BlueHour Portland

November 12, 2014 by 4 Comments

I have been a fan of Bluehour because of it’s warm, modern, elegant and romantic atmosphere  in the Pearl (250 NW 13th Ave) for years. Unlike many dining rooms, they have tables that can provide a small measure of privacy because they aren’t too close together and rich ceiling to floor drapery helps divide up the space so you can feel some small amount of intimacy for your conversations and experience.
The classy and romantic atmosphere at BlueHour Portland in the Pearl District The classy and romantic atmosphere at BlueHour Portland in the Pearl District  The classy and romantic atmosphere at BlueHour Portland in the Pearl District The classy and romantic atmosphere at BlueHour Portland in the Pearl DistrictThe classy and romantic atmosphere at BlueHour Portland in the Pearl District

Usually though, I admit I pop in for happy hour. Recently, I was invited by Little Green Pickle with a group of other food bloggers to experience dinner, as well as get a little behind the scenes peek! Chef Kyo Koo welcome a few of us into his kitchen, and I was able to see the very neat and organized mise en place. I actually have lots of little saved containers similar to that for the few times I also do mise en place, which tends to be when I’m making multiple dishes or prepping but not actually cooking until the next day, and it was nice validation for me that it’s normal, and not anal.
BlueHour Portland, a visit to the kitchen with intro by chef Kyo Koo BlueHour Portland, some of the kitchen crew BlueHour Portland, some of the mise en place

Back in the kitchen, I observed the creation of a recently added seasonal salad to their menu by Sarah that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings topped with deep fried kale. I secretly admired her adorable little silicon spatula. My silicon spatula is also one of my favorite kitchen tools. You can see in the background another small group getting the VIP treatment in observing the King Crab salad I think being made?
Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures

I also felt validated that I only recently bought salad servers (specifically, these cute Talisman Designs 12-Inch Solid Beechwood Salad Set that are sourced responsibly and adorably laser etched). Most of the time (ok, all of the time), just like Sarah, I toss the salad by hand! I need to up my game by storing homemade dressing in those squeeze bottle containers though and plating them in rings like that.
Chef Kyo Koo supervises the final plating of the salad at Blue Hour Portland Chef Kyo Koo supervises the final plating of the salad at Blue Hour Portland Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings at Blue Hour Portland for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures

Isn’t that a beautiful salad? And, I loved the play of all the textures.
BlueHour Portland, Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures BlueHour Portland, Starting off by learning how to make a new seasonal salad that boasts celery root, chicory, toasted hazelnuts, apple and fried sweet potato strings for a salad that is crisp and fun with textures

Bar Manager Gigi also talked through and supervised some of my fellow blogger ladies in making a cocktail called the Templeton Abbey with with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary.
BlueHour Portland, where some lucky bloggers were taught by Bar Manager, Gigi how to make a cocktail called TEMPLETON ABBEY with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary BlueHour Portland, where some lucky bloggers were taught by Bar Manager, Gigi how to make a cocktail called TEMPLETON ABBEY with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary BlueHour Portland, where some lucky bloggers were taught by Bar Manager, Gigi how to make a cocktail called TEMPLETON ABBEY with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary BlueHour Portland, where some lucky bloggers were taught by Bar Manager, Gigi how to make a cocktail called TEMPLETON ABBEY with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary

Here is the cocktail end result of the Templeton Abbey.
BlueHour Portland, a cocktail called TEMPLETON ABBEY with templeton rye, canton ginger, lime, cucumber, and rosemary

Other amazing cocktails at our table were the beautiful Bootsy Collins with vodka, rosemary, blackberries, lime and soda and this Paper Airplane cocktail with bourbon and Campari and Amaro Nonino and lemon juice.
Gorgeous cocktail at Bluehour Portland of Bootsy Collins with vodka, rosemary, blackberries, lime and soda Gorgeous cocktail at Bluehour Portland of Bootsy Collins with vodka, rosemary, blackberries, lime and soda Gorgeous cocktail at Bluehour Portland of Paper Airplane Gorgeous cocktail at Bluehour Portland of Paper Airplane

Then it was time for our family style dinner. We started out with an amuse bouche from Chef Kyo Koo of toasted brioche with salmon and beet. Now here’s an idea that should be incorporated into any holiday party you throw- so easy to do but so classy!
BlueHour Portland, amuse bouche of grilled brioche with salmon and beets BlueHour Portland, amuse bouche of grilled brioche with salmon and beets

You know you’re at a fancy restaurant when the bread service is brought to you individually with the waiter placing a bread out for you like a bread basket maiden/mister (served with salted room temperature butter. Thank you, I hate hard butter. Also, seriously look at Frances’ sexy eyes, so gorgeously distracting from the bread service…)
Frances making sexy eyes while bread service from a basket is served with soft salted butter Bread service at Bluehour Portland

Next was an Heirloom Beet Salad with new zealand spinach, crispy shallots, nasturtium and crème fraîche. All of us raved about our love for beets. And can you get any more fancy to a salad then adding edible flowers?

