I second Sel Gris!! I suppose I'm a little late on this one, but I just ate there for the first time, and the whole experience was wonderful. Haute cuisine with fair prices and a classy-not-stuffy atmosphere. I'm a life-long foodie from a foodie family, and my meal at Sel Gri blew my mind in a way no other meal has.

Thought I saw Pambiche mentioned once or twice...across the street from there is Dove Vivi, which serves cornmeal crust pizza with a variety of gourmet toppings, including a sometimes-special-of-the-day fig & pancetta pizza. They even cure their own meats! The corn pizza on the regular menu is also delightful. <3 Dove!!

Been to Carlyle lately, Steve? Friends hosted a dinner there a week ago, and it was one of the more memorable meals I've had in Portland in a while.

Oh nanabee, so glad you went to Fenouil ... whimper whimper .... lol
Congratulations on the new baby ... I will keep watching for news .. and foodie reports !

hi lcuy & scarlett - the baby was due 5/2 then the date was changed to 5/8 (according to test reports), and now we are waiting...waiting... (can't wait!!)

hi beachbum & sel gris: I would like to get to those two restaurants you recommended, and may have to sneak away for lunch (while my daughter & s-i-l wait for the grandbaby).

hi surfmom: I am so sorry about my comment and that you were offended, I hope you can accept my apology. :)

yikes stevefrench I meant to say your name not the restaurant (sel gris)!!

Scarlett - I'm seeing a lot of homesick posts from you recently. I think you're jonesing either for the U.S. or Portland. When is the last time you were stateside?

I am homesick for Portland and NYC ... 2 years ..

Hi Scarlett and lcuy
You asked about the grandbaby. He was born Tues night and weighed in at 11 lbs. 3 oz!! I'm not getting much restaurant time in as I'd hoped but I'm enjoying the time with the little/big guy.
I did take my 4 yr old granddaughter to Serrato's happy hour. They have a great ambience and food is terrific. She loved the attention they gave the "big sister" who is feeling the need for more attention right now.
I stopped by Happy Planet (in the NW) for a burrito which was quite good.

I might still try to get to Sel Gris which is a few blocks from my DD's house.

Congratulations on your grandson nanabee! He is a whopping big boy. Imagine he is adorable. And I would think his big sis will have a lot of fun "mothering" him, most big sister's love to have a baby in the house.

My fave is still 'The Tin Shed' on NE Alberta. Love their weekend breakfasts.

Congratulations, nanabee !! 11 pounds ! ouch lol ...
I always liked Serrato .. I loved the pasta with crab and creamy tomato sauce ..

Yes, hopingtotravel Tin Shed is great and often overlooked because it's so far from downtown - I didn't get to go there this time :(
Yum Scarlet the pasta you described sounds worth an trip back just for that! :)