Filbert's rave

DH and I went to Filbert%26#39;s this evening after I read pp%26#39;s review. We%26#39;d tried previously to go but it wasn%26#39;t yet open for business. Highly recommend it!

We had a delightful time. Both of us ordered salads (me, Arugula and DH, Field Greens) and they were wonderful. Simple and flavorful.

For the main, I had the risotto w/crab. When it arrived I was unsure if they had remembered that I ordered it with crab but once I started eating I realized it was like a minefield, with large chunks of crabmeat. DH had the lamb (I won%26#39;t cook meat at home, not being much of a meat eater) and I thought he had died and gone to heaven. From the looks of it, he didn%26#39;t even need a knife, it was so moist. The only thing I%26#39;d wish for would be 1-2 more veggie options for those of us who aren%26#39;t meat eaters. DH, on the other hand, is already deciding between the pork or the steak for next time.

Desserts were stellar. I had the Berry Bread Pudding and DH had the Chocolate Chess. We practically fought over them both (the goal was to share but when something is so good...). We were surprised when Crystal, the waitress, told us that the Chocolate Chess was panned earlier by The Mercury. My only guess is that the writer was hoping for something sweeter, more chocolate-y. The Chess was more subtle in flavor, more grown-up, not sweet but very satisfying. The other dessert that rec%26#39;d negative reviews by The Merc was the Broulee (based on our thoughts on the Chocolate Chess, we just may try it next time). Bonus -- The desserts are made in house.

The staff/service was terrific. The head chef visited with each table and we found everyone very friendly. We look forward to going back and will likely bring friends so that they too can experience Filberts.

Filbert's rave

Hi Sparkle,

Glad you enjoyed Filbert%26#39;s; since my review here I think that%26#39;s now 3 or 4 of us that have really enjoyed the dining experience here. I do hope the location isn%26#39;t a hindrance as it was to Cafe Dacx, the previous occupant. Meriwether%26#39;s down the street seems to be thriving for over a year now, so one can only hope.........

Happy dining all, and in Portland, that is so much easier than many other places!

Filbert's rave

Sounds yummy, thanks for the report! :)

sparkle, you have to go read portlandfood.org, someone asked about Filberts recently. You should post this review there too :)

Thanks for posting it.

I don%26#39;t think location will be a problem for them, pdxtravels. St. Honore is a block away, and I KNOW they%26#39;re doing fine. And it appears they sized the restaurant knowing they won%26#39;t get the walk-in traffic of places further south on 23rd and 21st. But I would wonder if 8 tables is enough....

Since you responded, syrahgirl, where is Filberts on your list of places to try next time you%26#39;re in Portland? And how long is that list now?