Well, I'd like to write a brilliant, in depth, descriptive review... but I'm old, tired, and drunk so you get what you get.
I picked Belly Timber because enough people who like to eat in Portland said it was worthwhile and I couldn't insist on Cava yet again. Also, a place with a name that dumb usually either sucks horribly or rules. I'm going to go ahead and say that this was one of the better decisions I've made this week.
I won't go into the entire menu to except to say that the entrees, while not super exciting, were solid and that the drinks and appetizers were inventive and inspired.
I'll go over a few highlights. You may notice a theme. I like bacon.
"Pigstrami" - Thick slices of pork belly (think super thick bacon), 2-3 inches long, cured like pastrami. Absolutely delicious. Funny, both the girls couldn't dig it so maybe it's a guy thing? Whatever, pig fat and pepper = WIN.
Bacon infused bourbon Manhattan. Small drink... for a reason. Good bourbon, infused with bacon, with just enough sweetness. It's a sipper, not something you throw down chasing a good buzz. Tastes like the most awesome breakfast ever. REALLY good when combined with the...
Stumptown coffee custard thing. Imagine a good cappuccino, but replace the coffee with a cold coffee pudding. Take a bite of this, then a sip of the bacon bourbon. Then slip into a blissful coma.
Banana pudding with a stick of candied bacon in it. DUDE CANDIED F*ING BACON!!!!!
Service. I've had world class service, and I've had awful service. Given my scale, they get a solid B+. If you narrow the scale and just compare them to Portland in general, A-. Compare them just to restaurants on Hawthorne? A++. Fairly fast, very friendly, only made one mistake. A little inattentive when compared to the best of the best, but very strong overall.
The entrees again were nothing special, but there was nothing wrong with them. I had the burger. Not as good as Cava's by a long shot. A little dry, and the veggies were sparse and pedestrian... BUT the presentation was brilliant. The fries were served with a bone marrow aioli.... served inside a hollow steak bone! It made a great looking plate.
Anyway, it's good to see something besides a pub on Hawthorne. Prices were fair, food was fun, service was solid. What's not to love?
I will now sit and digest.
Also, Robert and Brandie gave me a bottle of Shinola from Merkin Vineyards because they are awesome.
2 comments:
I have to say that as a traditional salad or small-fare eater, I also had a good experience. I chose to order what I ordered based on the recommendation of our waitress and she was totally right. however, I actually felt like I had options and that I could have ordered something else and still been pleased. I had a green bean and butter lettuce salad with mint and some fancy cheese. it was delicious. I also had a bite of the dish that Brandie ordered, which escapes me right now, and it was delicious. Also good? All the entrees came in half order or full order options. i love that. Its no Cava, but I would go back.
also, B&R kick ass.
Your review jives with many published recently. The location does seemed much aligned with unfortunate names, I do hope this one stays longer than some of the last. The marrow aioli scares me. Bacon at every course sounds perfect.
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