Dining @ Nostrana

[Raoul Duke]

Any comments on your dining experience at Nostrana in Portland?

[Heartsurgeon]

Enjoyed it so much, I went back a second time (and enjoyed it again).

Nostrana Salad - ordered it both times

wood fire pizza - ordered it both times

roasted/smoked chicken - perfectly cooked, but the smoking made the chicken taste like bacon.

Absolutely the crazy/best olive oil I have ever tasted for dipping (i kid not).

marion berry crisp - excellent

located in a strip mall, but don't dispair, very nice vib, great food, great service, great decor, you can dine outside (when it isn't raining).

I'll be going back.

[Raoul Duke]

Thanx for the insight. We'll be trying it next weekend. Since I'm hauling up a load of wine to consume over the weekend, how's their corkage fees and service? Do they decant?

[Heartsurgeon]

no idea about corkage fee, we ordered a wine off the menu and we were happy. post a followup and a review if you end up eating there.

[Raoul Duke]

Well the entire time in Portland was great. A number of places to eat very well. Lunch at Kenny & Zukes (home cured/smoked pastrami), cocktails at Teardrop Lounge, dinner at Veritable Quandry and of course dinner at Nostrana. Starters of the house charcuterie platter and the scamorza cheese with shiitakes accompanied by a very tasty rustic bread. The wood oven pizza was done perfectly with a nice char on the edges and bottom, perfect manicotti stuffed w/chicken and fontina cheese. Friends made a seafood paella one night as well. Happened upon a friend who is an olive oil provider to the NW at the PSU farmers market, and generally had a great time. Wouldn't hesitate a return trip or a strong recommendation for folks who like to eat. Thanks for the recs.

[duckduck]

I always get the Nostrana salad and always the fettucine if it's on the menu for the day. It's always very light so I never hesitate to order it with a pizza or main dish or worry that it will be too filling. The cannellini beans with albacore tuna and house giardiniera is always a must when we go too.

[Heartsurgeon]

Nostrana has turned me on to Arbequina (?spelling) olive oil from the California Olive Ranch. This stuff is amazing if you prefer a super fruity oil that doesn't burn your throat on the finish. Highly recommended.