Departure, Portland Oregon

Located downtown Portland, sky high on the 15th floor of The Nines Hotel.
Supposedly breath taking views of the city. We were there for dinner in the winter so going outside was not an option.....

So its pretty "funky" in a 60's meets 90's meets Asia?....haha
Definitely some fusion going on here.

The chef Gregory Gourdet (made it to final two on Top Chef) has had fun adding to the modern Pan-Asian menu, from fancy Sushi Rolls to Dim Sum to Kushiyaki (a protein grilled over petrified charcoal).

We enjoyed BBQ Shortrib Buns, some colorful rolls including Beef Anago Tenderloin and Shrimp with Caviar.
My favorite was simply the Wok Fired Brussel Sprouts with chili, lime and mint yum!

I love nothing more than eating small plates, spaced out over hours, small tasty bites not being overwhelmed with huge portions.
Unfortunately our plates all came within  minutes of each other...so we had a tiny table for two overflowing with plates, not very enjoyable at all...
I had confirmed with our sever prior to ordering if the food came out slowly and spaced out, she assured me it did......not.....
So that was quite disappointing.
Hard to enjoy your raw sushi rolls with sizzling beef in your face :o

Really uncomfortable chairs, tiny tables for two....
Too close to your neighbors, you feel like you are on a plane and your knees could touch at any moment....
I feel we were over dressed even though its claimed to be "high end" it does read "elegant but relaxed", so i suppose the child coloring on the floor next to us would confirm the "relaxed, refined' atmosphere....odd....again with the fusion...

So the food was good but did not blow me away. Perhaps sitting outside would be more inviting, maybe we will try that next time if we land in Portland again soon......



Natasha :)



http://departureportland.com/