Winter is coming here in the Pacific Northwest, and with it brings the nostalgia for summer activities. Fortunately for those living in and visiting Portland, a restaurant and bar exists aimed to trick your senses into experiencing a cozy, summer campfire.
Furnished in rich woods, seating ranging from bar stools, small tables and a large slab of wood perfect for communal drinks and bites, and overall warm colors, The Fireside is chic yet evokes feelings of comfort upon your first step through the door. During the summer, open air dining connects you with the hustle and bustle of the busy NW 23rd and throughout the colder months, the two large fireplaces steal the show enticing cold passersby with their promise of warmth.
Not only does the ambiance place one in the midst of summer, but also the flavors incorporated into the dinner and drink menus do. Grilled, roasted and charred items prevail in Chef Jake Martin’s “outdoor-inspired” cuisine. The smallest of dishes are transformed into pieces of delicious artwork—the grilled bread comes with house-churned butter, the grilled brussels sprouts lose the quality that once made us turn up our noses at the green vegetable by adding sage maple syrup and the grilled flatbread sustainably utilizes local produce to provide fresh sensations and rotating daily garnishes. As luck had it, my flatbread boasted caramelized onions, rich chèvre and arugula.
The main dishes maintain their theme with items reminiscent of dishes you have seen at campfires, backyard BBQ’s and picnics but with flavorful additions you didn’t even realize were missing. Lobster mushrooms and charred leaks beautifully complement the roasted Chinook salmon while grilled peaches and spicy greens amp up the crispy duck legs. To top it all off, this establishment truly honors their name by offering the childhood campfire classic that never goes out of style: s’mores.
Although The Fireside’s dinner menu definitely is worth the indulgence, it is their drinks that attract the crowd. Bourbon lovers will rejoice at their first sip of Life’s a Peach, a signature cocktail stirred for sipping on. Bourbon is the star of this show, but grilled peach vermouth, Amaro Nonino and smoked apricot bitters add an ever so slight sweetness, while the addition of Anchos Reyes, a chile liqueur, finished the drink with a subtle kick. Although the cocktail lists goes on to satiate gin, rum, and vodka lovers alike, bourbon headlines most of the mixtures.
Featured wine, with selections both locally and internationally crafted, can be ordered by the glass or the bottle, products from local breweries, like Awesome Ales, Oakshire and Pfriem are available on draft and those not in the mood for a boozy delight can enjoy a crafted soda.
On your next day off, grab your umbrellas and coats, stroll past the bounty of boutiques on NW 23rd and then warm up by the fire with a hearty cocktail and snacks at The Fireside.
The Fireside || 801 NW 23rd Ave Portland || pdxfireside.com
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Track on Twitter: @pdxFireside