Then, came a starter of Alaska King Crab with porcini mushroom, truffled amaranth, and shellfish emulsion. There needs to be more truffled amaranth in my life.
Bluehour Portland, Alaska King Crab starter with porcini mushroom, truffled amaranth, and shellfish emulsion. Bluehour Portland, Alaska King Crab starter with porcini mushroom, truffled amaranth, and shellfish emulsion. Bluehour Portland, Alaska King Crab starter with porcini mushroom, truffled amaranth, and shellfish emulsion.

Chef Kyo Koo was pretty proud of the Haiga Rice being used in the ‘risotto’ that also included wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and acorn squash. First of all, risotto is such a go to comfort food in the cold days when you want to be fancier than mac and cheese or ramen. Chef Kyo Koo then elevated it with Haiga Rice, which is a rice from Japan that has slightly more fiber than white rice but not as tough then brown rice.
Bluehour Portland and Chef Kyo Koo was pretty proud of the Haiga Rice being used in the risotto that also included wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and acorn squash

That dish was just another example of how Chef Kyo Koo likes to mash up ingredients and techniques and flavors from various influences in the world. Next was a dish of Hand cut Wheat Noodles topped with pork belly, prawns, heirloom carrots, and fermented black bean “bolognese”.
Bluehour Portland Chef Kyo Koo mixes up the cultural inspirations with Hand cut Wheat Noodles similar ramen topped with pork belly, prawns, heirloom carrots, and fermented black bean 'bolognese' Bluehour Portland Chef Kyo Koo mixes up the cultural inspirations with Hand cut Wheat Noodles similar ramen topped with pork belly, prawns, heirloom carrots, and fermented black bean 'bolognese'

For a little palate cleansing next we enjoyed Netarts Oysters on the half shell with citrus mignonette, demonstrating a timeless classic.
Netarts Oysters on the half shell with citrus mignonette at Bluehour Portland Netarts Oysters on the half shell with citrus mignonette at Bluehour Portland

I really enjoyed that little break as the next dish was the intense OMG SO GOOD, the rich and luxe entree of Smoked Duck Breast with sweet potato, savoy cabbage, and ginger sausage
Bluehour entree of Smoked Duck Breast with sweet potato, savoy cabbage, and ginger sausage Bluehour entree of Smoked Duck Breast with sweet potato, savoy cabbage, and ginger sausage

The Salmon with swiss chard, radish, pine mushrooms was perfectly cooked.
Bluehour Portland Salmon with swiss chard, radish, pine mushrooms Bluehour Portland Salmon with swiss chard, radish, pine mushrooms

And then it was time for dessert, including a Patisserie Plate (happy National Chocolate Day, which happened to fall on that day!),
Bluehour Portland Patisserie Plate, which is made of hand crafted chocolates Bluehour Portland Patisserie Plate, which is made of hand crafted chocolates

and Dark chocolate porter cake with chocolate porter sorbet and a malted vanilla bean milkshake, and Cinnamon apple gingerbread tart with gelato
BlueHour Portland Dark chocolate porter cake with chocolate porter sorbet and a malted vanilla bean milkshake Bluehour Portland dessert, Cinnamon apple brioche with gelato

Bluehour changes their menu based on whatever is fresh, so the offerings are different from a visit even in the same month with updates in the ingredients being used. For instance, the heirloom carrots in the hand cut wheat noodles get switched out for zucchini instead.

Besides ordering a la carte, your table can also choose to get the Tasting Menu, which offers 5 courses including dessert for $58 a person, which is quite a bargain for a tasting menu.

They are also offering a special Thanksgiving menu that includes choice of first course, entree, and dessert at only $50 a person, which is quite a deal given that it is a holiday and the high quality of their dishes. The options are

Bluehour Thanksgiving Special Menu

Choice of First Course

  • Foraged Mushroom Veloute with pimento dulce and parmesan
  • Field Green Salad with heirloom carrots, red radish, and pistachios
  • Little Gem Lettuce Salad with smoke salmon, buttermilk, and chives
  • Spiced Potato Sausage with horseradish, Dijon, and bitter greens
  • Butter Poached Wild Prawns with garlic, fine herbs, and toast

Choice of Entrée

  • Roasted Turkey with herbed mashed potatoes, red Russian kale, and gravy
  • Smoked Pork Loin with sunchoke bread pudding, escarole, coffee, and porcini jus
  • Prime Rib with fried fingerling potatoes, mustard greens, and shallot jus
  • Chinook Salmon with carmelized futsu squash, Brussels sprouts, and salmon caviar
  • Handmade Orzo with Dungeness crab, broccoli, and sweet cream

Choice of Dessert

  • Spiced Caramel Apple Torte with sea salt caramel, buttercream, calvados crème anglaise
  • Butternut Squash Semifreddo with maple glazed pecans and ginger-white chocolate macaroons
  • Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart with pear-brandy sherbert and hazelnut praline

What did you think of these dishes I described, is there one that really appeals to you? Have you been to Bluehour before and what did you think?

