Wednesday, February 15, 2006

The Portland City Grill

Here's a restauranteer on the top of his game, Walt Holman at the Portland City Grill.

For those of you outside of Portland, Oregon, the Portland City Grill sits on the 30th floor of the second tallest downtown office building, affectionately known as "Big Pink" for its light pinkish color. Your dining pleasure is enhanced by the view of the city at your feet. We have had several wonderful dinners with friends at the city grill and the bar is a favorite gathering place after work or on the weekends.

Michael isn't too impressed with most restaurants. He thinks most are forgettable and can number his favorites on one hand. So it was with considerable anticipation that we made reservations for our four person Christmas party last December.

Our reservations were at 8:00 PM and we arrived early. I asked if a window table was available and was told that it would be a few minutes. We went to the bar and waited. They gave us a little plastic block that lights up and vibrates when the table is ready. A half hour goes by and I get up and check with the hostess and it is not ready. Then it's an hour. Finally, we were presented menus at 10:00 PM. I was angry and said, "Well, I guess we won't be coming here anymore!"

Last week, our friends Suzanne and Jack Gallagher were dining at the Portland City Grill and they related our story to the manager, Walt Holman. The next day Walt called me and apologized for our experience and said he would like an opportunity to make it up to us. He invited us to dine again on the house!

I asked if Valentine's day was avaiilable.
He said he would make it available and asked, "What time would you like to eat?"
I said, hesitantly, "7:30?"
"Done, he said. We'll see you at 7:30."

Walt said that with so many fine restaurants in Portland, a restaurant gets one shot to get your repeat business.

We dined last night on teriyaki chicken rice paper spring rolls and Kung Pao calamari for appetizers, followed by caesar salad for me and a mango and macadamia nut salad for Michael. We each ordered the 10 oz Petite New York strip with peppercorn bandy sauce. I had scampi with my steak. The meal was more than wonderful! It regained its status as one of Michael's top five restaurants.

If you come to Portland and have dinner out, Michael suggests you dine at Jake's, Mint, Lucy's Table, Ciao Vito and the Portland City Grill.

By the way, we arrived early and we were seated early. Thank you Walt.

Portland City Grill
30th Floor
Unico/US Bancorp Tower
111 SW Fifth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
503.450.0030

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

No comments: