A true gem located in the heart of downtown Portland, The Heathman Hotel, home of The Heathman Restaurant and Bar, has rightfully earned itself its high-class reputation as well as its approval from the distinguished (and fictional) “Christian Grey” of the “50 Shades of Grey” book series.
The high ceilings, sleek finishes and attentive staff are all immediate indicators of the upscale dining experience guests are about to embark on. Although the true restaurant dining experience is one of pure palatable delight, the bar’s happy hour menu allows patrons to indulge in flavor without emptying their bank accounts.
Executive chef Michael Stanton skillfully develops a dynamic menu of small plates reminiscent of the best products in the kitchen. Each plate boasts of an affordable $5 price tag, allowing guests to experience a few flavors while the portion sizes are large enough that two plates can easily satisfy a hungry stomach.
Salads oftentimes connote simplicity, yet the happy hour house salad does no such thing. Tossed with dried huckleberries and cranberries, hazelnuts and apple cider vinaigrette, this house salad delivers the perfect balance of sweet with tanginess to prepare the taste buds for a heartier course. The Brussels sprouts are in no way reminiscent of the bland green balls many a’child has hidden under their napkins—rather they are accented with maple glazed pancetta and local apples to provide a powerful mix of fatty and sharp, citrus flavor. Prepare to be hooked at first bite.
Those looking for a heavier fair can treat themselves to the Petite Croque Monsieur—it may look like a grilled cheese, but its taste delivers so much more. Ham and Gruyere come together to create the perfect post work comfort food. A cheese plate of the Chef’s Selection or a cure meats plate are also available as the perfect pairing to a glass of deep red wine.
Since no conversation is ever complete without talk of beverages, it’s necessary to mention that, according to the restaurant, their “wine cellar is a longstanding Oregon institution” sure to impress any sommelier. With more than 6,600 bottles nesting in the renowned cellar, restaurant boasts that “sommelier James Rahn along with executive chef Michael Stanton showcase the food-wine connection by offering winemaker’s dinners, sommelier events, guided tastings, seasonal wine flights and regional wine dinners.”
For those not looking for wine, there is an impressive level of artisanal prowess evident in the Heathman’s signature cocktail list. The Huckleberry Mule refreshes its drinker with an ever so subtle ginger kick and sweet huckleberry counterpart. Those who fell prey to the “50 Shades of Grey” craze can even order their very own 50 Shades cocktail, which was created by (our own) bar-chef Kathy Casey and showcases gin, fresh tangerine, pomegranate juice, lemon and fresh thyme.
Be it you are looking to indulge in a round of happy hour bites, a more in-depth meal where multiple courses meet their best pairings from the vine or a simple afternoon of tea, The Heathman Restaurant and Bar will appease any appetite.
The Heathman Restaurant & Bar || 1001 SW Broadway, Portland || The Heathman Restaurant & Bar
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