We have all experienced it: walking in to a restaurant and noticing that something is off… The menu has been changed.
Although this situation can sometimes induce a disappointed hit to the stomach, there are times when the risky decision pays off with a delicious menu boasting of new item after blissful new item. Fortunately for us here in Portland, the Mediterranean-inspired Café Castagna falls into the latter category with their transition into smaller sized plates and a long list of newly developed delicacies to choose from.
Located off of 17th and Hawthorne Boulevard, the Café, a sister to Castagna Restaurant, invites those in with its simplistic elegance. On sunnier days, guests can choose between hiding away on the umbrella-clad patio amidst the neighborhood or observing the hustle and bustle from the tables adjacent to Hawthorne.
About a month ago, Café Castagna took on a new lead chef, Wesley Johnson, and reconstructed their menu. “It’s been fun to switch it up and have a young chef excited about what he’s doing,” says Monique Siu, owner of Café Castagna. The smaller sized entrees allow for patrons to choose their own sides, allowing every palate to be fully satisfied with the entirety of the meal.
Those interested in beginning their meal the right way with a delicious signature beverage will not be disappointed, head bartender David Cooper has developed a cocktail list sure to make every mouth water. Cooper recommends his Shark Bite (black tea infused añejo rum, Cynar and orange bitters) for those interested in a sultry aperitif whereas the End of Civilization (which infuses bourbon with the neighboring Bee Thinking mead, peach bitters and Angostura) provides a lovely pair to any meal with its subtle sweetness. Cooper’s cocktail list promises approachable yet interesting concoctions, which range from slight plays on classics to creative hybrids. The sommeliers of any group will be satiated as well with a novel-esque wine list boasting of local bottles as well as delights from the regions that inspire the bites.
Choosing one beverage is no easy feat, but the venture only advances in difficulty once met with the multitude of delicacies that Chef Johnson has to offer. Fortunately the friendly staff is apt to offer expert suggestions. Prepare yourself for unwelcome wandering forks because the desire to taste everything is sure to overwhelm the table. The chilled bay shrimp served atop romaine offers a tasty complement to the sunny weather—a subtle heat from Serrano pepper combines with the tang of lime and fresh cilantro for a refreshing starter.
From pastas, pizzas and salads to a plethora of fish and meats, no foodie will be left behind with this restaurant’s vast array of entrée offerings, not to mention their list of creative side dishes. The grilled albacore, which is prepared more on the seared side, melts in the mouth and can be artfully paired with the sensationally sweet yet savory grilled peach with feta, Serrano pepper and pistachio as a side. The salade nicoise offers a lighter fare packed with flavor from the albacore confit, za’atar dressing and a salty kick. Make it the traditional French delight by adding a side of potatoes.
Tie up your meal with one of the sweet treats available on the dessert menu, the nectarine and blueberry crisp with hazelnut topping and lebneh ice cream was a personal favorite, and make your way home fully satiated without feeling painfully full.
Be it you are craving tapas and drinks with friends or an extensive meal, make your way to the gem called Café Castagna where you can sip and dine your way to the South of France.
Follow on Facebook: Café Castagna
Track on Twitter: @CastagnaPDX
