that has become one of my regular lunch haunts. I now go in for a simple meal of tomato-fennel soup, accompanied by a cheese wedge and fruit panini plate. It’s a perfect lunch for about $8.

Moody’s. If you’re in Moody’s territory try their pineapple upside down cake, which is offered only on Sundays. This American dessert classic is done to perfection here.

Looking ahead to the summer months, I can’t wait for the following places to reopen. In no particular order of preference they include:

Five Islands Lobster. Besides having one of the best views along the coast, the food here is great. The lobsters are superb (where in Maine are they not?) and the fried clams and are some of the best around. My favorite sandwich is their grilled haddock with a crab cake on top.

Dip Net. At the end of the Port Clyde peninsula is this fun and breezy harbor-side out-door dining spot. Inventive menu, beautifully prepared, fun to go to.

Primo. This Rockland institution is still one of the best restaurants in Maine. Everything is wonderful here. But it’s nearly impossible to get a reservation. Last year I started showing up without advance booking. It’s a risky tactic but almost always worked. If it doesn’t then continue on to Camden’s three bright spots.

Natalie’s, Prism Gallery and Francine’s. These are three recent restaurants in the Camden area. The only one I haven’t been to yet is the Prism Gallery and Restaurant. But I’ve heard that the food is sensational. Natalie’s just opened this past fall. I went there for lunch around Christmastime and was impressed by the food. Francine's has been there for several seasons. The food is well done and it’s where the local elite meet.

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