After a birthday weekend visit to my hometown, the restaurant visits definitely deserve mention on this board. So I'm breaking down and writing my first post, despite no longer living in DC and having been a member for a couple years...so bare with me if I don't know how to link properly...
Evening #1: Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill http://www.albertaoyster.com/ Located in the newly revitalized Alberta neighborhood on the east side. Had an excellent Chateau De Vaudieu, Chateaunuf du Pape, 04. Highly recommend the Squash Soup with Chestnuts, Prunes, and housemade Rabbit Sausage; Diver Scallops with Beluga Lentils and Chicken Liver Sauce (won our vote for best plate); and the Escolar with Brussel Sprouts, Cous Cous, and Warm Bacon Vingaigrette (the last being a surprise winner).
Afternoon #1: Kenny and Zuke's Delicatessan http://www.kennyandzukes.com/ Located next to the Ace Hotel/Clyde Common. Open till 3am Fri/Sat with a late night menu. Seriously THE BEST pastrami I've ever had in my life. My boyfriend almost declared defeat with the Pastrami Eggs Benedict but managed to put down the last bite. I had the Pastrami on Rye Sandwich (with the mustard and special sauce on the side). Coleslaw and housemade pickles are worth an add on, as are the Latkes. I thought I was crazy until today when The Oregonian came out with its review. http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf...enny_zukes.html Their catering is top notch as my parents used them for their annual holiday party.
Evening #2: Le Pigeon http://www.lepigeon.com/ Located on E. Burnside, just across the river from Downtown. With all the press and recommendations to boot, my parents, boyfriend and I squeezed into a communal table with an 8 o'clock reservation. Note they do not take reservations for the counter or for anytime between 6:30 and 7:30. Everything, and I mean just about every detail, lived up to expectations. There are only 3 communal tables that fit approx 12-14, and while the I understand the point of sharing your eating experience with others, there is no way you could fit as many guests in that tiny space with individual tables. The place was packed on a Sunday night and had to turn away guests, which is no surprise to outsiders but for the city of Portland, that's amazing. Not a single plate proved a disappointment, but the highlights include: Sweetbreads with Parsnip and Fois Gras (my favorite, if only for the parsnip/fois accompaniment); Beef Neck Terrine with Truffles; Venison with Blue Cheese and Hazlenuts; and Gnocchi (the menu has already changed, but ours was Bone Marrow Gnocchi with Snails and Parsley).
Afternoon #2: Bush Garden, Japanese restaurant (not the theme park) http://www.bush-garden.com/ (website not that helpful) Located next to the MAX station at 9th and Morrison in Downtown. I've been going there for years and while under new ownership, still a family favorite. I usually sit at the Sushi Bar but they have super comfy Tatami rooms. Both Sushi Chefs were new but I ordered the Broiled Mackeral, Yellowtail Sashimi, and Miso Soup.
Evening #3: Amnesia Brewing Company, website down, located on corner of N. Beech and Mississippi on the east side. One of my favorite places in the city, if not the country. Beers are brewed on site and they have a huge (permanent) tent outside. Desolation IPA is outstanding, as is their ESB. They rotate some other local brews as well. Only serve sausages/burgers and while dog friendly, no kids allowed. You can purchase quarts ($7) to go. Might be wise to bring your own container, they sometimes run out.
That does it. Portland puts my new home of Denver to shame.
