Aptly designed menu highlights the inherent qualities of natural wines at Dame.
East Portland has become a hub to the city’s most critically acclaimed restaurants and bars that have earned Portland a number one spot on The Washington Post’s Best Food Cities in America and a number five spot on Thrillist’s Best U.S. Cities for Food. New to the eastside scene is Dame, a natural-wine-focused restaurant that puts a modern spin on classic Eastern European dishes. Owners Dana Frank, a nationally recognized sommelier, and Jane Smith, co-owner of The Knock Back, aim to showcase natural wines from around the world by executing food that allows the wine to shine.
The intimate, 37-seat location is adorned with modern light fixtures and antique wall décor that beautifully parallels the vision of the restaurant. Designed with sharing in mind, Executive Chef Eli Dahlin, formerly of Seattle’s The Walrus and the Carpenter and Damn the Weather, crafts diverse plates that highlight natural wine’s unique flavor profile.
The main menu is split into four sectors; the first two serving as appetizer courses with choices ranging from Pacific Northwest oysters to crudo with seasonal vegetables and the second two serving as entrée courses, from cabbage rolls stuffed with short rib to sole meunière with celery root rémoulade.
Along with a simple, yet elegant dinner menu, the true star of Dame is the extensive, eight-page wine list handcrafted by Frank. Named Food & Wine’s 2015 Sommelier of the Year and Bon Appetit’s Sommelier to Watch, Frank has a knowledgeable approach to the local, national and international wine served nightly at her Northeast location. The list highlights Willamette and Columbia Valley Pinots, a vast selection of European wines and various choices from other voluptuous regions of the world. Dame’s wine list is every wine lovers fantasy where bottles come from all over and entrées are quintessential to the wine’s success.
The restaurant’s endless wine varietals and fresh menu are not the only benefits to dining, the restaurant staff has an impeccable attention to detail and highly knowledgeable suggestions, ensuring you get the most out of your experience. With Frank, Smith and Dahlin on board, Dame is destined to exceed expectations and bring Portland an awareness of the highly trending natural wine industry.
