Well-prepared meats can satisfy and nourish in a way that little else can. But even the staunchest carnivore can suffer a moment’s pause when contemplating the health-related and ethical issues surrounding meat consumption. Also, depending on the quality of the cooking, a meal containing meat can be very average or absolutely transportive.
In Portland we are incredibly lucky. We have a plethora of caring restauranteurs who present a variety of meat dishes exceptionally well. Many of these eateries feature locally-grown, hormone- and antibiotic-free, humanely raised and slaughtered meats, so you can feel good about what you are eating. Meat-lovers, whatever your chosen indulgence, the Portland dining scene has a way to hit the spot. Here are some top Where To Eat Guide-approved picks:
One of the purest farm-to-table restaurants in the country, Meriwether’s pairs produce from its five-acre garden on Skyline Boulevard with only the best from Pacific Northwest fishers and ranchers. Build a meal of light bites from the pantry board selections, like chicken liver mousse with brioche, steak bites with blue cheese cream or a salami duo with olives. More substantial menu items are also sure to delight, such as the Painted Hills NY steak with fingerling potatoes, oxtail marmalade, horseradish and madeira sauce. The pork osso buco with creamy polenta, brussel sprouts, kumquat compote and chestnut sauce is amazing.
Located at the River’s Edge Hotel & Spa, Aquariva is dedicated to creating partnerships with local artisans and providers who share their commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices. It is not an exaggeration to say that enjoying Aquariva’s braised duck leg with stewed figs, pumpkin farro risotto and pepitas is blissful. The succulent meat was falling off the bone, and all the layers of flavors complemented each other beautifully. Other lovely choices are grilled lamb leg with oyster mushrooms, olives, charred lemon, couscous and herb yogurt, or chicken pot pie with root vegetables, garlic cream, herbs and a flaky crust. One more thing--the view from the dining room is unbelievable.
Most people who have a passion for meat have a special place in their hearts for breakfast meats. Fireside’s grill-focused comfort food menu is inspired by “outdoor foods” (haven’t you always wished you could enjoy camp, barbeque and picnic foods anytime?) Try the meat and eggs plate with bacon or house sausage, potatoes and grilled bread or the biscuits and gravy with sausage, poblano pepper and over easy eggs. Cozy, right?
Thursday night is Korean-style Fried Chicken night at Boke Bowl East. Put this near the top of your Portland Dining Bucket List! Fried Chicken, in addition to the regular menu (which is pretty fantastic to begin with – ramen, salads, rice bowls and steam buns) is served from 5 - 9 pm. Don’t neglect to try the pork belly...it’s stupendous! Choose a half or whole chicken accompanied by assorted pickles, kimchi, steam buns, laver, green onion ginger rice and orange dot sauce (ask about it), all served family style.
Oregon Deli Co. uses seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, and cures its own meats, as well as pickling vegetables and baking biscuits in-house. Also, catering is offered seven days a week. Inquire about the Pastrami Reuben with House-smoked Bison Pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye or sourdough, or perhaps the Roast Beef Dip with Carmen Ranch beef, caramelized onions, extra sharp white cheddar, horseradish aioli and au jus.
Portland’s French-inspired Le Pigeon is home to the most famous burger in town. When the legendary sandwich premiered in 2006, Chef Gabriel Rucker limited sales to only five a night. Diners can now order the burger with abandon at Le Pigeon and sister restaurant Little Bird at 215 SW 6th Ave. The beauty is in its simplicity – a grilled patty cooked just to the right moment (with locally-grown meat, of course), a grilled ciabatta bun, Tillamook white cheddar cheese, iceberg lettuce slaw and pickled onions. Also, the ketchup is made in-house.
Laurelhurst Market is a steakhouse-inspired brasserie with an attached full-service butcher shop which provides all natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats. There are twelve flavors of house-made sausages, four types of smoked bacon and patés, as well as anything a dedicated cook could desire - duck confit, rendered duck fat, housemade lard, etc. Dining at Laurelhurst Market? You can enjoy a Charcuterie Plate which features a daily selection from the butcher shop with crostini, mustard and pickles, Beef Tartare with cornichons, parsley, cured egg yolk, mustard vinaigrette and grilled bread, or Marrow Bones with a toasted soft pretzel, horseradish cream, radish, parsley and celery salad.
This Brazilian steakhouse is a meat-lovers idea of heaven. Gauchos deliver swordfuls (yes, that’s right) of meat to your plate with aplomb. Want more meat? Turn the disc at the side of your plate to green. Got enough to keep you busy for now? Turn it over to red (actually, much of the time, wait staff keeps bringing more anyway, pressing you with, “You haven’t tried this one yet.”) Your table will also be served sides like garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas, Pão de Queijo (warm cheesy gluten-free yucca rolls) and crispy hot polenta. Vegetables will come from an overwhelmingly expansive salad bar you where you can help yourself. Be prepared to get very, very satisfied and to have an amazing time.
