Night Out: Portland Drinks & Appetizers

Friday night the kids were scheduled to sleep over at Silvia's house, so Rob and I were excited for a date night out.  I've always wanted to do a sort of progressive dinner out (start at one place for drinks/appetizers, move on to another for a main course, then yet another for dessert) - or something like that.  Well, something like that is exactly what we did!

Tostones at Oba

We started the night at Oba, which is located at 555 Northwest 12th Ave in the Pearl District. I'd been there before with Misty and Lynn, so I knew Rob would like it. Oba is all about "Nuevo Latino" cuisine (reminds me of the movie Tortilla Soup) and the music and lighting are totally conducive to having a great time.  I ordered a Ginger Mint Martini, and we decided on the beef-topped tostones (crispy fried plantains).  The drink was good enough, but didn't taste very gingery at all and actually reminded me more of a mojito in a martini glass than anything.  BUT, the appetizer was truly to die for.  The row of tostones was lined up on a bed of vinegary curtido (sort of like a slaw) and looked elegant and tasty.  Eeach slice of fried plantain was topped with a heap of tender, shredded beef spiced to perfection.  On top of that was a smaller heap of guacamole.  At first I thought the guacamole was tacky, but it's lemony taste and creamy consistency were the perfect complement to the other flavors and textures.  This is a MUST.  We were having so much fun, we decided to make the night all about visiting different places and having ONE drink and ONE appetizer.

 We walked around the corner to a place called Paragon (1309 NW Hoyt St.).  It was absolutely gorgeous, with an amazingly beautiful bar albeit a much darker ambiance than Oba.  There was a roaring fireplace and a DJ spinning music that was not loud enough to overpower conversation.  Perfect.  I was craving a flowery cocktail (remembering a lavendar martini recipe Denise sent me) and asked the bartender if they had such a thing.  He wisely suggested the Peach Elderflower Cosmopolitan, which BLEW ME AWAY!  This is my favorite new drink.  It was sweet and fresh, flowery but not too perfumey.  It was complex and fun, and I just loved it.  For our appetizer, we ordered a Rockfish Ceviche with Yuca Chips.  The concept was great, but I found the ceviche a bit too limey and the fish itself was a bit chewy and rubbery.  No matter - I WILL be back for the drinks so I will definitely try other appetizers.  Side note: I was chatting with the Beverage Director, Bob Brunner, and telling him of my interest in flower-flavored concoctions and he introduced me to a rose-flavored vodka which he kindly allowed me to sample.  It changed my life.  Now I am on a mission to find it (to bring home). :o)

Peach Elderflower Cosmo

Next, we walked up to 50 Plates, but after looking at the menu posted outside decided to move on.  We crossed the street to Cargo Inc to take a break from eating/drinking and check out some cool things.  When we walked in, however, we were treated to (not a sample, a GLASS) of delicious red wine.  I regret not noting the name of it, but we enjoyed it as we walked around, not believing our luck.

We decided to move on from the Pearl and headed over to NW 23rd/Nob Hill area.  I had been to Casa del Matador on Burnside with co-workers, but didn't know there was another one on NW 23rd.  We arrived shortly after 10 p.m. and found that Happy Hour had just started....what luck!!  It was very busy, but we had no trouble finding seating.  In the end, we opted for the outside sidewalk table, which was lovely. I decided to forgo the exotic cocktail and opted for a standard gin and tonic.  Since it was happy hour, we decided to splurge and order two appetizers.  We got the Jumbo Habanero Prawns and Chorizo Tacos.  The prawns were Rob's favorite "eats" of the night.  He actually ordered seconds.  The chorizo tacos were on soft flour tortillas and at first looked more like salad tacos than anything.  Biting into mine, though, I realized what a good, fresh complement the fresh lettuce and tomato was to the spicy chorizo. Delectable.

 

Our friends Janaki and Bryce met up with us at Casa del Matador, then we headed out for some Karaoke. At the insistence of Janaki and Rob, I sang my first karaoke song ever: Madonna's "La Isla Bonita."  The only thing that sucked was having to sing after Janaki, who is such a talented singer, but I had fun.  And people DANCED!!

