James and Sherron Bowen on fri 3 feb 06
This list came from a friend of a friend
(I give CitySearch links for each recommendation mainly because it gives you
a common reference for looking over all of the choices, plus it is a good
source for user reviews from the general public.)
OK, first the info. on El Gaucho.
Here's the restaurant's web site: http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/
Here's the Portland CitySearch profile. They mention the three private
rooms available ("The seductive Vintage Room requires planning ahead (two to
four weeks out for weekends), but it's well-worth the hip points you'll
score."), and you can browse the reader reviews.
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/11359871/portland_or/el_gaucho.html
Also, here's a review from a reviewer I like:
http://www.realgoodfood.com/el_gaucho.html
And in case you doubt whether it could really be so appealing, even
Willamette Week gave it this review: "You've died and gone to meat heaven.
The clouds smell of seared beef, butter and money. The angels wear tuxedo
jackets and grind garlic, lemon and anchovies in wooden bowls to dress the
most respectable Caesar salad this side of Tijuana. And in lieu of a harp,
the trill of an acoustic guitar playing "Guantanamera" sails across a room
so suavely appointed and dimly lit you'd swear you were dining in Cary
Grant's arms. Although a biblical portion of steak (ditch that lackluster
side of lobster) is gospel at this downtown standby, don't neglect
appetizers and less hearty proteins. One could make a light meal of the
restaurant's stunning tuna tartare-puckery cubes of ruby fish surrounded by
a confetti of pine nuts, capers, jalapeño and pear bits-or expire happily
after a plate of Fanny Bay oysters on the half-shell and a glass of bubbly.
Amen."
I also mentioned Genoa. Here is their web site:
http://genoarestaurant.com/
Reservations are required, and the two dinner choices are the 4-course for
$60 or the 7-course for $75.
The February 2-20 menu, with entrée choices, is here
http://genoarestaurant.com/Menu.html
CitySearch's Genoa profile and user reviews are here:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8470177/portland_or/genoa.html
I have to say I was a bit surprised to see a so-so profile, and very mixed
reviews. I haven't been to Genoa in a couple of years, and had heard that
it had declined a bit, so this may be more evidence of that. If I were you,
I wouldn't risk it.
Now . . . you mentioned "Portland area" . . . I really think you should
consider the Joel Palmer House, in Dayton. This is one of the best
restaurants (and wine list) in the state. It focuses on mushrooms, since
the chef/founder/owner is a renowned expert on the subject. Read through
the web site . . .
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8441207/dayton_or/joel_palmer_house.html
Web: http://www.joelpalmerhouse.com/
I'll be very jealous if you choose this and do "Jack's Special," which I
haven't done . . . yet! "In addition to our a la carte menu, we offer a
prix-fixe extravaganza:
Jack's Mushroom Madness Menu, a selection of the day's specials emphasizing,
of course, wild mushrooms. Pick your entree and Jack will choose and prepare
the rest of the dinner for you including three first courses and dessert. We
request that this special menu be ordered by the entire table. 55.00 per
person."
The flashy Pearl District choice of the moment, but actually with excellent
food: Bluehour. Bluehour is "in" right now, but has been excellent since
opening 4-5 years ago, and does a great job of mixing glamorous with hip.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/11339516/portland_or/bluehour.html?
(Note this, which I was not aware of: "Where to Sit? -- Entertaining? Book
the long, elegant chef's table in the middle of the restaurant; it seats 14
and is a super-hot spot to see and be seen in the Pearl.")
Web:
http://www.bluehouronline.com/mainframe.html?participant_id=&player_id=&tour_id=&loclist=&loclistart=
Caprial's Bistro has just about the consistently best food. It's my
16-year-old's favorite fancy restaurant, and where my mom took me for my
45th, complete with an autographed copy of the restaurant's cookbook.
Again, they have a room in the back you can reserve (this one I have
experienced), but I actually prefer the brighter/lighter/livelier front
seating.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8454305/portland_or/caprial_s_bistro_wine.html?
