Jennifer Pasquill

Review of Grüner Restaurant

I live and work in the neighborhood and pass by th...

I live and work in the neighborhood and pass by this place a few times each day. I don't know why I didn't try it sooner?! Everything far exceeded ALL of my expectations, across two visits. That's near impossible in my book.

We started off with Brunch on a Sunday. We ordered the Warm Chouquettes, the Grapefruit Brulee, and the Gruyere and Spring Onion Scone to start with while we tried to decide on our entrees.

The Chouquettes were perfect little puffs of Pate a Choux Pastry dusted with Powdered Sugar and served with the most incredible Cherry Jam.

The Grapefruit Brulee was an absolute treat! Wedges of grapefruit coated with Candied Demarara Sugar, Cinnamon and Tarragon. I'm not sure what I expected to get when I ordered this, but it was so unique and delicious that I feel it's something everyone should try!

I ordered the Scone even though I was sure I'd hate it. I'm a pastry chef and savoury scones always disappoint me. They're usually too heavy and no one gets the seasoning right. My husband couldn't believe I ordered the scone. After I took a bite he asked me what I thought. I told him he had to taste it, because it was the best scone I'd ever tasted that someone else made! It was perfectly light, and the seasoning was spot on. You MUST order it!

We thought we had plenty of time to order and enjoy the rest of our meal, but received a text that we had to be at Union Station to pick up a friend within 30 minutes. We informed our server of the rush and they were beyond accommodating! We were still able to order entrees and they had us out the door at the exact time we needed to leave.

The next day we went back for an unrushed lunch, so we could try more things.

I started with the Cavalier King Charlie Cocktail (Dry Gin, Lemon, Blue Pea Flower, Tonic, Champagne Foam), which was beyond phenomenal! Easily the best cocktail I've had in Portland in 5+ years here. My husband took a taste and declared, "If the colour Purple has a flavour, THAT'S IT! That's what purple tastes like."

They have an extensive Absinthe menu, and are very well versed on all aspects of the selections and the history. My husband tried two different varieties and was very pleased with both selections.

For lunch we began with the Soup Du Jour and the Escargot and Button Mushroom Gratin. Both were absolute perfection!

For entrees we ordered the Pain Perdu and the Grilled Duck Sausage Ratatouille. Again, both were perfect! I don't even know what else to say, except that while I'm typing this I'm thinking about how soon I can go back there again.

Desserts were perfectly executed as well, we tried the Riz Au Lait and the Meyer Lemon Tarte.

No matter where I dine, even the best of meals, I usually have one small complaint about something, be it service, execution, cocktails, dessert, or whatever..... there's always something I will be a teensy bit unhappy about. But not here. That's over two visits also. Neither my husband, nor myself, could come up with one single thing that was less than stellar!