There’s a four-course tasting dinner on Tuesday, June 17, at Franciska, Portland’s new Argentine wine bar, with Andrew Mariani from Scribe.
Just got back from our trip, and had a great time.
For boring logistical reasons, I had booked Fore Street for the night I was flying in. I almost never make plans the day of arrival, because I don’t want them to be disrupted if there’s a problem with my flights. Of course, Murphy’s Law dictates that the one time I violate this personal policy, my flight will be horribly delayed. I got in almost 7 hours late, so had no choice but to cancel the reservation.
We shuffled our plans and went to Fore Street the next day, eating at the bar as walk-ins right at opening time. I think that was for the better anyway. The bartender was great, and we had an excellent meal, albeit much earlier in the day than we would normally have dinner (especially considering the 1 hour time difference from home).
That change of plans left us with fewer dinner opportunities than I had planned on, but I also made it to Chaval and Twelve, and loved both. Very different experiences, but both wonderful.
It’s honestly embarrassing how much better the food scene is in Portland than it is in Nashville. I would go back to any of those three restaurants in a heartbeat, but I also feel like we’ve just scratched the surface, so I will lean toward trying new places next time.
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A new wine bar and pasta restaurant is opening in the former (sadly, very brief) second Sissle & Daughters location on Forest Ave: https://www.abbioccoportland.com/
Check out Friends & Family on Congress St - absolutely world-class delicious pizza, thoughtful list of natural wines by bottle and glass, and the rest of the menu (salads, charcuterie, etc) looks nice as well.
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Fore Street was quite good. Cool wood fired vibes, very fresh farm to table food. Special highlights were the wood fired mussels and the pork belly.
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We were just in town for the weekend. Flew in Friday and out Sunday, so not a ton of time for meals (mainly we came for art), but we hit Eventide and Chaval, both of which were great.
The food situation at the airport continues to be dire. Not usually a major problem because we just eat before heading there, but yesterday we were tight on time so made the foolish decision to just grab something at the airport. Never again.
Should’ve come to the dinner sat
Oh, dang. I wasn’t following that long thread and I didn’t realize there was a dinner on Saturday!
Rousing recommendation for Bread and Friends. We managed to eat there 3x in a 24 hour period. Coffee and a morning bun followed by a dinner that was exciting and excellent. Then brunch which might have topped the dinner!
The breads and pastries are incredible. They mill their own flour. The staff is passionate and proud.
Added bonus, they are one of the first local places I’ve found offering corkage - $40 for each of first 2 bottles, $65 for each of next 2 and $90 for 5 & 6. Maybe it’s a bit much given the small, casual setting but it’s welcome all the same.
This place, maybe even more than Chaval and Central Provisions, epitomizes the Portland food scene.
Otherwise, a couple of regular lunch stops for us - Allagash/Bite Into Maine and Oxbow/Duckfat Frites Shack were great. Hard to say if enjoyed the lobster roll at the former or the brisket sandwich at the latter more.
Lastly, so it doesn’t get lost in the wine dinner chatter, Taverna Khione in Brunswick is great.
Glad you enjoyed. Never made it there. It’s persistently tough to land a reservation. I’ve seen some mixer reviews but the positive ones are generally very positive.
We went to Fore Street over the summer and really enjoyed it. I would return.
Added recommendation: Knotted Apron - Highly recommend. Everything was excellent and the vibe was just right. Mostly neighborhood locals. We sat at the bar to watch the small, very open kitchen action. BONUS - they do allow BYO with corkage according to the head chef! It would have been worth traveling with a bottle or two had I known. I didn’t ask how much. You should call and confirm if you book it.
Fore Street, Scales, and The Shop were all excellent recommendations and we loved them! Eventide was good, but very touristy. I would eat there again but I wouldn’t make the effort to return.
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Fore Street is as good as ever. A little bummed they didn’t have a tomato tart on the menu like they normally do this time of year, but I thought the dessert selection was better than in visits past so I’ll take it.
Izakaya Minato is a good neighborhood izakaya. Nothing really knocked my socks off but everything was fresh and thoughfully prepared, with the tsukune stuffed shitake being the best part of the meal.
Zu bakery - everything I’ve had has been great but I’ve only ever had one or two options since I go in late in the day. Probably worth going early in the morning.
Night Moves bakery - Mostly bread, I think they supply a fair amount of restaurants. Local fresh milled grain only. Had one of the most memorable cookies ever, ginger molasses with a sprinkle of fennel seeds, really complex and well balanced.
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