Web: http://www.caprialandjohnskitchen.com/bistro/
One of my two favorites in NW (the other is too small for your group) is
Wildwood. They have two private dining rooms. Always great (Northwest)
food.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8463282/portland_or/wildwood_restaurant_bar.html
Web: http://www.wildwoodrestaurant.com/index.htm
I really like Tabla, in NE Portland. I like the menu, the drinks, the
lively atmosphere. A bit small and "cutting edge" on the cuisine.
They also have a private party room, which looks really nice (although I've
never had occasion to reserve or be invited to use it!).
CitySearch: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/37254164/
Web: http://www.tabla-restaurant.com/
Three Degrees has a great setting by the river, especially if the weather is
nice and you can sit outside Very good food, but not necessarily unusual --
"Northwest."
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41378048/portland_or/three_degrees.html?
Web: http://www.threedegreesrestaurant.com/portland/
Here's an offbeat possibility -- Brasserie Montmartre:
http://brasseriemontmartre.com/page/nwya/Home_Page.html. But this is not
really known for the food, so maybe not . . .
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8459642/portland_or/brasserie_montmartre.html
Hope that gets you started. Of course, that's only my recommendations that
fit your parameters. If you want my favorite Portland martini bars, or
fondue spot, or happy hour . . .
I'll probably think of more . . .
Eric Suchman on sat 4 feb 06
Oh, Check out Henry's Tavern ...... Great Cedar Plank Salmon! Great
with a Newcastle's!
Eric in Oceanside
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
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>
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Rikki Gill on sat 4 feb 06
Do you happen to know if Jake's is still great? It is the father of the
McCormick restaurants across the country. I remember eating wonderful
oysters there.
Thanks, Rikki
----- Original Message -----
From: "James and Sherron Bowen"
To:
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2006 10:40 PM
Subject: Eateries in Portland
This list came from a friend of a friend
(I give CitySearch links for each recommendation mainly because it gives you
a common reference for looking over all of the choices, plus it is a good
source for user reviews from the general public.)
OK, first the info. on El Gaucho.
Here's the restaurant's web site: http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/
Here's the Portland CitySearch profile. They mention the three private
rooms available ("The seductive Vintage Room requires planning ahead (two to
four weeks out for weekends), but it's well-worth the hip points you'll
score."), and you can browse the reader reviews.
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/11359871/portland_or/el_gaucho.html
Also, here's a review from a reviewer I like:
http://www.realgoodfood.com/el_gaucho.html
And in case you doubt whether it could really be so appealing, even
Willamette Week gave it this review: "You've died and gone to meat heaven.
The clouds smell of seared beef, butter and money. The angels wear tuxedo
jackets and grind garlic, lemon and anchovies in wooden bowls to dress the
most respectable Caesar salad this side of Tijuana. And in lieu of a harp,
the trill of an acoustic guitar playing "Guantanamera" sails across a room
so suavely appointed and dimly lit you'd swear you were dining in Cary
Grant's arms. Although a biblical portion of steak (ditch that lackluster
side of lobster) is gospel at this downtown standby, don't neglect
appetizers and less hearty proteins. One could make a light meal of the
restaurant's stunning tuna tartare-puckery cubes of ruby fish surrounded by
a confetti of pine nuts, capers, jalapeño and pear bits-or expire happily
after a plate of Fanny Bay oysters on the half-shell and a glass of bubbly.
Amen."
I also mentioned Genoa. Here is their web site:
http://genoarestaurant.com/
Reservations are required, and the two dinner choices are the 4-course for
$60 or the 7-course for $75.
The February 2-20 menu, with entrée choices, is here
http://genoarestaurant.com/Menu.html
CitySearch's Genoa profile and user reviews are here:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8470177/portland_or/genoa.html
I have to say I was a bit surprised to see a so-so profile, and very mixed
reviews. I haven't been to Genoa in a couple of years, and had heard that
it had declined a bit, so this may be more evidence of that. If I were you,
I wouldn't risk it.
