If you'd asked me a year ago what I thought the food scene was like in Portland, Oregon, I imagine granola and organics would have been top of mind. Portland is a great place this time of year. All of the stereotypes of the northwest's weather fall away, leaving behind mid-70s temperatures and beautiful blue skies. It is easy to see why people would suffer the winters. The food scene, however, surprised me verily. Beast being a perfect example.
It's this great little place in NE (Portland is split into quadrants). The food is amazing, and the atmosphere fantastic. The best analogy I could provide would be a dinner party with good friends. The menu is occasionally adventurous, so if taking a food-conservative dinner guest or two be prepared for double portions of some goodies. The menu is fixed and paired with wines. There are two seatings a night Wednesdays through Saturdays. Definitely make reservations and don't be late. Beast does command a price premium, but the value is there in my mind.
