Portland Restaurant Report
Jul 20th, 2007, 10:28 PM
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Portland Restaurant Report
Part I: We arrived in Portland for a 4 night, 5 day visit. We were pleasantly surprised by the large number of dining choices. We first had lunch at Fenouil in the Pearl District. It is a beautiful restaurant in comfortable beiges and yellows. We enjoyed the lobster beignets, fried frog legs, steak tartare and steamed clams. Everything was delicious, even the frog legs. We shared a superb dessert plate of chocolate souffle, strawberry creme brulee and tarte tatin...all excellent. We look forward to having dinner there.
That evening, we had dinner at Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill. We had read outstanding reviews on various restaurant review blogs so decided to give it a try. Alberta Street is a 10 minute cab ride away from downtown and in a different world. Alternative lifestyle of all types co-exist in this neighborhood with a long shopping street. We wished we could have explored the shopping on Alberta but we had dinner reservations. The restaurant is modern, comfortable and not pretentious. The menu is varied. You could easily order sweetbreads for an appetizer then have a burger or cornmeal crusted halibut. We started with oysters (of course) that came with four dipping sauces...fresh and succulent. And we splurged on the Chef's Whim menu at $50 for 5 course and $20 for 5 wine tastings. We love good food and have to say that this meal was one of the best ones we've experienced anywhere in a long time. It was fresh and innovative but importantly the ingredients complemented each other well. Who would have thought to put watermelon, cucumber, avocados, dungeness crab, chives, cayenne pepper and a fried oyster together? Here it came together in a watermelon gazpacho. Delicous! It was an evening of surprises and a restaurant find in Portland to share with friends and Fodorites!
Blue Hour had been recommended to us but we were unable to get dinner reservations. We tried lunch and, as had been recommended to us, their burger is superb and fries to-die for. Hey, it's not too easy to get a great burger in a restaurant so it made me want to try dinner there next time. If they can do a burger this well...Oh yes...the decor is hip, trendy and now...
Wildwood was a disappointment. We had heard a lot of great things about this long-standing restaurant that was at the forefront of northwest fresh cuisine. That tradition continues with a new executive chef but we were not "wowed" by our appetizers or main courses. Side dishes sometimes make a meal, but here, they either overpowered the dish or didn't meld well with everything on the plate. We were told that the menu changes every night depending on what is available at the markets so maybe we had an off night.
More to come...
That evening, we had dinner at Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill. We had read outstanding reviews on various restaurant review blogs so decided to give it a try. Alberta Street is a 10 minute cab ride away from downtown and in a different world. Alternative lifestyle of all types co-exist in this neighborhood with a long shopping street. We wished we could have explored the shopping on Alberta but we had dinner reservations. The restaurant is modern, comfortable and not pretentious. The menu is varied. You could easily order sweetbreads for an appetizer then have a burger or cornmeal crusted halibut. We started with oysters (of course) that came with four dipping sauces...fresh and succulent. And we splurged on the Chef's Whim menu at $50 for 5 course and $20 for 5 wine tastings. We love good food and have to say that this meal was one of the best ones we've experienced anywhere in a long time. It was fresh and innovative but importantly the ingredients complemented each other well. Who would have thought to put watermelon, cucumber, avocados, dungeness crab, chives, cayenne pepper and a fried oyster together? Here it came together in a watermelon gazpacho. Delicous! It was an evening of surprises and a restaurant find in Portland to share with friends and Fodorites!
Blue Hour had been recommended to us but we were unable to get dinner reservations. We tried lunch and, as had been recommended to us, their burger is superb and fries to-die for. Hey, it's not too easy to get a great burger in a restaurant so it made me want to try dinner there next time. If they can do a burger this well...Oh yes...the decor is hip, trendy and now...
Wildwood was a disappointment. We had heard a lot of great things about this long-standing restaurant that was at the forefront of northwest fresh cuisine. That tradition continues with a new executive chef but we were not "wowed" by our appetizers or main courses. Side dishes sometimes make a meal, but here, they either overpowered the dish or didn't meld well with everything on the plate. We were told that the menu changes every night depending on what is available at the markets so maybe we had an off night.
More to come...
Jul 20th, 2007, 10:34 PM
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so far, you've hit two of my favorites- alberta street oyster bar and Bluehour, one I've been meaning to try -Fenouil, and one that I also found disappointing- Wildwood.
Looking forward to more...
Looking forward to more...
Jul 21st, 2007, 04:59 AM
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Ahhh Fenouil...that dessert.....Sorry Wildwood did not live up to the reviews, we enjoyed eating there but things seem to change so quickly in the Portland restaurant world, I guess it is hard to keep up.
