Dining Area of the New Bistro Isa at 79 Portland Street. (photos by Suzie St. Pierre)

The Bar at ISA Seats Ten, 79 Portland Street, Portland.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,259)

“We looked for three years before finding the right spot.  It was hard to find.   We knew just what we wanted,” said Suzie St. Pierre, owner of the new and tastefully decorated, ISA Bistro, 79 Portland Street this morning.

Former Munjoy Hill residents, St. Pierre and her husband Isaul Perez wanted a space that didn’t have stairs, was the right size, intimate and cozy and provides parking for their guests. (Parking is available in the back of the building.)  It is all that and more. The tables that seat 30 are not rammed up against each other, allowing for private conversations that are really private and not to be overheard by others.  A rarity today to be commended by this gracious couple.  ISA seats a total of 40 including 10 seated at the Bar.

“Everyone wants brunch,” said St. Pierre.  So beginning this Saturday, ISA will serve brunch. Last Monday, ISA started serving lunch. In addition to seven salads, there are six main dishes for lunch. A Roasted Pork Panini ($12.00)  and  Duck Confit Sandwich ($11.00) are on the menu.  Both Perez and St. Pierre have extensive experience in Washington, D.C. and New York City in the restaurant business; He as a cook and she as a front end manager. ISA is the culmination of a long time dream for this youthful couple.  ISA opened three weeks ago.

mhn.com looks forward to returning for a meal in a very welcoming atmosphere!

The only day ISA is closed is on Tuesday. For more information, please call (207) 808-8533. And visit their website at:  isaportlandme.com