Tusk Weekend Happy Hour

I’ve raved about Tusk before, which totally delivers on the hype the food writers in media have given it with its fresh, seasonal, farm to table Mediterranean food.  Tusk only takes reservations for their dinner, or if your table for their brunch (served weekends only) is 8 people or more. But, anyone looking to enjoy Tusk there is double good news. First, in the past month or so, they have completely enclosed their outdoor patio. The end result is really increasing their capacity for seating and protecting you from the sometimes moody spring weather so the area is usable all year round. Secondly, there is now a Tusk Weekend Happy Hour. Instead of closing between brunch and dinner, they offer happy hour drinks and eats from 2:30 – 5 PM. Here’s a detailed look at their offerings.
Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner. A great way to slip in between the brunch and dinner rush

First, drinks. Tusk will be offering a rotating menu of three special happy hour cocktails available only during weekend happy hour, and three wines by the glass (all under $10) as well as beer. Don’t worry – the full Tusk cocktail menu will also be available.
Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner. They have 3 special cocktails available only during happy hour, though you can also order from their regular cocktail menu here Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner. They have 3 special cocktails available only during happy hour, though you can also order from their regular cocktail menu here

The Mr. Kiss cocktail features Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, lime, tahini, ghost pepper, and chocolate. Despite the wide ranging combination, the cocktail flavors are pretty tame – mostly a little bit of lime and tequila citrus followed by a little savory from the chocolate and hint of heat from the ghost pepper, but not spicy at all, don’t worry.
Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner. They have 3 special cocktails available only during happy hour, though you can also order from their regular cocktail menu here like here The Mr. Kiss cocktail features Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, lime, tahini, ghost pepper, and chocolate.

The Hazy Jane cocktail is one of their signature drinks and offers Reyka vodka, almond, house made basil syrup, ginger, lemon, rose, and yogurt. The end result is light and refreshing with just a little bit of creamy mouthfeel from the yogurt.
Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner. They have 3 special cocktails available only during happy hour, though you can also order from their regular cocktail menu here. This is The Hazy Jane cocktail is one of their signature drinks and offers Reyka vodka, almond, house made basil syrup, ginger, lemon, rose, and yogurt. The end result is light and refreshing with just a little bit of creamy mouthfeel from the yogurt.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic drink, definitely consider their iced matcha tea.
Tusk Iced Matcha Tea.
Foodwise, the happy hour menu is filled with a sampler of some of Tusk’s best dishes, not only priced lower but also are sized perfectly for filling your whole table with lots of little dishes to try everything. Make sure you also try everything with a little bit of the 3 condiments on the table of Aleppo chile oil, za’atar, and cumin salt, to see how they enhance the flavors of any dish.
Tusk Weekend Happy Hour, served Saturday Sunday 2:30-5PM between brunch and dinner with lots of favorite dishes at discounted prices and perfectly sized for filling your tables with one of everything to try it all Tusk condiments for every table - make sure you also try everything with a little bit of the 3 condiments on the table of Aleppo chile oil, za'atar, and cumin salt, to see how they enhance the flavors of any dish

Here’s a look at all the happy hour dishes – I’ve tried them all!
[Read more…]

Signature

Brunch at Tusk and Upcoming Summer Party

Tusk in Portland took over the old Levant space on SE 24th and Burnside, transforming it into a light filled bright space with a sweet touch but continuing to offer Middle Eastern food and making use of the inherited open wood-burning hearth. Brunch at Tusk is only 10 AM – 2PM on Saturday and Sunday, otherwise they are open for dinner daily.

It’s quite a contrast seeing almost kitty corner across the street the line of people waiting for the heavier Southern brunch and fried chicken and biscuits versus here, the lighter Middle Eastern brunch plates, many which are vegetarian, can be made vegan, and feel healthier. Extensive studies have shown that Mediterranean eating patterns – of which Middle Eastern food share some commonality with its use of chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, olive oil, etc. –  are directly correlated with good health including the reduction of that LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) bad cholesterol,  risk of Alzheimer’s by approximately 40 percent, and the development of Parkinson’s Disease. So let’s bring on the hummus and pita, shall we!

Bright interior full of light welcomes you and keeps you feeling cheerful during your meal.
Tusk in Portland interior Tusk in Portland interior

[Read more…]

Signature