Now . . . you mentioned "Portland area" . . . I really think you should
consider the Joel Palmer House, in Dayton. This is one of the best
restaurants (and wine list) in the state. It focuses on mushrooms, since
the chef/founder/owner is a renowned expert on the subject. Read through
the web site . . .
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8441207/dayton_or/joel_palmer_house.html
Web: http://www.joelpalmerhouse.com/
I'll be very jealous if you choose this and do "Jack's Special," which I
haven't done . . . yet! "In addition to our a la carte menu, we offer a
prix-fixe extravaganza:
Jack's Mushroom Madness Menu, a selection of the day's specials emphasizing,
of course, wild mushrooms. Pick your entree and Jack will choose and prepare
the rest of the dinner for you including three first courses and dessert. We
request that this special menu be ordered by the entire table. 55.00 per
person."
The flashy Pearl District choice of the moment, but actually with excellent
food: Bluehour. Bluehour is "in" right now, but has been excellent since
opening 4-5 years ago, and does a great job of mixing glamorous with hip.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/11339516/portland_or/bluehour.html?
(Note this, which I was not aware of: "Where to Sit? -- Entertaining? Book
the long, elegant chef's table in the middle of the restaurant; it seats 14
and is a super-hot spot to see and be seen in the Pearl.")
Web:
http://www.bluehouronline.com/mainframe.html?participant_id=&player_id=&tour_id=&loclist=&loclistart=
Caprial's Bistro has just about the consistently best food. It's my
16-year-old's favorite fancy restaurant, and where my mom took me for my
45th, complete with an autographed copy of the restaurant's cookbook.
Again, they have a room in the back you can reserve (this one I have
experienced), but I actually prefer the brighter/lighter/livelier front
seating.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8454305/portland_or/caprial_s_bistro_wine.html?
Web: http://www.caprialandjohnskitchen.com/bistro/
One of my two favorites in NW (the other is too small for your group) is
Wildwood. They have two private dining rooms. Always great (Northwest)
food.
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8463282/portland_or/wildwood_restaurant_bar.html
Web: http://www.wildwoodrestaurant.com/index.htm
I really like Tabla, in NE Portland. I like the menu, the drinks, the
lively atmosphere. A bit small and "cutting edge" on the cuisine.
They also have a private party room, which looks really nice (although I've
never had occasion to reserve or be invited to use it!).
CitySearch: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/37254164/
Web: http://www.tabla-restaurant.com/
Three Degrees has a great setting by the river, especially if the weather is
nice and you can sit outside Very good food, but not necessarily unusual --
"Northwest."
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41378048/portland_or/three_degreeshtml?
Web: http://www.threedegreesrestaurant.com/portland/
Here's an offbeat possibility -- Brasserie Montmartre:
http://brasseriemontmartre.com/page/nwya/Home_Page.html. But this is not
really known for the food, so maybe not . . .
CitySearch:
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8459642/portland_or/brasserie_montmartre.html
Hope that gets you started. Of course, that's only my recommendations that
fit your parameters. If you want my favorite Portland martini bars, or
fondue spot, or happy hour . . .
I'll probably think of more . . .
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Paul Lewing on sat 4 feb 06
on 2/3/06 10:40 PM, James and Sherron Bowen at jbowen43@PRAIRIENETWORKS.COM
wrote:
> Caprial's Bistro has just about the consistently best food. It's my
> 16-year-old's favorite fancy restaurant, and where my mom took me for my
> 45th, complete with an autographed copy of the restaurant's cookbook.
> Again, they have a room in the back you can reserve (this one I have
> experienced), but I actually prefer the brighter/lighter/livelier front
> seating.
If I'm not mistaken, this is the restaurant owned by Caprial Pence (sp?) who
has been a TV chef, if she isn't still. She's also the daughter of
well-known Portland potter Pat Horsley. She'd probably love being invaded
by NCECA-goers.
Paul Lewing, Seattle
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