Trying to Stay Hungry in Portland Maine The cobblestone streets of Old Port, the vibrant waterfront of Portland, Maine are busy  with people, shops and restaurants. Restaurants with national reputations for being on the forefront of the local and sustainable food movement. We had a day and a half there, vacationing with friends. We looked for casual places with good food — and we found them. The only challenge was trying to stay hungry. The creative energy in Portland provokes associations to Brooklyn, N.Y., which is annoying to people living in Portland. Sure, some people have moved from Brooklyn to Portland. But Portland has a rugged energy and intimacy all its own. Duck Fat Duck Fat serves irresistible fries. Belgian-style, hand-cut Maine potatoes fried in duck fat and served in a cone with a choice of dipping sauces. But why order the fries alone? Go for the poutine. It’s lathed with duck gravy and dabbed with soft, melting cheese curd. This hip little joint serves sandwiches, fries and milkshakes. Everyone seemed really happy to be here. We started lunch with Brussels sprouts fried in duck fat and tossed …