Circa 33 Brunch

Circa 33 on SE Belmont is probably most  known for in the evening as a neighborhood Prohibition-themed cocktail bar. But, did you know they also offer an al fresco dining alley area, and on weekends by the restrooms when the red light is on, host a speakeasy type bar? And don’t overlook the additional hidden gem of its weekend brunch, served 10 AM – 2 PM, featuring a curated list of dishes which include several vegetarian and vegan friendly options and of course, cocktails. Today I share my brunch visit, and here’s a look at the secret speakeasy – which will be put to good use on a Prohibition Party in a couple weeks!
Circa 33 interior during the day. Circa 33 is a Prohibition-themed cocktail bar and on Fri Sat boasts a hidden speakeasy - look for the light to be on - and you can enter past a bookcase door with a special code Circa 33 brunch, Bloody Mary c.1921 with vodka, summer-spiced bloody blend, creole-salt rim and choice of bacon/veggie/combo garnish

The name Circa 33 is a nod to the neighborhood street block they are on (SE 33rd block on Belmont) as well as the year prohibition was repealed, 1933. Their cocktails are a mix of drinks from the late 1800s and early 1900s as well as more current inventions that follow the framework of spirit, sugar, citrus, and bitters. You’ll see a dozen options of specialty cocktails. If you are not into cocktails, not to worry – they have almost a dozen wines by the glass and smaller selection of beer, and non-alcoholic beverages like a ginger limeade. Below, you’ll see the Circa 33 cocktail, The Huntress which is c.1937 with Effen vodka, bubbles, black currant, citrus, Becherovka herbal liqueur
Circa 33 is a Prohibition-themed cocktail bar. This Circa 33 cocktail, The Huntress is c.1937 with Effen vodka, bubbles, black currant, citrus, Becherovka herbal liqueur
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Alto Bajo Brunch

We’re rounding the corner to the end of January, and as the dark winter days are now getting shorter, I thought I’d give you still a little more color for your breakfast or brunch. Alto Bajo is a restaurant in the new boutique Hi Lo Hotel (in fact, Alto Bajo is Spanish for High and Low) offering a blend of Northwest with Oaxacan cuisine for weekday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a weekend brunch. All of the seatings take reservations, including brunch.

The hotel and restaurant are new, so still seem a bit under the radar on the Portland scene. I really like their twist on brunch, so wanted to highlight it here for you. Otherwise, I’ve been here for drinks a couple times – getting drinks in the Hi Lo very cool lobby area is a classy way to start a night out downtown. Alto Bajo does not have its own bar, and so the drinks are shared between this lobby bar and the restaurant.

Hi Lo Bar inside the Hi Lo hotel Hi Lo Bar inside the Hi Lo hotel Alto Bajo cocktail - margarita Alto Bajo cocktail

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Late Night Portland Eats: Crown PDX

I was sad to see Portland Penny Diner go, but the Crown PDX, the pizza place that opened in the same space, admittedly gets even more business from me then PPD (which I loved and still miss their breakfast sandwiches). I go probably once a month now, though that is partially because since it’s only a couple blocks from my favorite beer bar (Bailey’s Taproom) that allows you to bring your own food, and I am often going to grab a slice or a whole pie to go with my beer. It’s now 50% Santeria + Bailey’s beer and 50% Crown PDX + Bailey’s beer.
The Crown PDX, by Imperial The Crown PDX, by Imperial

Crown PDX is open late, which is a boon when you feel hungry a little later then the normal dinner hour after a beer share or a show. In fact, I think when it comes to late night / early morning Portland Eats, Crown PDX is among the best 3 in Portland. To be precise, last I checked they are open for lunch on weekdays (mid afternoon on the weekend) and then until 1 AM except Thursday Friday Saturday when they are open until 2:30 AM. 2:30 AM! So if you’re out late in downtown and looking for a bite, this is one of the best options to dine in or grab and go.
The Crown PDX, Imperial pizza with fried chicken, pickles, ranch, honey, hot sauce The Crown PDX, Imperial pizza with fried chicken, pickles, ranch, honey, hot sauce
My favorite pizza from The Crown is this, the Imperial
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Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward

You may have heard that in September, Earl Ninsom of Langbaan (and also PaaDee and Hat Yai) announced a new special monthly dinner series, the Chefs Who Inspire dinner series. I recently attended the Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward of Castagna. Here’s a look at my dinner experience.
Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward

Each dinner of the Chefs Who Inspire series will offer six tasting menu courses with wine pairings for $180 (gratuity not included) with a guest chef that Chef Earl admires and believes is inspiring to him and others and wants to highlight as the culinary talents that they are. Chef Earl introduced at the beginning of this dinner that he ate at one of the best restaurants in Bangkok with other chef friends – and thought to himself – Justin can do this. And he can do it better.

I have to agree that Chef Justin and Castagna is one of the huge underrated gems of Portland – the restaurant would have a waiting list and he’d be a rock star in a lot of other cities. Part of it is Portland is less into fine dining then other metropolis cities (which face it, often have more business expense accounts also) and the Portland dining scene doesn’t have enough that embrace modernist high end and Michelin star quality menu prices that are normal in San Francisco and New York. Chef Justin is also a more introverted personality who works quietly, thoughtfully, to the beat of own drum. He seems to shy away from attention, and just wants the food to speak for itself.

Langbaan PDX Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward, First course of Dungeness crab, mussel jus, leeks, blank trumpet mushroom Langbaan PDX Chefs Who Inspire Dinner with Justin Woodward, Third course of Duck, apple, broccolini
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Expatriate Brunch

Brunch at Expatriate, despite being highlighted a few times in the food media here, still seems to be a hidden secret. But this is fine with me, as it means the vibe is laid back and uncrowded and unhurried. It’s available only on the weekend on both Saturday, Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM. It’s easy to find parking a few blocks away, even on a Sunday – and no line! Here’s a look at some highlights of their brunch menu.
Expatriate Brunch Expatriate Brunch, Rice Waffle with Black Sesame Ice Cream, Smothered and Covered Expatriate Hash Browns and Expatriate Congee

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