Where are the Best Small Plates in Portland, Oregon?
Still mourning the loss of Taqueria Nueve, I recently ventured into the new restaurant that took over its space. They serve New Orleans cuisine and it is damn good! Hooray! The plates (well, not exactly plates) are small (tapas style) and the food is served in big old coffee mugs. I know it sounds kind of weird, but they make it work. Everything I tried sang in my mouth. We had the jambalaya (with chicken, shrimp and sausage), the hanger steak (served with carmelized portobello fries) and the bibb lettuce salad (served with smoked tomatoes and a bacon vinagrette). Oh and because the plates were small enough and I wasn’t quite stuffed yet, the sweet potato/pecan pie (served with bourbon ice cream) for dessert. Lord have mercy, that food was good! So, although I will forever miss my octopus cocktail from TN, I’m not going to be sad anymore because a new food day has dawned with the opening of New Orleans inspired Tapalaya. Let the good times roll!BTW, since I first went, I’ve
Been there twice (2 days apart…we were so impressed with the food the first time around). Nice decor. Very good service. Avocado salad is amazing! There’s a strong aroma of oil (esp. noticable on clothing the next day) but given that it’s a small place in an old building (poor ventilation), I’m guessing it can’t be helped. Great value for the money.PS Very good coffee too.Pros + Very good food! Very good service.Cons – Strong odor of deep frying oil (small place)
