2006-06-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

Pastini on Broadway

I’ve only been to the Pastini on NE Broadway, but it is a great Italiano/pasta destination. As a starter I’m very particular to the ‘Pastini Martini’ myself. Although I often request the Sapphire over the Oregon gin, it’s those feta stuffed olives with those little drops of oil that really bring the Pastini Martini home. Martini connoisseurs will understand if they are willing to take a chance on this slightly dirty martini.

Okay, it’s a restaurant, so I should be talking about the food, which is really the priority here. I’m partial to the Rigatoni Zuccati, or pasta with squash. It might not sound like much, but the flavors are blended superbly in this unique and delectable dish. The shrimp scampi is really the best in town and their Caprese salad very tasty with the aromatic balsamic they use and soft fresh mozzarella. The antipasti (meat version) is perfection with the spicy meats and the best roasted eggplant spread that I’ve ever tasted. The Ziti de Campagna with fennel sausage is also a fabulous entrée bursting with flavor.

I haven’t had everything on the Pastini menu, but I have not been disappointed with anything I’ve tried. The other plus I haven’t mentioned yet is that Pastini is one of the most reasonably priced establishments in Portland, making it affordable for almost any budget. I highly recommend giving Pastini a try. Check out the menu on this their website: http://pastini.biz/food_menu.html

2006-06-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Perry’s on Fremont

If you’re looking for a great neighborhood spot for food and drink go to Perry’s on Fremont. They have a great happy hour menu including -
Greens with pear blue cheese and hazelnut salad, spicey thai chicken skewers with the most fabulous spicy slaw, a surprisingly (I only say surprising because spaghetti is not my favorite thing) good spaghetti with meat sauce, a very filling and tasty nacho supreme, and the most comforting ‘Anna’s Mac and cheese that you’ve ever tasted. Bill and Anna (Perry) both make the best Sapphire martinis in town, “stirred not shaken thank you” or if you prefer a fabulous Marion berry kamikaze that is unsurpassed in flavor as a unique refreshing beverage.

You might arrive too late for happy hour – 4:00pm to 6:00pm Tues through sat. Not to worry, the regular menu offers many healthy or not so healthy (as your mood desires) great eats. My personal fav’s are the steak salad and the warm salad, both way more than your usual salad fair and perfect for sharing if you’re out with your girlfriend. If your hankering for the old Hamburger Patti’s (Perry’s first incarnation) the burger is really unsurpassed. I haven’t even started on the deserts, which amazingly, must be a bit of a secret about Portland, or people would be flocking. Perry’s has some of the best deserts in the city, mostly handcrafted by Anna Perry herself. The deserts are many and diverse as well as perversely decadent. I will only mention the Carmel brownie sundae and tell you it will send you home ecstatically comatose.

Perry’s is the consummate neighborhood eatery and if you want to feel like Norm, Bill, Anna and their fabulous wait staff will serve up a better than Cheers welcome that will have you looking forward to your next Perry’s meal every time.
Check out the menu on their website: http://perrysonfremont.com/foodanddrink.htm

Sutree's Musings