Calling All Foodies
Wendy is new to Portland and needs some suggestions for date night. Can you help?
The husband and I are planning a night out away from the kiddo for the first time in six weeks - really. I'm sure everyone can empathize how well you usually need to research and plan date nights when they come so infrequently. Anyway, my question: If you and your significant other were turned loose on Alberta or thereabouts with $80 or so in your pocket - where would you go for dinner, drinks; etc? Any recommendations are appreciated - we don't want to waste our one night out on somewhere not interesting.
Loose on Alberta? Too many choices! I would do Ciao Vito (recently recognized as a great hot spot in Willy Week) or Siam Society. If you were considering going elsewhere, but still in N.PDX, I'd definitely do ROUX (N. Killingsworth - a great "night out" destination), Bold Sky (N. Mississippi), or Gotham Tavern (N. Interstate near Widmer Bros). I have always wanted to go to the Ripe Family Supper without kids.... For full reviews, I like to use: http://www.portlandfoodanddrink.com/
Posted by: olivia | March 07, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Haven't been yet, but I've heard fabulous things about the Alberta Oyster Bar from a couple of friends and in reviews. A link to one of them is below (like Olivia I also love this pdx-food-news site):
http://www.portlandfoodanddrink.com/?p=248
Posted by: molly | March 07, 2006 at 09:09 PM
Although not in the neighborhood, my first thought for a date night was Urban Fondue on NW Glisan (between NW 21 and 22). It serves broth based (not oil based) fondues...with a bit of an asian flair. The only drawback (?) is that it might take a while, from appetizer to dessert!
Posted by: Rebecca | March 07, 2006 at 10:12 PM
OOh, my favorite topic...I second Siam Society. People seem to love Bernie's Bistro, but I find it a little bland. Up at Killingsworth & 30th is my new favorite spot, Autentica, sorta upscale seafood/Mexican. Enjoy!
Posted by: Serena | March 07, 2006 at 11:09 PM
One of my favorite topics, too!
Good thing you narrowed the vicinity, or you would have hundreds of messages! There are too many great restaurants in Portland!
My husband and I love having dates at Mint (it's on N Russell & Albina). Delicious food, yummy cocktails, great wine list, and wonderful ambience.
Enjoy date night, Wendy!
Posted by: Kaaren | March 08, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Zaytoon for yummy, mostly veg, mediteranean food.
Posted by: Lisa | March 08, 2006 at 10:56 AM
I'd pick either Siam Society, or Alberta St. Oyster Bar and Grill. Both excellent choices
Posted by: Food Dude | March 08, 2006 at 12:10 PM
I've also heard nice things about Grolla, at NE 30th & Killingsworth near New Seasons. The vibe is reputed to be European and very romantic.
Posted by: Tia | March 09, 2006 at 11:48 AM
I would definitely second Roux (on Killingsworth) and add Acadia (14th and Fremont). Both offer delectable southern food.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 09, 2006 at 02:26 PM
Thanks all! We ended up going to Siam Society. Great food (veggie spring rolls with hazelnuts to die for!), but weird service. Like, they lost our reservation. And my cocktail was yummy, but my husband's was undrinkable. We'd definitely go back and try it again, tho! Maybe we'll have another date night in six week...
Posted by: Wendy | March 13, 2006 at 09:12 AM