Right after that adventure we needed something to satisfy our sweet tooth. Janaki suggested a food cart on Hawthorne that sells fried pies and is open late-night.  I am so glad we went!!!!  The cart is called Whiffies Fried Pies, and sells only....you guessed it.....fried pies.  These pies look something like an empanada and are filled with heavenly delights such as blackberries, peaches or (this was my choice) - chocolate, coconut and some type of cream.  The latter is called "Mounds" and is fashioned after its namesake candy bar.  Yum.  No, double-yum.  We left at 2 a.m. and the entire little conglomeration of food carts was still poppin'.  I hope to be back soon.

Tantalize Your Tastebuds at TarBoush

TarBoush is at 3257 SE Hawthorne

So Rob and I wanted to try something new for happy hour.  Unfortunately, we took so long trying to decide where to go, that it was too late for the drink/food specials we so love.....so, we jumped in the car to see where it would take us. We ended up on SE Hawthorne, where TarBoush  suddenly jumped out at us.  Mmmmmm, Lebanese food.  Plus, what a glorious Victorian building.  It looked pricey, but we were going to make it "happy hour," right?  Some appetizers and drinks?  As we climbed up the steps to the entrance, I happily noted that there was plenty of outdoor seating. Upon entering TarBoush, however, I knew I wanted to sit inside.  The interior is phenomenal, with gleaming hardwood floors and dark wood trim throughout.  The decor is authentic and tasteful, and the music perfectly appropriate for the setting.

I was craving a cocktail with rose flavor, and found the perfect one - the Absolute Lemonade made with Absolut Citron, lemonade and rose blossom.  The drink was a bit on the fruit-punchy side for me, but did have that rosy essence I was craving.  I noticed there was a Cucumber Mojito on the drink menu, but saved that one for a return visit. Soon after the drinks arrived, we were treated to a perfectly pleasant pillowy pita (freshly baked and hot from the oven) along with a touch of olive oil and Lebanese spices to dip it in.  I could have died a happy girl right then and there, but then we ordered our appetizers.

We decided on the Shanklish, which is homemade Lebanese cheese, fresh thyme, tomato and onions with a splash of olive oil.  This was so unique and tasty.  The cheese itself was salty like feta but slightly more pungent and spicy.  It went really well with the pita bread.  I later found out from the owner that TarBoush is the only place in Portland that serves Shanklish, and that it is aged for 3 months.  (He also told us he likes to put it on his eggs in the morning). To accompany this dish, we ordered Soujouk, an amazing Lebanese sausage that was the highlight of my evening.  It was salty, and so flavorful that it could easily be overpowering, but a slice enveloped in a hunk of warm pita is truly divine.  I think a sandwich or wrap made of this sausage would ROCK, and Pierre, the owner, said that even though it's not on the menu, he could do it and would even put it in a panini press.  Next time.

After devouring most everything on our table, Rob decided to sample TarBoush's baklava.  It looked lovely and was flaky and scrumptious, made with walnuts.  It was not overly gooey/sticky and some might even consider it a tad dry, but I, for one, loved it.  Then, the owner brought out a dessert that is new to the menu and truly off the beaten path: a fine-rice pudding spiced with caraway and anise and topped with thinly flaked coconut.  Wow, what an experience.  The texture is lightly grainy and silky at the same time, and the flavors truly stand out as it is not overly sweet.  Unfortunately, the name of the menu item/dessert got deleted from my iPhone (where I noted it) but I think it might be called "Moghlie."  Hopefully Pierre will read this post and comment on whether I got the name right or wrong.

So, after my brief rendezvous with TarBoush, I have to share something that will make you very happy. Despite the beautiful surroundings, authentic atmosphere and hip neighborhood, most menu items are extremely affordable!!!  I can't tell you what a value this place is.  There is a wealth of cold, hot and "from the oven" appetizer options in the $4-$7 range as well as very reasonably priced authentic dishes and feasts.  Kids' meals consist of smaller portions of anything on the menu (accompanied by a glass of milk) for 1/2 price. Also, TarBoush offers hookah service from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.  But that's a whole 'nother adventure.