I've Been Eating

     Hmm... I've been neglecting my posts lately, but I haven't been neglecting my stomach.
Tried quite a few new spots around Portland.  Here is a bit of what I thought:

Bamboo Sushi:
  They are the first certified sustainable sushi restaurant and have a fairly large menu of Japanese cuisine.
I appreciated the quick walk from my home and the contemporary, yet relaxed atmosphere. We had two sake flights, scallop carpaccio, and an assortment of nigiri and rolls.  It was all good, but the highlight for me was the saba or house pickled mackerel.  I would like to go back just for that.
We actually had sushi again the next day (with a boyfriend just back from a month in France, butter is the last thing he is craving).  Sinju- with locations in the Pearl, Bridgeport Village, and Clackamas- it was just okay. The bottom line...we've found our favorite place for sushi is Hiroshi.

Spints:
   A new alehouse just two blocks from my house.  My friend and I decided it was an older/calmer version of Prost. (Also a recent try and a fun German pub).  The design of the interior was inviting and cozy, easy to relax there.  We went late for drinks, but couldn't resist ordering a couple items.  We tried the fried morels- great crunch and texture, earthy, salty, and perfect with our beer.  We both appreciated the cheese board for the clean and simple presentation.  I was surprised to see a full dinner menu and plan to return to try more.

Tabla:
   I really wanted this to be better.  We got the $24, 3-course dinner; a great bargain for an appetizer, pasta, and entree.  The seared ricotta and nettle gnudi was less interesting than it sounded, but good.  The fish trio was not.  Our pastas were definitely the winners of the meal.  The tabla ravioli was fun to eat and the poppy seed butter really made the dish.  The black pepper fettuccini with sorrel pesto had a nice texture and balanced flavor.  The salmon in lobster broth with spring veggies was cooked to a frightening firmness and where was the lobster flavor?  I enjoyed the spice and richness of the lamb crepinette and black olive semolina cake, but the crepinette was also overcooked.  It was in a sauce that was more of a tomato broth than a harissa, as the menu described.  The wine pairings were also lacking for some courses, but I'm still willing to give Tabla a second chance.

Belly Timber:
    Oh my.  Admittedly we were treated quite nicely thanks to my friend being previous co-workers with the chef and cook in the kitchen, but still... everything I tried was delicious.  They have a fabulous happy hour menu and a great cocktail list to boot.  Here is the feast we had:
Pork Meatball Sliders- perfect texture
Beet Salad
House Ricotta (a bit of sweetness, honey?) and Grilled Bread
Duck Wings with Quince, Chiles and Mint- the quince was the sweet spot of this dish
Oyster and Smoked Salmon Tater Tot with Salsa Verde- fun take on a comfort food done well
Boudin Noir with Romesco and Rapini
Crispy Pig Ears- I'd take these over fries
Maple Braised Pork Cheeks with Sweet Potato Pancakes, Swiss Chard and Apple Jam-  my oh my- my       favorite!
Roasted Pork Belly over lentils with a fennel and greens salad- great!
Roasted Bone Marrow with Sea Salt, Capers and Herbs- lovely
Makers Mark Ice Cream with Cacao Nibs- subtle and a perfect end
  Our drinks:  Cherry BlossomCello Soda, BT Collins, &Everything Nice

It was all fantastic. We were so full I thought I might explode.
I highly recommend this restaurant!

Ciao Vito:
   Another happy hour gem and it is all day on Sunday!  I will absolutely be back.
We had the fried meatballs, potato fontina fritters, pork sugo, beet salad, and crispy flatbread with pork and cheese off the happy hour menu.  All excellent.
My friend and I are suckers for razor clams so we had to try their dinner special and it delivered.
For dessert (still makes me giggle):
Housemade peanut butter gelato in a hot fudge sundae with crunchy little peanuts and a peanut biscotti on top alongside our warm Moroccan coffees.
The portions were nice, the drinks were fun, and everything was tasty.  I also love the atmosphere; just the kind of neighborhood, cozy, friendly place I want to hunker down in for hours.

Vindalho:
   Made a visit to Vindalho on Mother's Day with my friend who once worked there.  Well, I already love Indian cuisine and this meal satisfied that craving!
Started with a Lemongrass Martini, Chicken Seekh Kababs, Paneer Pakoras, and Masala Chicken Wings with a tamarind yogurt chutney.  Those wings...yum... very spicy with an edge of sweetness and the cooling chutney.  We also split the lamb curry and naan.  The lamb was meltingly tender in the rich coconut milk broth.  I am big fan of lamb, but this is a dish that turns lamb haters into lovers (including my eating companion).
I was stuffed and can't wait to go back.