Thank you to Little Green Pickle and Bluehour for this amazing and unique experience of the behind the scenes peek and tasting such delicious things!

Disclosure: This meal was complimentary, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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Barlow Artisanal Bar

September 16, 2014 by 5 Comments

There is another Barlow in town, not to be confused with Barlow Tavern. This is Barlow Artisanal Bar, located at 737 SW Salmon St.right next to the very stylish and already loved by me Picnic House that I have written about several times before.

The exterior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The exterior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The exterior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The exterior of Barlow Artisanal Bar

I have been peeking at the space under construction for months. I was drawn especially in when the beautiful chandelier in the back got installed over the larger group table.

The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar

With 5 taps and a dozen exquisite options on their cocktail menu, this classy bar is a welcome addition to this area. In walking distance are several hotels and museums such as the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Museum. And Barlow is just blocks from the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to kick off or wrap up a sophisticated date night.

The stunning lights of Barlow Artisanal Bar

Once you have stepped inside, you feel like you’ve stepped into a glamorous art deco bar. There is a long L shaped bar in the front, then small cocktail tables to lounge and drink as you are heading towards the back.

The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar

After walking past the stunning lit Barlow sign across from their other stairway, the back wall of an alluring flapper girl welcomes you. The back opens up slightly for a few small tables including a larger group table. Restrooms are separated off by the hanging silver beaded curtains.

The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar

I stopped by “accidentally” when they were still doing their soft opening where it was bustling during their early happy hour 3-6pm. They also have a late happy hour 10pm-close. On later visits on a few other weekday evenings after happy hour, it had noticeably mellowed out. This yielded that some of these photos that look like it was almost empty, but let me assure you I was not the only one there each visit.

 The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar

As if this all wasn’t already so cool enough, when they need a chilled martini glass, it is very dramatic with dry ice.

The oh so casual cooling of your martini glass with dry ice bar the bartenders of Barlow Artisanal Bar The oh so casual cooling of your martini glass with dry ice bar the bartenders of Barlow Artisanal Bar The oh so casual cooling of your martini glass with dry ice bar the bartenders of Barlow Artisanal Bar

Some cocktails of Barlow Artisanal Bar

  • Clover Club with gin, lemon, creme yvette, maraschino luxardo, raspberry simple, egg white
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail of the Clover Club with gin, lemon, creme yvette, maraschino luxardo, raspberry simple, egg white Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail of the Clover Club with gin, lemon, creme yvette, maraschino luxardo, raspberry simple, egg white
  • The Knickerbocker with 8 year rum, 10 k rum, orange liqueur, lemon, raspberry pineapple simple, demerara simple, and all served over shaved ice with a silver straw to give it a tiki twist. I found the ice in mine to be really too large where I was trying to punch through the ice to get to my drink, but it was probably a one off mistake.
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Knickerbocker with 8 year rum, 10 k rum, orange liqueur, lemon, raspberry pineapple simple, demerara simple, and all served over shaved ice Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Knickerbocker with 8 year rum, 10 k rum, orange liqueur, lemon, raspberry pineapple simple, demerara simple, and all served over shaved ice Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Knickerbocker with 8 year rum, 10 k rum, orange liqueur, lemon, raspberry pineapple simple, demerara simple, and all served over shaved ice
  • Rattlesnake with rittenhouse rye, lemon, egg white, gomme syrup, fernet braca, and ginger liqueur. My favorite of the two egg white drinks.
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Rattlesnake with rittenhouse rye, lemon, egg white, gomme syrup, fernet braca, and ginger liqueur Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Rattlesnake with rittenhouse rye, lemon, egg white, gomme syrup, fernet braca, and ginger liqueur
  • Blood and Beach Sand cocktail with scotch whisky, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and pineapple
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Blood and Beach Sand with scotch whisky, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and pineapple Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Blood and Beach Sand with scotch whisky, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and pineapple
  • Cocktail of the Sidecar Au Poire with brandy, lemon, pear liqueur. This was one of my personal favorites.
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Sidecar Au Poire with brandy, lemon, pear liqueur Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Sidecar Au Poire with brandy, lemon, pear liqueur Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, the Sidecar Au Poire with brandy, lemon, pear liqueur
  • I also loved their cocktail Derby with bonded bourbon, lime, orange liquor, sweet vermouth, and cardamom. They use a special round ice for this drink. Usually there is a sprinkle of cardamom on top but they were out during my visit.
    Barlow Artisonal Bar cocktail Derby with bonded bourbon, lime, organge liquor, sweet vermouth, and cardamom Barlow Artisonal Bar cocktail Derby with bonded bourbon, lime, organge liquor, sweet vermouth, and cardamom Barlow Artisonal Bar uses this special round ice cube for their cocktail Derby with bonded bourbon, lime, orange liquor, sweet vermouth, and cardamom
  • An Open Drink the bartender made for me and the reason you should try to sit at the bar if you can
    An Open Drink the bartender made for me at Barlow Artisanal Bar An Open Drink the bartender made for me at Barlow Artisanal Bar
  • Pours of beer
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, beer Barlow Artisanal Bar Cocktail, beer
  • From the dessert menu, finish with something sweet such as the MonMarte Float with root beer, absinthe, and creme anglaise or the Jamaican Coffee with dark rum, coffee liqueor, sherry, demerara simple, and cream
    MonMarte Float with root beer, absinthe, and creme anglaise Jamaican Coffee with dark rum, coffee liqueor, sherry, demerara simple, and cream

