Sel Gris substitute?

[josephnl]

I get to Portland two or three times a year, and stay near the SE/Hawthorne area. I always very much look forward to one great dinner at Sel Gris, which continues to remain closed due to a recent fire (actually, I'm beginning to wonder why it's taking so long to reopen...is something else going on?). Is there any other restaurant in this area which is as terrific and interesting as Sel Gris...I'm looking for a substitute for my upcoming visit next month.

[JillO]

This is, unfortunately what is going on:
http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2010/01/fire-damaged_sel_gris_doubtful.html

IMO, the closest thing to the kind of food Dan Mondok at Sel Gris puts out would probably be Metrovino (which is across the river in the Pearl):
http://www.metrovinopdx.com/MetroVino_dinner.pdf

But perhaps the next closest place foodwise is actually pretty darn close geographically (as in the next block): Castagna (and their more casual cafe next door
)http://www.castagnarestaurant.com/

[josephnl]

What about Genoa? Someone just recommended it to me.

[JillO]

I have not been there since the re-opening, but reports have been good. Menu sure looks good: http://www.genoarestaurant.com/our-menu/

They also have a more casual cafe/bar next door on the corner called, Accanto: http://www.accantopdx.com/

Wherever you do go, joseph, please post back and let us know how it was!

Oh, and it is not as good as Castagna, but it can still have some good dishes (and is a beautiful place and in your area) - Belly Timber: http://www.bellytimberrestaurant.com/

[Leonardo]

My parents, whose judgment and taste I trust, just had a wonderful meal at Genoa.