Ever since an astonishing initial visit last year, one of my constant recommendations for people in search of new, fabulous restaurant experiences has been for them to try the Fiddlehead Restaurant (84 Hammond Street, Bangor). Not only would they be able to sample dishes dreamed up by a couple of restaurant wunderkinds, but the whole experience, I assured them, would include service and ambiance at a level found at a very small handful of restaurants in this town.

The Fiddlehead Restaurant in Bangor is a bit of a contradiction. It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation on a weekend night, yet it has none of the conceits of your typical hot spot. Diners get white-tablecloth service — the only thing missing is the crumb sweeper — but the closest thing to a tablecloth in the joint is a humble little runner. Though the menu reads like a comfort food greatest hits list — truffled mac ’n cheese, grilled pork chops with slaw, noodle-free veggie lasagna — each dish has a twist that elevates it to fine dining status.

Laura and Mel join Leith (Governor) & Randy Wadleigh on Deb Neuman's Back to Business to talk about the restaurant business and how their first year has gone.

The Fiddlehead Restaurant on Hammond Street in downtown Bangor may be the coziest dining spot in the area. Even if every seat in the place is filled it still holds only 46 people — so it always seems busy. And the place has been humming since owners and operators Laura Albin and chef Melissa Chaiken opened it in late August.