Nosh

The food at Barlow are just small plates meant to accompany your cocktail as a snack – don’t expect to eat a full meal here.

  • Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread
    Barlow Artisanal Bar Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread Barlow Artisanal Bar Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread Barlow Artisanal Bar Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread Barlow Artisanal Bar Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread Barlow Artisanal Bar Cheese and Charcuterie selection of the chef from a happy hour, $8, included 2 cheeses, a pate, and warm pretzel bread
  • Also from Happy Hour, the Caramelized Onion Dip is $6 and comes with potato chips and crudite
    From Barlow Artisanal Bar's Happy Hour menu, the Caramelized Onion Dip is $6 and comes with potato chips and crudite From Barlow Artisanal Bar's Happy Hour menu, the Caramelized Onion Dip is $6 and comes with potato chips and crudite From Barlow Artisanal Bar's Happy Hour menu, the Caramelized Onion Dip is $6 and comes with potato chips and crudite
  • Lobster Roll with roasted lobster, celery tarragon, chives, aioli, and lemon served on a primo roll with chips. During one of my more recent visits this was off the menu already, so maybe it was just a brief seasonal item. It was probably the most substantial dish there.
    Food at the Barlow Artisanal Bar for noshing, such as the Lobster Roll with roasted lobster, celery tarragon, dchives, aioli, and lemon served on a primo roll with chips Food at the Barlow Artisanal Bar for noshing, such as the Lobster Roll with roasted lobster, celery tarragon, dchives, aioli, and lemon served on a primo roll with chips Food at the Barlow Artisanal Bar for noshing, such as the Lobster Roll with roasted lobster, celery tarragon, dchives, aioli, and lemon served on a primo roll with chips
  • Leave off the carbs and go directly to meat with these Lamb Lollipops that are seared and served with housemade mint jelly
    Barlow Artisanal Bar's Lamb Lollipops that are seared and served with housemade mint jelly Barlow Artisanal Bar's Lamb Lollipops that are seared and served with housemade mint jelly
  • My favorite of what I tasted was Barlow Artisanal Bar’s take on a classic Russian dish, a Vegetable and Lardon Terrine with potatoes, beets, carrots, egg, lardons, chives, aioli vinaigrette. As delicious as it looks.
    My favorite of what I tasted was Barlow Artisanal Bar's take on a classic Russian dish, a Vegetable and Lardon Terrine with potatoes, beets, carrots, egg, lardons, chives, aioli vinaigrette. As delicious as it looks. My favorite of what I tasted was Barlow Artisanal Bar's take on a classic Russian dish, a Vegetable and Lardon Terrine with potatoes, beets, carrots, egg, lardons, chives, aioli vinaigrette. As delicious as it looks. My favorite of what I tasted was Barlow Artisanal Bar's take on a classic Russian dish, a Vegetable and Lardon Terrine with potatoes, beets, carrots, egg, lardons, chives, aioli vinaigrette. As delicious as it looks. My favorite of what I tasted was Barlow Artisanal Bar's take on a classic Russian dish, a Vegetable and Lardon Terrine with potatoes, beets, carrots, egg, lardons, chives, aioli vinaigrette. As delicious as it looks.

