I know the Portland Food Carts are the big rage, however, if you have time to sit, drink, and eat, go to Brasserie Montmartre. It's been a few years since I have been to Portland and the last time I spent all my time in the Pearl District, which I still love. Well, I had passed by Brasserie Montmartre on my last visit, wanted to go in, but I had spent the whole day going in-and-out of so many food places, I couldn't put one more crumb in my mouth.So, the last time I was in Portland, it was November, drizzly and cold. I spent the days in-and-out of cafes and shops, in between walking in the rain. On this past visit, the weather was GORGEOUS. 80 degrees in the summer! To be honest, I had intended to go check out the food carts, but my 5-inch heels got in the way of all the walking. Well, what a wonderful surprise to see Brasserie Montmartre off on a side street and outdoor seating...aaaah! Another plus on this particular HOT day, Le Boissons include many COLD beers on draught, a full bar, many French wines by the glass and several very interesting cocktails.
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| Sandwich: Jamon Beurre with salad |
The offering for lunch, Le Dejeuner, is FANTASTIQUE. So many options I took forever to choose. As husband sipped his cold glass of rose, he quickly decided on the Jamon Beurre, sandwich, with a house salad, he could have had frites with his sandwich, but knew I'd probably order frites and he could steal a few from me. OK, the Jamon Beurre ($8.00), ham, brie, mustard, arugula on a baguette...delicieux!
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| The Jamon Beurre, a little Paris and a little Portland |
OK, moving on to Les Frites!!! All the frites are served with garlic aioli. I chose the pork belly & tarragon frites...yum. I was sipping a Deschutes Twilight, blond ale. Perfect pairing with the hot, crisp, salty frites.
I also ordered the French Onion Soup. Brioche crouton, Gruyere cheese, oozing over caramelized onions and rich broth...tres bien.