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33 is a nod to the neighborhood street block they are on (SE 33rd block on Belmont) as well as the year prohibition was repealed, 1933.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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Recommendations at Bar Casa Vale

Have you heard of Bar Casa Vale? They opened last year, and Willamette Weekly declared them Bar of the Year 2017. I’ve mostly been for drinks, particularly their goblets of gin and tonics although they have lots of other amazing cocktails, but recently I also got a chance to try more of their menu and wanted to share my recommendations with you.

Bar Casa Vale Bar Casa Vale Clam Conserva with Lardo Toast, Fried olives with sobrasada and piri piri mayo

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Roe PDX

I enjoyed the original Roe PDX restaurant by Chef Trent Pierce when it was a hidden restaurant in the back of Block and Tackle (formerly Wafu), and have been excitedly awaiting the opening of the new Roe PDX location downtown. Dining here is completely reservations only, and you select your date and time of seating from Tock or OpenTable – they have a smaller Theater menu, or go the full chefs menu course dinners. The price includes gratuity. The food here is contemporary seafood, with an intimate fine dining atmosphere – the level of service here is worthy of any white tablecloth restaurant in the top cities in the world, not the usual Portland casualness.

You’ll find Roe in the back of Morgan’s Alley (515 SW Broadway), only blocks from Pioneer Square. It is slightly hidden on the second floor with no clear Roe sign, only a congratulatory “Yes! You’ve Found Us!” as a hint.

Roe PDX Waiting room before you enter the dining room of Roe PDX

When you first enter the otherwise unmarked door, you find yourself in a waiting room with no view of the restaurant space yet, only another note that someone would be with us and some seats against the all and flower arrangement in the middle on a table. At first, it felt a little Alice in Wonderland.

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A Nice Dinner Out at Ringside Fish House

If you are looking for a sophisticated place to go out on a holiday dinner with your loved ones or your friends during the holiday or post holiday, don’t overlook the classic nice dinner out at Ringside Fish House. This elegant restaurant is located downtown right by Director’s Park, and is a favorite for theater goers with their 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner that can get you to the show on time. I like visiting without a show ticket even more so I can fully linger and enjoy the atmosphere. Take advantage of the complimentary self-parking at Fox Tower Parking Garage, or walk only a block or two away from the Max or Streetcar.

Here’s a look at a recent nice dinner out at Ringside Fish House I enjoyed this month. Keep in mind of course that like any excellent seafood restaurant the dishes may change based on what is fresh. Certain favorites will be there in some form though – for instance the impressive starter of a Fresh Seafood Platter arranged with King Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallop, Gulf Prawns, Oysters, Mussels, Manila Clams, House Smoked Salmon. This one is just a small that offered more then enough for us four, but they come in two other sizes for even more grandness and has an optional upgrade addition of lobster. That house smoked salmon is really something special
A Nice Dinner at Ringside Fish House with a Fresh Seafood Platter arranged with King Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallop, Gulf Prawns, Oysters, Mussels, Manila Clams, House Smoked Salmon A Nice Dinner at Ringside Fish House with a Fresh Seafood Platter arranged with King Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallop, Gulf Prawns, Oysters, Mussels, Manila Clams, House Smoked Salmon A Nice Dinner at Ringside Fish House with a Fresh Seafood Platter arranged with King Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallop, Gulf Prawns, Oysters, Mussels, Manila Clams, House Smoked Salmon A Nice Dinner at Ringside Fish House with a Fresh Seafood Platter arranged with King Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallop, Gulf Prawns, Oysters, Mussels, Manila Clams, House Smoked Salmon
You should perhaps also warm up with a cocktail. They have the classics as you would expect from Moscow Mule to Penicillin to Boulevardier or whatever you’d like to call. But think about their house cocktails as well, including a few that rotate seasonally. The NxNW cocktail with Vodka, Apple Brandy, Pear, Cinnamon, Lemon brings together nice warming flavors, while their Water of Youth consists of Vodka, Yuzu, Honey, Chamomile, Cava that brings some bubbly joy and yuzu that goes well with seafood.
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Fall at Tanner Creek Tavern

I can’t believe it’s November already – the end of the year seems to be going by so fast! Winter will be on us all too soon. Before we get to winter, I wanted to share one of my favorite fall dishes that I’ve had in Portland which is from Tanner Creek Tavern. Tanner Creek Tavern is the latest restaurant opened by David Machado, the restaurateur also behind classic Nel Centro and the Altabira City Tavern with one of the best outdoor dining spots in the city. Tanner Creek Tavern has only opened a couple months, and is now serving lunch, happy hour (4-6 PM), and dinner.
Tanner Creek Tavern Squash Tortelli with Roasted Seckel Pear, Chanterelles, Radicchio and Brown Butter Tanner Creek Tavern Shaved Kohlrabi with Apple, Candied Walnuts, Pickled Mustard Seed and Cheddar salad
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