Here’s a look at their menus: Cocktail Menu, Happy Hour Menu, Food Menu, Dessert Menu.
Menu of the cocktails at Barlow Artisanal Bar Menu of the Food at the Barlow Artisanal Bar for noshing

 

They plan to change up their food and cocktails seasonally, so I’m expecting that there may be an update soon from what I’ve shared. They have only been open a month and still under everyone’s radar so I wanted to share this discovery with you!

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Acadia Bloggers Dinner

April 28, 2014 by 6 Comments

Disclosure: This meal was complimentary, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Acadia, a New Orleans Bistro, at NE Fremont and 13th in the Sabin neighborhood of Portland serves modern American cuisine with local ingredients rooted in Louisiana Cajun/Creole traditions. Every day, Acadia serves up Louisiana classic southern food, including shipping the real deal ingredients that can’t be sourced locally here right from the South like Gulf shrimp, blue crab, and Louisiana crawfish to compliment the locally sourced fresh Northwest ingredients.

The food is high quality and service very smooth and caring like your charming neighborhood favorite restaurant (I saw staff welcome back and chat with several regulars during our meal).
Acadia Restaurant in Portland, a Sabin neighborhood Cajun/Creole restaurant Acadia Restaurant in Portland, a Sabin neighborhood Cajun/Creole restaurant

Chef/Owner Adam Higgs is representing New Orleans here- I think the restaurant’s New Orleans artwork and Creole/Cajun artifacts are from his personal collection. Similar to how Andy Ricker researches every year in Thailand for Pok Pok, Chef Adam also travels to New Orleans at least once a year for research as well.

Inside, the restaurant is bold with color instead of the usual bare bones natural wood/stone/concrete you so often see, with yellow, cobalt blue, bright reds to rejuvenate you from what may be a rainy Portland grey day into more festive spirits.

Acadia Restaurant in Portland, a Sabin neighborhood Cajun/Creole restaurant Acadia Restaurant in Portland, a Sabin neighborhood Cajun/Creole restaurant

I was recently fortunate enough to get to family style share and try some of the current seasonal dishes and some of the popular mainstays from the regular menu with a few other Portland bloggers. These included

  • Cornmeal-Fried Louisiana Soft Shell Blue Crab with jalapeño tartar, English Pea & mint salad, and fresh lemon, a springtime adaptation of a very popular dish.
  • Louisiana Barbeque Shrimp with lemon, black pepper, white wine and butter. I went back to the bowl and spooned the sauce right onto my bread.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, Cornmeal-Fried Louisiana Soft Shell Blue Crab with jalapeño tartar, English Pea & mint salad, and fresh lemon, a springtime adaptation of a very popular dish. Acadia Restaurant Portland, Louisiana Barbeque Shrimp with lemon, black pepper, white wine and butter. I went back to the bowl and spooned the sauce right onto my bread.
  • Chicken-Fried Chicken Skins with cayenne-cane syrup mustard. Let’s face it, this is the best part of the chicken, without all that pesky chicken. You know when I come back I’m going to order this dish again. And this time I won’t have to share, muahaha.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, Chicken-Fried Chicken Skins with cayenne-cane syrup mustard.
  • Radicchio Treviso & Rhubarb Salad with Portland Creamery Chévre, spicy candied pecans, honey-cured kumquats and poppy seed dressing. I loved the little honey cured kumquats here
  • Crawfish Boil & Collard Greens Salad with crawfish tails, red remoulade dressing, boiled fingerlings, corn, andouille, shaved Parmesan and a crispy poached egg. I don’t know how they did that crispy poached egg, but there was a little mini sigh/gasp on my side of the ten-top as Rebekah cut into the egg and the golden yolk oozed out.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, Radicchio Treviso & Rhubarb Salad with Portland Creamery Chévre, spicy candied pecans, honey-cured kumquats and poppy seed dressing Acadia Restaurant Portland, Crawfish Boil & Collard Greens Salad with crawfish tails, red remoulade dressing, boiled fingerlings, corn, andouille, shaved Parmesan and a crispy poached egg
  • One of the 3 mains we tried was special sexy sexy bang bang (ok, I dubbed it that) pork dish off menu- Acadia changes the menu often, though they will probably have some version of their thick Grilled Carlton Farms Pork Chop on the menu. We were all having silent moments as we enjoyed our share of this pork.
    Acadia Restaurant off menu special pork Acadia Restaurant off menu special pork
  • Bronzed, Wild-Caught Louisiana Sheepshead with Spinach Madeline pie and blue crab meuniére. Sheepshead is a brackish water fish (sometimes called convict fish because of its broad black & white stripes) that’s fished from rocky waters. It has a texture that is almost creamy but not fatty, and some describe it as “crab-like” which is interesting because the fish’s diet is comprised heavily of shellfish and bivalves.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, Bronzed, Wild-Caught Louisiana Sheepshead with Spinach Madeline pie and blue crab meuniére.
  • Portland Creamery Goat Cheese Gnocchi with foraged stinging nettle purée, early morels, asparagus, spinach, sliced toasted almonds and shaved Grana Padano Parmesan. The vegetarian entree, though the gnocchi is updated with what is fresh and seasonal of course. There are also several items that are or can be made gluten-free.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, Portland Creamery Goat Cheese Gnocchi with foraged stinging nettle purée, early morels, asparagus, spinach, sliced toasted almonds and shaved Grana Padano Parmesan.