Looking forward to reading more about your trip and remembering all my favorites too
My friend beachbum always told us to go to the Alberta St Oyster Bar and we never did get there...another reason to go back for a visit
Looking forward to reading more about your trip and remembering all my favorites too
My friend beachbum always told us to go to the Alberta St Oyster Bar and we never did get there...another reason to go back for a visit
Jul 21st, 2007, 05:09 AM
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We also were very disappointed in Wildwood and after a while resisted being dragged there on business dinners. The only thing on their menu I ever really liked were their salmon cakes (and crab cakes).
Looking forward to the rest of your report!
Looking forward to the rest of your report!
Jul 21st, 2007, 07:41 AM
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We had a very nice lunch at Fenouil last summer, we have had a few great lunches at Wildwood and a nice dinner there last summer, too bad your experience was not good. When you come back to Portland, try to get over to Paley's Place, across the street from Wildwood, it's also wonderful! ***kim*** 
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:05 AM
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Part II: Andina serves nuevo Peruvian cuisine in the Pearl District. It was different, and we especially enjoyed the quinoa crusted shrimp, beef heart kabobs, seafood platter, rack of lamb and duck confit. The food was tasty but not spicy, and we would have liked more heat. We would have appreciated more information about the food and recommendations from the servers. In all, we enjoyed our meals but would not hurry back.
We had breakfast and brunch at the Heathman Restaurant. For a restaurant that has been around awhile, we were surprised by the quality of the food and the innovative menu. Our egg dishes (benedict, crabcakes, florentine) were excellent. The halibut cheeks and steelhead dishes again were excellent. Service is helful, friendly and crisp. We also enjoyed Sat night in the lounge with live entertainment. It's a beautiful space and had a lively discussion about the eclectic decor.
Dinner at Fenouil was impressive. The evening special of duck confit with truffle glazed gnocchi and argula was delicious, as well as the pan seared scallops and kobe beef with blue cheese potato gratin. The weather was warm so we enjoyed the outdoor view of the park with the water fountain/falls.
In all, we were delighted with our dining experiences in Portland and look forward to a revisit soon!
We had breakfast and brunch at the Heathman Restaurant. For a restaurant that has been around awhile, we were surprised by the quality of the food and the innovative menu. Our egg dishes (benedict, crabcakes, florentine) were excellent. The halibut cheeks and steelhead dishes again were excellent. Service is helful, friendly and crisp. We also enjoyed Sat night in the lounge with live entertainment. It's a beautiful space and had a lively discussion about the eclectic decor.
Dinner at Fenouil was impressive. The evening special of duck confit with truffle glazed gnocchi and argula was delicious, as well as the pan seared scallops and kobe beef with blue cheese potato gratin. The weather was warm so we enjoyed the outdoor view of the park with the water fountain/falls.
In all, we were delighted with our dining experiences in Portland and look forward to a revisit soon!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 12:08 PM
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Wayne, I have found since living in Portand and now living out of the country, that the food there was really very good as compared to many other states and cities.
We used to enjoy the bar area of the Heathman on a week night when there were no prom parties or the like, then that hotel is just horrible with noise and obnoxious people. We ate there more times than I can count but found we could count the good meals less than the disappointing meals..so glad you were happy with yours.
Now I am wanting to go to Portland and visit my old haunts
We used to enjoy the bar area of the Heathman on a week night when there were no prom parties or the like, then that hotel is just horrible with noise and obnoxious people. We ate there more times than I can count but found we could count the good meals less than the disappointing meals..so glad you were happy with yours.
Now I am wanting to go to Portland and visit my old haunts
Jul 23rd, 2007, 03:05 PM
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You obviously did your research, Wayne, picking some of Portland's newest, hottest, bestest spots.
I've done the Chef's Whim twice at Alberta St; it's a can't miss meal. So innovative. And the regular menu selections are up to the same standard.
And Fenouil.... great special occasion place. Haven't been to dinner at Wildwood for a few years, though. I'm almost thinking of it as best for lunch.
Next time you're in town, put Le Pigeon on your list. You'll be surprised to find this kind of space so close to the downtown core - it would fit better out on Alberta St. - but the food is some of the town's best, IMO.
When you come back to Portland...
Does this mean you live in Portland now, kimamom? ;-)
I've done the Chef's Whim twice at Alberta St; it's a can't miss meal. So innovative. And the regular menu selections are up to the same standard.
And Fenouil.... great special occasion place. Haven't been to dinner at Wildwood for a few years, though. I'm almost thinking of it as best for lunch.
Next time you're in town, put Le Pigeon on your list. You'll be surprised to find this kind of space so close to the downtown core - it would fit better out on Alberta St. - but the food is some of the town's best, IMO.
When you come back to Portland...
Does this mean you live in Portland now, kimamom? ;-)
Jul 23rd, 2007, 04:49 PM
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Cafe Mingo is a definite pasta experience! We used to go there after a movie at Cinema 21..
