Last weekend, the hand model & I flew up to Portland to celebrate my fabulous friend's engagement. After a sophisticated soiree at The Town Club, he chose a contemporary restaurant he'd been to before at Nob Hill's aptly named NW 23rd Hoyt Avenue. The location is prime on a corner spot with floor to ceiling windows up to the second story.
Walk inside the loft-like space and you'll see raw woods, earth-tones, and antler chandeliers. Our party had a special table up top with great views of the wide open space and dining area down below.
Our waiter was kind, and as the evening went on, unfortuantely forgetful. Our courses were never sent to the right guest at the table. And this wasn't just by him, but by the 2 bussers too. (One in particular, had an air of hoity-toityness about her, when asked if she could check on the correct dishes being served).
It also didn't help that the farm-to-table menu items were selling out fast, leaving one friend without a complete meal as it was too late to rectify the forgotten order.
The Grubdown:
- fresh 'n subtly sweet but unfortunately bland, English Pea Soup with Chili Oil, Chive Flowers & Herbs $9
- tender 'n light, perfectly moist with refreshing Mint Yogurt Sauce, Seasonal Chinook Salmon with Potatoes, English Peas, Porcini Mushrooms & Nasturtium $26
- crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, thin 'n snackable, Side of French Fries with Sea Salt $5
- sugar dusted pillowey pieces of heaven, Warm Donut Holes with Sea Salt & Caramel Sauce (peace offering)
Overall the food was good, not great, and at times bland.
My friend had a word with the manager about our misplaced plates. He apologized profusely and gave us two Donut dessert peace offerings.
Still, we couldn't help but leave with a 'vanilla' taste in our mouths.
529 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210. 503-445-7400.