We also shared (thus all the straws you may see in a drink sometimes) FIVE fabulous cocktails, all of them real beauties, courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. These included

  • Big Easy section: Julep with bourbon, mint, sugar and some special secret ingredient…
  • Light and Breezy section: Young Sarandon with Union gin, fresh rhubarb, suze, house-made rhubarb sorbet.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland,, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Big Easy section: Julep with bourbon, mint, sugar and some special secret ingredient... Acadia Restaurant Portland,, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Light and Breezy section: Young Sarandon with Union gin, fresh rhubarb, suze, house-made rhubarb sorbet.
  • Light and Breezy section: Study Retreat with cucumber vodka, blood orange, byrrh, peychaud’s bitters, port, salt.
  • Big, Rich and Boozy section: Commander La Croix with tequila, lemon, apple cider vinegar, ginger beer, cayenne-sugar rim.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Light and Breezy section: Study Retreat with cucumber vodka, blood orange, byrrh, peychaud’s bitters, port, salt. Acadia Restaurant Portland, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Big, Rich and Boozy section: Commander La Croix with tequila, lemon, apple cider vinegar, ginger beer, cayenne-sugar rim.
  • Big, Rich and Boozy section: Portland Caprese with white rum, clarified tomato, fresh basil, cane vinegar, honey, lemon, salt and pepper. My favorite of the evening! I really like savory drinks though, and I appreciated the balance with acidity from the tomato and cane vinegar but it was not sour. Also, cheese helps everything.
    Acadia Restaurant Portland, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Big, Rich and Boozy section: Portland Caprese with white rum, clarified tomato, fresh basil, cane vinegar, honey, lemon, salt and pepper. My favorite of the evening! Acadia Restaurant Portland, cocktails courtesy of Bar Director Beau Burtnick. Big, Rich and Boozy section: Portland Caprese with white rum, clarified tomato, fresh basil, cane vinegar, honey, lemon, salt and pepper. My favorite of the evening!

Finally, desert. I was in love with all of them, but vowed to return for that bread pudding alone. But, I also want the Pecan Pie with praline-bacon ice cream, which we did not try…
Acadia Restaurant dessert of Vanilla Bean Bread Pudding with white-chocolate brandy ganache, thickened sweet cream poured dramatically tableside

  • Vanilla Bean Bread Pudding with white-chocolate brandy ganache, thickened sweet cream poured dramatically tableside (as captured by fellow blogger Jenni Bost, blogger/writer/designer/stylist of blog A Well Crafted Party here) and toasted pecans
  • Tropic Thunder dessert of Banana cake with maraschino drizzle, coconut frosting, passion fruit cheesecake, and Golden Graham macadamia crust
    Acadia Restaurant dessert of Tropic Thunder dessert of Banana cake with maraschino drizzle, coconut frosting, passion fruit cheesecake, and Golden Graham macadamia crust
  • Chocolate Espresso Layer cake with burnt marshmallow, fudge icing, and white chocolate crumb. We were all so excited to dig into this cake that I missed getting a photo, so I’m referring to this lovely collage of all 3 by lilslimlady who writes the blog Salt. Water. Coffee.

Acadia is located at 1303 NE Fremont St., Portland. They are open for Dinner Monday through Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, for Lunch only on Wedsnedays 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

On Mondays is their special Cheap Eats nights with half a dozen entree options for $10 or less. Their menus change seasonally, and they offer several gluten-free options- you can check out some sample menus here.

Disclosure: This meal was complimentary, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Recaps from other bloggers for more pictures and perspectives:

 

 

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Pépé Le Moko Portland – First Looks

February 24, 2014 by 7 Comments

A little glimpse at some of the offerings at Pépé Le Moko Portland… which finally opened on Valentine’s Day, so at the time of this visit was just 1 week old.

S and I got there around 4:30 or so on Friday (after our lunch at Wildwood I just covered). It is a small, little unassuming front, with only the door and curtained window and simple window sign to hint at its location. When you first glance in, you see a tiny little counter where oysters on ice glistened, and where sandwich and chip snacks are put together. When you open the door, you are greeted by a little podium, where the hostess inquires about your party size.

