Have you checked out Normandie yet? Opened by alumnae of Portland classic Veritable Quandry, and the 2/3 of the co-wonders (one of who is the chef) are women. The food menu has been changing a bit as they tweaked it, but some favorites that were out of the gate when they opened in October last year still have remained. Several of them you can find on the happy hour at Normandie, which runs from 4-6 PM and again 10 PM -12 AM daily. except Sunday and Monday where happy hour is offered all night.
Still on the menu is the Chicken Liver Mousse served with Duck Fat Madeleines, Port Poached Plums, Piment d’ Espelette Honey. These are perfect to a creamy start, or also do perfect well as an end of your meal savory dessert
A round of perfect bites comes in the form of Croque Madame Beignets with Fig Jam and Chive Aioli. It manages to be crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and I admit I’m more partial to that chive aioli.
A well loved option from the start has been the Burger on Brioche accompanied by famous 5 Hour Onions, Alpine Cheeses, and Mustard Aioli. Feast your eyes on this beautiful messy monster of a burger
Originally conceptualized as a sea urchin blini has transformed into what they dub Tiny Toast, a grilled levain bread with Uni Butter, Rhubarb Jam, Szechuan, and Arugula. Both time I’ve had what are essentially open faced sandwiches here they have come dressed with a lot of greens: just push them back to behold the other ingredients.
New to me on my recent visit but worth it are these incredible Smoked Beets with Sheep’s Milk Mousse, Pickled Dates, Pistachios, Pomegranate Molasses, Mint. It is one of my favorite items on the menu and impressive to be part of the happy hour menu and as a vegetarian offering. The smokiness really comes through in the best way and is balanced perfectly with the textures of the firm beats, crunchy pistachios, bright sweetness from pomegranate, creamy mousse – it all comes together.
Oysters have always been amazing here, both raw selections with rotating toppings, and these beautiful Broiled Oysters with Miso Butter, Charred Spring Onion, Togarashi, Bread Crumbs. Only the raw oysters are part of the happy hour menu, but these broiled oysters are worth getting anyway. Fair warning, they are small – but pack a lot of flavor in that small bite.
Another starter for your consideration from the regular menu are these Hamachi Crudo with Roasted Pineapple, Chile d’ Arbol, Ginger Mignonette. For more substantial plates, I recommend the Charred Spanish Octopus with Gochujang Glaze, Baby Bok Choy, Cucumber, Peanut Dukkah, Cured Lime Yogurt , or the Feeds 2+ People dish of family style Cured Pork.
The beverage menu is particularly strong here at Normandie. Besides the almost dozen specialty cocktails they offer, additional another half dozen Calvados Cocktails are available. From the regular cocktail menu you’ll fine options like Halcyon cocktail with aquavit, elderflower, lime, honey, tonic, everything spice; A Supposedly Fun Thing cocktail with gin, mezcal, poblano liqueur, cucumber, ginger, and egg white; Floating in a Black Balloon cocktail with Vodka, Singani, Cocchi Americano, Tangerine Sorbet, Soda, Habanero Salt, Herbs; Mucho Takeitaeasy Buddy cocktail with Anejo tequila, rum, macadamia nut, honey, coconut oil, absinthe, orange; and so much more
The interior space remains open with its high ceilings and huge windows on two sides, and luxe wallpaper of sea life. A front bar area centered by a gorgeous white bar with mirrors and white tiles, while the back offers chic industrial black cushy booths.
I hope this post tempts you to give Normandie a happy hour try! Where are your go to spots for happy hour?
I don’t know what there is for me to eat at Normandie, but those cocktails! They look incredible. Perfect for summertime sipping!
Those broiled oysters are calling my name. It all looks delicious!
Everything looks so delicious! That burger especially! This definitely looks like a must-stop place for me to try!
Mm, those tiny toasts are intriguing!