On our recent trip we had the opportunity to eat out two nights. Given the amazing number of restaurants in the city I would have loved to have gone out several more nights but there will be other trips. Dining out in Portland Oregon, offers the opportunity to eat any kind of food you might like. Our two meals had us eating Italian and Japanese.
Dining Out in Portland, Oregon – Italian
Our first night out we went to a restaurant suggested by our friends. We hadn’t been out for Italian in a long while so it sounded like a nice change of pace. Burrasca is a small restaurant but the food is excellent. The menu is not extensive which to me is a sign of a good restaurant because that means they are focused on making fresh, in season food. There are specials offered and both of us took advantage of different offerings.
But first we had a house salad. It was a well done dish; fresh greens – some bitter, some not – with grape tomatoes, raisins, fresh capers and shaved Parmesan cheese. It was perfectly dressed with a light vinaigrette.
I ordered something I had never heard of before – Testaroli. It’s rare that I run in to a dish that I have at least not read about so I was quite intrigued. The history of the dish can be traced to the Etruscans so this meal has been around for a very long time. I can understand why – it was amazing. It’s basically a thick crepe with pesto but it is so very light and the pesto was so fresh and perfectly made. I ate every bite but for a small nibble I let the hubby have to taste it. I do believe I could have eaten a second bowl without a problem. As soon as I can get my hands on some basil I’m going to try and make it at home.
The hubby had house made tagliatelle with peas, spinach and pork.The pasta was perfect and the sauce was a delight – yes, he let me have a nibble of his. This was also a bowl of deliciousness but I did like my choice better. I would have gone back to this restaurant again the next night to try something else because there were many choices on the menu at Burrasca that intrigued.
I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone visiting Portland for an excellent Italian meal. The service was very good – our waiter was friendly, informed and not intrusive.
Burrasca: 2032 SE Clinton St near corner SE 21st Ave. Portland, OR 97202
503.236.7791 mangia@burrascapdx.com
Dining Out in Portland – Japanese
One of the hubby’s favorite things to eat is sushi so on our second night out he gravitated towards a Japanese restaurant. We were wandering around downtown Portland after a visit to Powell’s Books (OMG! – you will hear about that on Friday) and we saw Masu. We went in just at opening time so we practically had the place to ourselves which was nice. It had been a long day for me with the visit to the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden so I was glad for a quiet dinner. The restaurant offers both sushi and other Japanese dishes but the hubby was on a mission – he wanted his sushi. I wasn’t that hungry so I also ordered a few of my favorites.
As soon as we sat down the waiter brought us a nice, cold glass of water with a slice of cucumber in it which was very welcome. We placed our order and he came back with a little bowl of edamame. That was a lovely way to wait for our sushi. Neither one of us ordered anything out of the ordinary here but it was very good, well prepared sushi. My only complaint came with the tamago (the sweetened omelet) it was very sweet. It is the first time I’ve ordered this sushi that I didn’t enjoy it. My other pieces were fine. The rice was well cooked which is surprisingly not always the case with sushi.
Masu: 406 sw 13th avenue portland, or 97205 503.221.masu
Dessert?
I’m sure you are surprised that I haven’t mentioned dessert as of yet. My sweet tooth is very well known. Burrasca had a dessert menu but nothing on it appealed and for some reason when we go out for Japanese we never want deseset – me included. I think the pickled ginger substitutes.
After our Italian meal we went out for ice cream. We found one of the many Ben and Jerry’s locations in Portland. I will note that the ice cream was good but OY – was it expensive. Two cones, one scoop each and it was just over $12. That is a little crazy for ice cream. We will not go back to Ben and Jerry’s in Portland.
I hope you enjoyed learning about these two delicious experiences dining out in Portland, Oregon. Hopefully I’ll get to go back soon and try some other restaurants.
