$50 Gift Certificate to The Salt Exchange on 245 Commercial Street in Portland ME

The restaurant features an open kitchen and a main dining room that seats 45, which can be used for private functions. In a month or so, bar seats will be pulled up to this counter and the diners who reserve them will be treated to special prix fixe menus and conversations with the chef.

Wanting to stand out from other fine dining establishments in town, the Bryons and Chef Jasinski are only serving appetizer-sized meals. Be sure to call them small plates, and not tapas.

"Tapas is not what we are, although we have some Spanish-inspired food," Martha explained.

She calls the cuisine New New England, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Some of the current menu offerings include: spiced Maine coast cioppino with Casco Bay fish, shellfish & grilled sourdough crostini ($12); Pemaquid oysters with lemon celeriac cream & hazelnut ($7 or $12); local baby spinach with tempura Great Hill blue, grapes and saba dressing ($8); spice rubbed lamb with eggplant tart & garden beans ($15) and Wolfe's Neck Farm shoulder steak, sweet and sour cherries & crisp potatoes ($14).

Sharing is encouraged and the portion sizes are such that two or three items should be the equivalent of a traditional entree. Reservations are accepted, although not necessary, and anyone is welcome to belly up to the bar for a drink. Look for sidewalk seating in July.

The Salt Exchange is located at 245 Commercial St., Portland. It is open for lunch Mon-Sat from 11 am-2:30 pm. Dinner is served Mon-Thur from 5-9 and Fri-Sat from 5-10 pm. The bar stays open until 11 pm Mon-Thur and until midnight Fri-Sat. For reservations, call 347-5687.