Serratto is also a favorite, almost next door.
kimamom, I understand from egullet that you will be going to dinner in Portland on your drive through to the coast... if there are any restaurants I can help you with, do ask...I have been fondly remembering all of them lol..
nanabee, I wish I had gone to Le Happy before we moved, I love crepes
Serratto is also a favorite, almost next door.
kimamom, I understand from egullet that you will be going to dinner in Portland on your drive through to the coast... if there are any restaurants I can help you with, do ask...I have been fondly remembering all of them lol..
nanabee, I wish I had gone to Le Happy before we moved, I love crepes
Jul 23rd, 2007, 04:56 PM
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Wayne--Glad you enjoyed your time here
Scarlett--We were to go to Cafe Mingo a week or so ago, but they were closed for a special dinner, so we went to Serrato. Very good! This week we are debating between Higgins and Southpark after going to PAM.
Scarlett--We were to go to Cafe Mingo a week or so ago, but they were closed for a special dinner, so we went to Serrato. Very good! This week we are debating between Higgins and Southpark after going to PAM.
, I found the menu limited at Southpark but what I did have there was very good.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:00 PM
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I must jump in and mention a few new comers to the Portland restaurant scene. There are soooo many new places opeing up that it is hard to keep up with them all!
Terroir - This place is located in NE on MLK and Fremont. Not your typical neighborhood for this type of food but oh so welcome and needed!
Terroir (pronounced Ter-wah) serves up small plates that are larger than tapas style but not as large as an entree. The prices are extremely reasonable!
We had 8 or 9 plates between 3 of us and we were pleasantly satisfied when we walked out.
The stand outs for me were the pan seared razor clam and the risotto with carmelized cauliflower and almonds.
The space is warm and welcoming, the service friendly (except for the attitude from the hostess) and the food very tasty! They also boast a very large wine selection, both by the glass and by the bottle!
The tables are bamboo and the lighting is just right. The bathrooms are very well kept and nice with an interesting touch - Julie Child piping through the bathroom speakers!
There are also tables outside but they are on a fairly busy road.
Overall, I give Terroir an 8 out of ten. We will be back soon to try some of the plates we didn't sample during our first trip.
Tonight I visited Ten01 on 10th and Couch (pronounced Cooch). This space is stunning! I even asked who the designer was as I was so impressed with the decor! Ten01 is in a brand new building. The colors are nuetral but they have splashes of color from the artwork.
We sampled several happy hour menu items including the clams, olives, almonds, a salad and the french fries. Everything was delicious and the service was friendly.
I didn't eat dinner there but my friend had eaten a few days prior to our visit and said everything was very good.
I also rate this one an 8 out of 10.
Scarlett is so right! I have travelled all over the country and many places in the world and it is hard to match the diversity and appeal of the number of fantastic restaurants in Portland. It is definitely a city for foodies!
Terroir - This place is located in NE on MLK and Fremont. Not your typical neighborhood for this type of food but oh so welcome and needed!
Terroir (pronounced Ter-wah) serves up small plates that are larger than tapas style but not as large as an entree. The prices are extremely reasonable!
We had 8 or 9 plates between 3 of us and we were pleasantly satisfied when we walked out.
The stand outs for me were the pan seared razor clam and the risotto with carmelized cauliflower and almonds.
The space is warm and welcoming, the service friendly (except for the attitude from the hostess) and the food very tasty! They also boast a very large wine selection, both by the glass and by the bottle!
The tables are bamboo and the lighting is just right. The bathrooms are very well kept and nice with an interesting touch - Julie Child piping through the bathroom speakers!
There are also tables outside but they are on a fairly busy road.
Overall, I give Terroir an 8 out of ten. We will be back soon to try some of the plates we didn't sample during our first trip.
Tonight I visited Ten01 on 10th and Couch (pronounced Cooch). This space is stunning! I even asked who the designer was as I was so impressed with the decor! Ten01 is in a brand new building. The colors are nuetral but they have splashes of color from the artwork.
We sampled several happy hour menu items including the clams, olives, almonds, a salad and the french fries. Everything was delicious and the service was friendly.
I didn't eat dinner there but my friend had eaten a few days prior to our visit and said everything was very good.
I also rate this one an 8 out of 10.
Scarlett is so right! I have travelled all over the country and many places in the world and it is hard to match the diversity and appeal of the number of fantastic restaurants in Portland. It is definitely a city for foodies!
Jul 24th, 2007, 01:03 AM
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On our list of to-do restaurants next time are: Higgin's, Paley's Place, Blue Hour for dinner, Le Pigeon, and Jo-Bar. Others recommended are Gravy and Screen Door for breakfast and Simpatica Dining Hall for dinner or brunch. Does anyone have reports about these?
