my birthdays comin up

[hollis]

so the wife's taken me out for dinner for my 31st in a couple of weeks. im thinkin about going somewhere i haven't had the pleasure of trying yet.

i've ate at and loved park kitchen and clarklewis. i've done paley's place. not interested in el gaucho.

what are some suggestions? i've thought about fife or lauro. what do you portlanders think?

thanks in advance. and if you all want to chip in to buy me a slow cooker, i wouldn't object.

Edited October 29, 2004 by hollis (log)

[Jim Dixon]

While I obviously like both Lauro and Fife, I think Lauro has more potential for a celebratory dinner. Other good choices include Higgins, Carafe, Tabla, or Navarre.

Happy Birthday (and if you don't get that new slow cooker, hit a few garage sales and you'll find a crockpot).

Jim

[sfspanky]

I too would recommend Lauro and Navarre

Brian Spangler

[duckduck]

I'd agree with Tabla too. They were great. When you have a table full of foodies and there's silence & awe at the table, you know it's a good thing.

[Lonnj]

I'll second the recs for Lauro, but would add Wildwood to the list as well, if you don't mind a wait, Cafe Mingo (the one in northwest not beaverton) is also great.

Lonn

[aidensnd2]

Harrison just opened downtown...

[Fritz Brenner]

I add my support for Lauro (although all of the other recs are great too)...

If you enjoy dessert at all, Pix is literally right across the street. It's a really nice place, open late, and could be a great end to a birthday dinner at Lauro.

Have an awesome birthday!

[hollis]

thanks for the recs. think i'll choose between table and navarre. go ahead and pick one and tell me why. thanks good portland folks

hollis

[fierydrunk]

He selected Navarre...we are going.

What is the sitch with no reservations in Portland? I mean, I get it for some places but for others, it just seems like a snotty reaction to the reality that their restaurant is busy and may need some organization on certain nights. One hour waits for dinner when your bar or outdoor seating can't handle it and you aren't close to a decent bar...well, it sucks.

[mklynch]

I've heard the no reservation policy blamed on "no shows". Especially big parties who book 2 restaurants so they can decide at the last minute which one to go to and never cancel the other.

I doubt Portland would stand for credit card guarantees, but might be worth it. We tend not to go to the no res. places with guests or on the weekend. Don't think they miss us much.