A friend had recommended this Italian restaurant Fratelli just earlier this week, which I realized I had always passed by and been intrigued but then forgotten about! So when I looked at the list of Portland Dining Month restaurants and saw it on the list as well, I was happy to finally visit. Fratelli is right next to the more boisterous Oba, but I wanted to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and although tempted by the outside tables with sangria as I walked by, I stayed firm- and was well rewarded.
This intimate Pearl District restaurant has been serving regionally inspired Italian cuisine since 1998 and features a simple and regional approach to Italian home cooking, with dishes that use seasonal and local ingredients from area farmers. I sat inside to enjoy the rustic atmosphere, but there were also some tables on the sidewalk which were a bit more lively as they were enjoying their happy hour.
It was a warm 80 degree day, so I needed some refreshment first. They were great at refilling my pint sized water glass that I kept draining so I was never thirsty, and I also really was refreshed by their version of a Lemon Drop that uses Limoncello.
The 3 courses they are offering for $29 for Portland Dining Month include
- First Course
Board of chicken liver mousse and seasonal pickled vegetables
I know not everyone is a fan of terrines and pates, but I love this stuff, and ever since I have been enjoying it in Portland I have thought Portland is fortunate in that it offers the best charcuterie in the world
- Second Course
Smoked Mt. Shadow pork loin – French green lentils, preserved lemon
I cannot emphasize how good this dish was, where there was a perfect balance between the taste of the perfectly cooked pork, the smoky flavor, and subtle seasonings and flavors and textures that were contributed with those lentils that were earthy but as comforting as a carb like rice or pasta.
- Third Course
Ginger shortbread cake – strawberry mousse, wild plum coulis
After that large second course, this was the perfect light bite to finish off the meal
Make your Portland Dining Month reservations via OpenTable so that Downtown Portland will also make a donation to the Oregon Food Bank!
Check out my other Portland Dining Month escapades: I ate at Quartet, Accanto, Urban Fondue, Fratelli, H50 out of my initial list!
