I don't even feel close to worthy to blog about this restaurant. Is it a restaurant or is it heaven on earth? Yes, I committed the ultimate felony of being cheesy. But I can't help it. My knees melt, my eyes water, my heart pumps and my mouth waters every time I set foot into this slice of perfection. I think each and every time I dine here the question"Can I get you a cab?" follows my last bite because I'm seriously in tears and profusely commemorating anyone and everyone who even remotely participated in this delightful experience. (Yes, it might have a wee bit to do with the exquisite wine paired with the meal.)Beef Bourguignon is the specialty, and seriously, it knocks you dead. But even though this dish is perfection with lovely legs, I'm consistently impressed with the divine expertise, symphony of flavors, and manner of "this is so easy, I don't even think about it" served up to you on a mismatched plate in each and every dish. French seems to be the inspiration, with a side of rock and roll. But the theme? Perfect execution. I've experienced many masters' dishes: Morimoto, Paul Bocuse, Charlie Trotter and honestly, this is my favorite. Lucky for me, it's right here in good ol' Portland, OR.
Let's back up for a minute. I want you to truly understand the hold this place has over my foodie heart and the role it's played in my life.
2007: My husband Cassio is reading Food & Wine and states "This restaurant is exactly where I'd like to work," as he reads about Gabe being voted "Best New Chef." (Gabe has recently been nominated nationwide, for the 3rd time, as the "Rising Chef of the Year Award," according to the James Beard Foundation, not to mention many, many other industry awards.)
August 2008: We decide to venture to Portland, scoping it out as a possible future home. We fall in love with Le Pigeon and the Farmer's Market (among other things,) prompting us to move here. (Yes, some say we're crazy; we say we're brave.)
February 2009: Scoped out Portland for a place to live, and of course visited Le Pigeon as our home base.
April 2009: Settled in, and again, visited Le Pigeon, quickly becoming a familiar yet delightful haven.
July 2009: Exposed my mom to exquisiteness. Where? Yes, Le Pigeon.
March 2010: Celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary with the masters at Le Pigeon.
It sounds as if we're stalking Le Pigeon and its inhabitants, and I wish it were only so. There are so many interesting restaurants in Portland, creating a difficult choice of new versus experienced. But I will never be disappointed in going back to Le Pigeon, because each time is a new adventure.
What did we love last?
Duck Confit Nuggets: succulent duck confit, deep-fried to create a sweet crispiness, served with a delightful sauce.
Pan-Seared Halibut with Gnocchi: perfect butter crust and the best gnocchi I've ever had in my life. (A delicately light exterior with a perfectly creamy and flavorful interior.)
Sweetbreads: Cassio says they were goooooood. (Sorry readers. I was too absorbed in my gnocchi to record the details of his meal!)
Foie Gras Profiteroles: Just imagine.
