Chris Cholakis

Hi James, On the Harrison comment, I don't think anything is wrong with the restuarant, but Higgin's and Heathman which are with blocks of the Harrison, in my opinion do things just a bit better. All three have similar menus. The other one to throw into that mix is Wildwood up on NW 21st and I think that one is just a bit better than all of them. Nick (ExtraMSG) above mentioned Park Kitchen, and that is my favorite place in Portland. Seem to be some of the imaginative dishes in the city. It is open for lunch, I have only gone for dinner however. Also, in the Pearl, if you like Greek food would be Eleni's Philoxenia, try the Grilled Calamari if you go. The last place which I would recommend is Tabla which is on the otherside of the river from your hotel. They have a 3 course $20 special which I think is very worthwhile. For the Pasta course try the Tabla Ravioli. For a nightcap, go up to the Portland City Grill for the view of the city all lit up at night. Or if it is cool evening, go over to Huber's for a Spanish Coffee, the waiter puts on a show, while pouring your drink tableside. If you want to try wine bars, Noble Rot and Oregon Wines on Broadway are both very good and very different. Noble Rot is over near Tabla, and is not limited to wines from the area (Washington and Oregon) also has a very good kitchen. I haven't eaten there but, that is what I have been told. Oregon Wines on Broadway is almost across the street from your hotel, they have about 40 bottles open at any given time for tasting. Also if you are in town on Monday, you can go over to the Harrison, and order a bottle of wine. Monday, they have a special where anything on the list under a $100 is half price. Hope that helps. Enjoy PDX Chris Upstate NY

Heathman is very good. I have eaten there 4 or 5 times over the past year and have had very good to excellent meals there. Another place which I think has a private dining room upstairs from the main room is Pazzo's. And there food is very good. Chris

The first place I thought of was Tabla, but I think Albert maybe right in the size of the room might not acommodate. Others which come to mind, although the food in my opinion isn't as good are: Portland City Grill, Harrison and Mama Mia's Trattoria, which are all in the SW Area of Downtown Hope that helps. Chris

Hmmm, For Drinks - Noble Rot (SE) (if you are into wine) otherwise Park Kitchen(SW) sitting outside with a couple of small plate to pick at. Dinner - Wildwood(NW), Cafe Castagna or Ken's Place (SE) Fife (NE), Jake's or Heathman (SW) Dessert - Have to go with Pix on SE Division. Enjoy

One of the clubs I have gotten for gifts in the past has been associated with The Wine Exchange in Orange County, California. The recipients have been very happy. Here is a link to there website. www.winex.com Enjoy Chris

Hi Doc, I am a newcomer to the board and some of my favorites in this area would be Indian - Sitar's on Central Ave. I have heard good things about Karavelli's in Latham but haven't been. Mexican - El Mariachi is better with the more authentic Mexican, and El Loco more tex-mex style Italian - Paolo Lombardi's in Wyanaskill has been my favorite Italian place for a longtime. Not to be confused with Lombardi's in Downtown Albany, which is always good but I haven't been in a longtime. Others worth a visit are LoPorto's in Troy, Cafe Italia in Albany, Scotti's in Schenectady (Neighborhood type). Steak - The Bear's in Duanesburg And if you are going south of here - New World Home Cooking in Saugerties/ Woodstock is my favorite place in Upstate. Great food, very casual, allow corkage and Ric Orlando is a very nice guy. Just thought I would add my 2 cents Chris