Doors of Pépé Le Moko in Portland Doors of Pépé Le Moko in Portland

We were told the table would not be ready for another 5-10 minutes. Since there really is no room to stand and wait inside for more than 2 people, and it is pretty tight quarters between the hostess and the sandwich man, we opted for a 2 block walkaround, and gave her my phone number for her to text us when our table would be ready.

As we walked away, I got my first text from Pépé Le Moko letting me know they had my correct number and they would text me again when they were ready for us. It also provided a neat link to a No Wait app which shows you where you are in line. I like their thoughtfulness already.

Ok, so even though we were full from lunch, despite trying to burn some calories by walking from NW 21st to Nordstrom for some shoe shopping and then back here, my eyes are always hungry. So maybe we went and peered at the menus at Lardo and Grassa and walked back, and exactly 10 minutes from when we started our walk, I got the text telling me it was time. If it had been a little longer I might have been tempted by Dirty Fries. As we walked by the Clyde Common bar, we saw it was already bustling with Friday happy hour patrons.

The menu at Pépé Le Moko is small, giving the impression that it is carefully curated, though they do have a full bar so can make your requests as well. The curators, if you didn’t know, are the well known Nate Tilden of Olympic Provisions/Clyde Common/Richmond Bar and Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Clyde Common. The Pépé Le Moko Food Menu include some small bar snacks, oysters, and Bocadillos, which are little sandwiches- I did not order any this visit, but they looked to be about 4 inches long.
Pépé Le Moko cocktail menu Pépé Le Moko Food Menu- snacks

The feel once you come down the stairs is not surprisingly subterranean given its basement/bunker location. It is dark, mysterious, moody- even a bit dirty and foreign in a sexy way, reminiscent of Casablanca.

Apparently the name Pépé Le Moko is inspired by a movie in that time period (1937)- Pépé Le Moko is the name of a gangster from Paris who hides out in Casbah, Algeria. And that’s all I know about the movie from IMBD and Wikipedia. So the fact the atmosphere evoked that feeling even before I was able to google Pépé Le Moko should be considered a success.

The decorations are sparse, and the seating small- the whole place probably only can fit only 40-50 max,  with very dim lighting. I did notice the light fixture on the wall in our lil booth had an outlet… Very convenient if my phone needed a charge and I had my charger. 

The spotlights are on the bartenders, which seems about right.
Bartender at Pépé Le Moko preparing a cocktail

We started with the cocktails Hotel Nacional Special with aged rum, lime, apricot brandy, pineapple gomme and bitters. I went with the Amaretto Sour with classic amaretto, overproof bourbon,  lemon and egg white. These were both surprisingly delicate,  and we found ourselves sipping them gently to savor them.
Cocktails at Pépé Le Moko, Hotel Nacional Special with aged rum, lime, apricot brandy, pineapple gomme and bitters and Amaretto Sour with classic amaretto, overproof bourbon, lemon and egg white

We went for another round. I ordered the Grasshopper,  knowing this was my dessert before it was time to go home. Crafted from Cremes de menthe et cacao, vanilla ice cream, Fernet Branca and sea salt. This made me feeling pretty fancy and pampered, as happy as a kid getting a sundae, when it was served up literally on a silver platter with a charming paper straw.
Cocktails at Pépé Le Moko, Grasshopper crafted from Cremes de menthe et cacao, vanilla ice cream, Fernet Branca and sea salt

The biggest hit though was the Espresso Martini,  described simply as Stumptown Coffee extract,  Kahlua, overproof vodka and lemon oil. Sounds straightforward and familiar,  like any other espresso martini you encountered in your past. But Damn. It is the best Expresso Martini Ever. S even ordered a second one. Do Not Miss This. It’s seriously jaw dropping how this is leagues above any other espresso martini in history.
Cocktails at Pépé Le Moko: Espresso Martini, described simply as Stumptown Coffee extract, Kahlua, overproof vodka and lemon oil

I regretfully had to raincheck on trying any of the food here and more cocktails, but I hope to visit again soon and see how it is shaping up. They are open everyday 4pm-2am.

My first looks and impression were very positive though. The cocktails are high quality, so I didn’t blink at the price- they seem par for the course with what I would expect at an urban bar. It seems a perfect way to start or end a night, but I am unsure whether you should plan a meal or a group more than 4 here, because it just seems so small. Well, more to come!

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Recap of my Final Wildwood Meals

February 22, 2014 by 1 Comment

I think I stated most of what I hoped to in my last Goodbye Wildwood post. So this is more of a food photo memories post of the last dinner and the last lunch at Wildwood Restaurant I had this week. They are closing on Tuesday February 25, so there are still a few days of service left if you want to try to catch a lunch or dinner with the Wildwood Restaurant Team. So without further ado, my simple recap of my final Wildwood meals, first dinner on Wednesday and then lunch on Friday.

