Happy Anniversary, Hawthorne Hophouse

            Last weekend Pat and I attended the First Anniversary celebration of the Hawthorne Hophouse (SE 41st and Hawthorne, Portland). A $10 cover bought admission to the beer garden, a free pint of beer, and unlimited access to a buffet consisting of all their stellar "Happy Hour" food.  Live music was preformed from 6 - 9 by local band Bitterroot.
          The atmosphere at the Hophouse is warm and casual, with lots of natural wood. Booths and tables-for-two fill in the space beside the long bar which boasts 24 beers on tap, mostly Oregon micro brews. An outside patio holds several picnic tables, partially screened from the street by a trellis covered with living hops. Unfortunately, my husband and I don't currently drink alcohol, so we didn't sample those offerings there.
           Although everything on the buffet table looked delicious, we decided to check out the dinner menu.  Specials of the day, written on a chalk board at the end of the bar, were Butternut Squash Soup, Blackened Salmon Sandwhich with ginger-lemon aioli, and gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Carmelized Onions. The regular menu includes a Grilled Mac & Cheese sandwich, the Bacon Oregonzola Burger,  (a hamburger featuring thick slices of honey-cured bacon and Oregonzola cheese, and a White Cheddar Mushroom Burger topped with sautéed Portobello mushrooms and white cheddar cheese.

          Being seafood lovers, we were both immediately drawn to the Coho Salmon fish and chips. We were served within minutes, and the food was awesome. (Special thanks to Christy for the wonderful service.) The portions were ample, with two large salmon filets, deep fried to perfection, and a generous serving of crisp tender seasoned fries. Ramikins of fresh, ginger-lemon aioli and sweet tomato chutney, much tastier than ketchup, accompanied the full plate. We requested extra tartar sauce when we ordered, not expecting the fancier dips. Chef James Brown came to our table personally, bringing a soup-cup of custom made, delicious sauce that he had prepared just for us. It was not a condiment that the Hophouse usually served.
           If the first anniversary is any indication, there will be many more to come. In conclusion, if you're looking for somewhere inviting and affordable to go this weekend, the Hawthorne Hophouse is an excellent choice.

Bugatti's on a Bet

        Since we've been in Oregon, Pat and I have been looking for work to get us through the summer. After a discouraging week, we made a bet: whichever of us got the first paycheck would take the other out to dinner. That certainly boosted morale. Well, I lost the bet, with my husband landing a part time gig. I say lost, but I was to be the recipient of a free meal. That doesn't sound like losing to me.
       Last Saturday was the day. We discussed our dinner destination at length, finally settling on Giovanni's Pizza (Farmington and Hall in historic downtown Beaverton). It's a nostalgic spot for us, from dating days to dining with our kids. Their manicotti/canneloni combo is Pat's favorite, and the lasagna is to die for. Each baked in individual casseroles, they arrive at the table hot and fresh. Having been away for over a decade, Giovanni's seemed like the perfect choice. Alas, we forgot about the popularity on a Saturday night, and the rather limited seating. There was a 20 minute wait at 8pm. My husband is not one who enjoys lines, so we decided on option 2.
       Bugatti's is just up the road on Cedar Hills Boulevard, and is also Italian. We thought we'd give it a try. While Pat parked the car, I went to the door to check for seating. There was ample, and the couple leaving after their meal gave a rave review. "The food was fabulous!" the woman smiled.
      That was good enough for me. We were seated immediately, and had drink orders taken. Our iced teas arrived within moments. (Bugatti's offers a full bar, as well as a wine bar, for those who indulge.) Some warm from the oven focaccia bread and garlic-y olive oil came next. It was too delicious to save for sauce moppin'.
      The menu is extensive but simple, featuring a create-your-own-pasta option. Choose a pasta style, a sauce and an optional side, such as salmon, prawns, sausage or meatballs. A side Caesar, which we both ordered, is just the right size, and is only $2. The whole back of the menu is pizza, and looks awesome.
       I ordered the ravioli. Stuffed with portobello mushrooms and served with a white wine sauce, roasted red peppers and tiny, tender baby spinach leaves, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Pat created an angle hair bolognese with two meatballs, and it was a huge hit. The meatballs were tennis ball sized, and well worth $1.50 each.
      I don't make a habit of filling out comment cards, but I couldn't resist this one. Excellent all the way down, food, service, and prices. The atmosphere is casual, inviting and family friendly. We will definitely be going back...and telling our friends.
      Much too full for dessert, we left with the same content smile as the couple I'd met earlier.
      "The food is awesome!" I reported to the family on their way in. I guess it's just part of the experience.