Brooklyn Trattoria

 

Brooklyn Trattoria

Sep 21

This was the first restaurant we did not like. And for a fairly inconsequential reason. On arrival in Bethany, entering a nicer and larger than expected restaurant, we were led through two largely empty rooms, to our table for two facing a large, well-stocked and tended bar. On the table was a small laptop computer and a VR code image. No menu. We were instructed that everything was online.

Since the place promotes itself on "It’s our take on NYC Italian food," I was quite interested to see what was offered. So, two of us, who read at different speeds, and like different things to eat, had to scroll up and down and around the screen to find anything that caught our eye. I asked for a paper menu but was told in no uncertain terms that this was the only way. Why this set the wrong tone for our enjoyment is not really clear, but though the food was good enough, the vibe was off. I think the online menu takes away a sense of human graciousness - aka class -  in a place that is trying to have atmosphere.

H had cioppino (no surprise) and I had chicken piccata which was over rich but tasty. No starters, in part because of the way info was organized. 

We shared dessert and brought home the leftovers. there was a table of four seniors next to us as we ate. I watched as they fiddled with the online menu as well.

So 6 from both of us

Dahlias and Filbert Farmhouse Kitchen

 Dahlias and Filbert Farmhouse Kitchen

 

Sept 10

In preparation for H's birthday and in appreciation for the beautiful weather, we decided to visit the Dahlia festival in Canby. The place, the array of colors and bloom is simply uplifting. The abundance of flowers and colors fills me with joy -  and my camera with beauty.

As I was taking pix, H searched for a place to eat and discovered a place with a name so perfect, and a write up so inviting, we knew we could not resist. 

"Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen was born from a love of quality food, exceptional service and a sense of community. We serve classic American comfort food executed with culinary expertise and Farmhouse flavor. Cultivated from a passion for high-quality cuisine, outstanding hospitality, and fostering community ties, Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen embodies these values at its core."

This was our favorite celebration dinner so far. We drove up to a sparkling white farmhouse. Parked in front of a full hedge of bright yellow roses. As we entered the lovely dining room, we noticed a veranda set with tables through the windows. Can we sit out there? We had it to ourselves (which we loved) - giving us an unobstructed view of the filbert orchard in which the farmhouse is set, and the perfect weather for dining outdoors.

One of the things that impressed us is that the menu and the wine list include information about the source and location of ingredients and wines. We each had a local wine - mine was 4.2 miles distant, and H's Gamay Noir, (which he loved) was from another local winery.

We started with a fig flat bread - local figs, which was good enough for a complete meal. H had fish and chips, and I had a chicken and cherry salad. All delicious. In honor of a birthday, we were comped a chocolate hazelnut pot o creme - yum.

All in all, a perfect part of a lovely day. We hope to go back - and to celebrate our anniversary there with family. 

$90  + $18

10 of 10

Screen Door

 Screen Door 9/5/26

My turn to pick. I'd seen a write up for Screen Door describing Southern food and hospitality - fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pecan pie. Oy. I needed some of that. Also, I was reading Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings, so things southern was on my mind.

The restaurant, in the Pearl, was crowded and very noisy. I loved seeing pink and green flowered wallpaper on the side walls that matched an ancient, papered cigar box that belonged to my mother. 

I had wine. We started with hush puppies - crisp with a spicy sweet dipping sauce. H had jambalaya. My chicken dinner was huge. The chicken was perfect - succulent, spicy, crispy. Heavenly mashed potatoes and gravy. Pecan pie for dessert. Too full, too rich, too good.

But too noisy. Great leftovers for us both.

7 of 10 for noise. 10 of 10 for doing what they are known for extremely well. Good service as well.

$108 total

Cruising the Willamette on the Portland Spirit

 August 28

Cruising the Willamette on the Portland Spirit

The weather could not be more perfect, the moon fuller than on Friday evening for our Willamette River cruise. 

We drove and parked in downtown Portland, walked several blocks to the riverfront location for the large boat. Waited among a surprisingly large group to have our photographs taken and walk down the long steep ramp to board.

We entered a large window lined dining room, aroar with the sound of tables filled with people, and a pianist playing above the noise. Apparently, dinner was served immediately. We were served a nice simple salad and a plate of focaccia, then chose steelhead from the list of choices available. Our fish was excellent, a large portion with a sweet tart sauce that set it off nicely, couscous tossed with veggies on the side. Cleaned our plates, ordered cheesecake for dessert to come later and headed out onto the deck to enjoy the sweet air and the water, views and narration. It was lovely. I relished the sensation of the breeze blowing my hair.

We also enjoyed the music provided by the pianist - who played River Flows in You at my request. 

A really nice evening enhanced by a huge yellow full moon all the way home.

10 of 10

Laney is 75 Campagna

 August 23

Laney is 75

Family Dinner at Campagna Italian restaurant

Seven of us gathered at an outdoor table on an absolutely perfect evening. We started with a toast with a lovely sparkling wine, graciously served. Then we shared a tomato bruschetta, a caesar salad and excellent shrimp scampi.

We passed around plates of a variety of pasta dishes, and H ordered cod. Fish was perfect, pasta was mostly way too al dente, but well flavored. Tiramisu for dessert.

A lovely meal, a lovely time together. Levi entertained us by being himself. We sang the song and celebrated being together and healthy and hungry and aging gratefully. Then we took a walk.

10 of 10 for service, company and celebration.

7 of 10 for underdone pasta 

Two in One Week -; pancakes and ramen

 Two in One Week -; pancakes and ramen

H had been jonesing to try The Original Pancake House since reading a rave review about the Dutch Baby served there. On Thursday morning, after teaching for the three earlier days, he convinced me to go out for breakfast. I needed convincing because it is not my practice to eat heavy carbs in the morning. But, it was a cloudy day with nothing else on the agenda.

The first surprise, at 9:15 am - was an almost full parking lot, and a waiting area with 16 people in front of us and a completely full and very noisy dining room.  We sat in chairs along the wall perusing the menu. Each item had its calories listed - 900, 1200, 1800!!!  The bottom of the menu mentions that 2000 calories is the recommended daily number.  I was frankly a little put off with the idea of consuming much at one time.

When we were finally seated, we were able to see the plates being served. Everything was enormous. We ordered a dutch baby, served with whipped butter, powdered sugar and lemon sliced, and Nebraska Corn Pancakes for me - I love corn and these were only 780 calories. H added corn beef hash. I was truly astonished to be served NINE full size pancakes. I ate 2 and a half and they made three more breakfasts. The d b was big enough to feed our family, dense and eggy - H's is better. So - all in all, lots of leftovers. H is still wanting to go back to try the crepes - the size of a small train tunnel. At least, after seeing the size of the servings, I understand the enormous calorie counts, but who in the world can eat nine pancakes?

$44.50

On Saturday evening we returned once more to NOA to try their ramen. Excellent as expected.

$46

Fogo De Chao

 Fogo De Chao   August 9

Market Table

Caipirinha Cocktails

Free Key Lime Pie Dessert 

Gorgeous place. We'd been to the one downtown last year and had enjoyed the variety of items on the salad bar/market table, and especially the tapioca cheese ball/rolls. This is a place to dress up for and enjoy the varied offerings of meat and beverages moving around the many rooms. 

we started with excellent cocktails and waited til we were done to begin visiting the choices that awaited. 

Gazpacho, which I was eager to try was too salty, all other options, including rice and beans were tasty and fresh. Lots of fruits and salads of different types.

A fun meal, not to heavy and not too pricey.

8.5 /10  Fun atmosphere, simple food great drins\ks 

$96 +15%