Dinner at the Chef’s Counter at Wildwood Restaurant started with the cocktail No Ordinary Rabbit made with temperance trader bourbon, renig dag aquavit, carrot juice, ginger, lemon
Dinner at the Chef's Counter at Wildwood Restaurant with the cocktail no ordinary rabbit made with temperance trader bourbon, renig dag aquavit, carrot juice, ginger, lemon Dinner at the Chef's Counter at Wildwood Restaurant with the cocktail no ordinary rabbit made with temperance trader bourbon, renig dag aquavit, carrot juice, ginger, lemon Dinner at the Chef's Counter at Wildwood Restaurant with the cocktail no ordinary rabbit made with temperance trader bourbon, renig dag aquavit, carrot juice, ginger, lemon

It was an honor to watch the kitchen running on this busy night, as everyone was coming out to say goodbye by dining at Wildwood one last time.
Wildwood Restaurant open kitchen Wildwood Restaurant open kitchen

After an amuse bouche of of coconut mint gelatin, I was on to my next cocktail, the Nice Looking Shrubbery that looked like I was in a vampire movie but actually I was drinking aria portland dry‎ gin, combier orange, vida mescal, beet juice, regan’s orange bitters, lemon.
Wildwood Restaurant amuse bouche of of coconut mint gelatin Wildwood Restaurant amuse bouche of of coconut mint gelatin Wildwood Restaurant cocktail, the Nice Looking Shrubbery of aria portland dry‎ gin, combier orange, vida mescal, beet juice, regan’s orange bitters, lemon.

I took my time with my first course of brick oven roasted mussels with bacon, leeks, cider,‎ fried sage, crème fraîche, toasted baguette. I was not ashamed to use a spoon once I had freed the mussels from their shells to eat this like a soup, including using the toasted baguette to sop up sauce. The bowl was completely empty and dry when I returned it.
Wildwood Restaurant starter of brick oven roasted mussels with bacon, leeks, cider,‎ fried sage, crème fraîche, toasted baguette Wildwood Restaurant starter of brick oven roasted mussels with bacon, leeks, cider,‎ fried sage, crème fraîche, toasted baguette

For my main dish, I enjoyed every last bite of the clay oven roasted pork chop with grilled leek pudding, clams, foie gras butter.
Wildwood Restaurant dinner entree of clay oven roasted pork chop with grilled leek pudding, clams, foie gras butter Wildwood Restaurant dinner entree of clay oven roasted pork chop with grilled leek pudding, clams, foie gras butter

I ended the night with the warmest of hugs from Wildwood, the cocktail of Unladen Swallow with green chartreuse, julianne’s spiced hot cocoa powder, house made combier orange marshmallow.

I took a half day on Friday so I could come to lunch. It seemed fitting that since my first meal was at Wildwood, so would my last. Since I didn’t need to worry about returning to work, I started with a cocktail, the Ni! I was lucky enough to get the very last one. It’s made with big bottom bourbon, campari, pierre ferand dry curaçao, hammer and tongs l’afrique, barrel aged fee bitters. And my final cocktail, the Blood and Sand with dewars, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, orange juice.
Wildwood Cocktail of Ni! It's made with big bottom bourbon, campari, pierre ferand dry curaçao, hammer and tongs l’afrique, barrel aged fee bitters. Wildwood Restaurant, my final cocktail, the Blood and Sand with dewars, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, orange juice.

We had very grumbly rumbly stomachs by the time we got there for our late lunch after our office escape, so dived hungrily into an order of ken’s bakery bread with trapini sea salt and bamboo leaf salt on pats of butter and house made country pâté with pickles, lentil cracker, grain mustard. My dining friend S had a lunch of tandoori roasted chicken romaine salad with creamy garlic dressing, pickled chiles, grilled onions, naan.
Wildwood Restaurant lunch starters of ken’s bakery bread with trapini sea salt and bamboo leaf salt on pats of butter Wildwood Restaurant lunch starter of house made country pâté with pickles, lentil cracker, grain mustard Wildwood Restaurant Lunch entree of tandoori roasted chicken romaine salad with creamy garlic dressing, pickled chiles, grilled onions, naan

I was super pleased with the final Wildwood sandwich I would have, dustin’s salame sandwich with rosemary focaccia, pickled chile cream cheese, butter lettuce, tapenade, shaved onion, and mixed greens in a miso vinaigrette with spicy‎ cashews. Why isn’t pickled chili cream cheese more common, it satisfies 3 great tastes in one!

Thanks for all the memories and deliciousness Wildwood!

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