13432 Wed Nov 03 17:49:48 -0800 2004 5 4 Pacific Northwest 0 27714 Hey Marshall, Hunter says you have raves about Alba Osteria. I've started dating someone who lives not far from there. Do tell us 'hounds about it...please? And since it's also en route...how about Seasons and Regions? What else have I missed out in the 'burbs that way? And, so we don't have to argue this: no sidewalks = 'burbs...urban places have sidewalks, folks! ;o) Feel free to pipe up everyone, just wanted to call Marshall out, in particular, for his fine critical opinion... Wed Nov 03 17:49:48 -0800 2004 0 Jill-O 1 27737 Jill, see my post below in the "Mamma Mia" thread regarding Alba. We've only eaten at Seasons & Regions a couple of times, one for a satisfying Sunday brunch, and another time Carolyn got some food to go one night when I was sick. The soup was really good, the burger was good and her entree was fine, but not exciting. I've heard they can have some nice dinners, especially the seafood, but we haven't been there yet for a true dinner. Marshall Thu Nov 04 11:20:55 -0800 2004 27714 0 Marshall Manning 2 27913 We've been to Seasons & Regions for their happy hour or "cheap food" menu which they serve daily from 3-5:30 and again later in the evening. $2.95 for salmon burger, cheeseburger, a really nice baked brie & foccicia, salad, calamari, etc. Their soups are nice and they've had some nice dessert selections including a great house-made ice cream. Thu Nov 11 12:19:27 -0800 2004 27737 0 RM 1 27739 Living in the neighborhood we enjoy walking over to Alba a few times a month. I agree with what Marshall says about the restaurant. A variety of excellent pastas - few if any tomato based sauces - usually a wonderful duck dish as well. It is a quiet restaurant with very atttentive service. Also in the Hillsdale neighborhood is the Capitol Coffee House - an eclectic bistro. A place I like but my wife is not sold on it - I think she just has not found her dish yet. Some wonderful cuban dishes and influences - Picadillo Picadura - and a wonderful Coquilles Saint Jacque au Gratin. They have music most nights and also have a good lunch menu. With a view of the Hillsdale shopping center parking lot - also definitive of suburbia - Three Square Grill is also a fave with a menu of American comfort food. We usually end up having brunch there - salmon hash, omelettes and my favorite shrip 'n grits. Its a small place but has an admirable wime and beer list. If you like spicy food Salvador Molly's is also in the neighborhood with its caribbean/cajun/polynesian "pirate cooking". The mixed drinks are the thing for bevies here. We have only been in the area for a short time but the Hillsdale area has seen a rapid improvement in dining options. Link: http://www.capitolbistro.com/index.cqs Thu Nov 04 13:00:58 -0800 2004 27714 0 Colonel 1 27791 I live near Hillsdale also and have dined at Three Square, Capitol Coffee House & Bisto, Salvador Molly's, Seasons & Regions multiple times. My next door neighbors likes Alba Osteria a lot, but I haven't been there yet myself. The Mexican restaurant that is next to the Sunday Farmers Market is disappointing for dinner, although lots of folks go there for brunch. Seasons & Regions always leaves me mildly disappointed. Have been there for lunch and dinner. Their seasonings are creative but sometimes unsatisfying. Things always seem fresh but the flavors are just a little off for me. Plus for a less I can do better elsewhere in the neighborhood. I like Three Square, Shrimp & Grits is my personal fave as well, and their mac & cheese for lunch is really yummy. Their coconut custard pie is truly good. Their omelets and hashes are quite good at brunch. The owners are super nice. I heard good things about Capitol Bistro, but for lunch I find it overpriced for the quality, and find they do better with cuban-inspired over the french-inspired overall, plus their coffee shop offerings are kind of dry. Salvador Molly's is quite good, always surprises me how much I like it, lots of interesting spices and great side dishes, the prices are decent for what you get and the quality is consistent. Hillsdale Public House is our favorite local place for late night (midnightish) burgers or finger food, good ambiance, nothing is wonderful but lots of things are decent. Also nearby is Multnomah Village, and Marco's is an excellent all-around cafe with good prices. Their black bean chili is wonderful, salads are top notch and their seafood specials are dependably very good, plus their desserts are nice and homey. I love their quiche, and their breakfasts are dependably good, wish they served pancakes. There's a Mexican place in Multnomah Village called Acalpulco's Gold that has a great spicy beef filling for enchiladas/burritos/etc., their black beans and rice are flavorful and the ambiance is fun. I wish Connor's was better overall, although their shrimp creole is very good. The Capitol Coffee House in the Village and Grand Central Bakery are both great. Grand Central has very good clam chowder on Fridays. There's also this odd little place called Otto and Anita's European Restaurant on Capitol Hwy. between the village and Hillsdale that has a local following. I've heard good things about Bistro 51 on Beav/Hillsdale Hwy., but Jopa's is dependably disappointing. Hope this helps, would love to know what you think about any of those you try. Sat Nov 06 17:24:05 -0800 2004 27714 0 Steph 2 27881 How do you like the pork products at 3 Square Grill? The house-cured stuff, in particular. I was really impressed after talking to David about all the charcuterie he does, and it made me want to get out there and have some, even though it's not really one of my usual haunts (except for the winter market in the parking lot next to Mucho Grande). regards, trillium Tue Nov 09 20:19:12 -0800 2004 27791 0 trillium