Birthday present for my daughter turning 30

[Fydeaux]

Once again I turn to you for advice on where to get a gift certificate for my food-savvy daughter who lives in your wonderful city. In the past, certificates for Montage, Ten-01, Clyde Common, and Laurelhurst Market have scored big, and I am seeking to continue this record.

Since this is a big birthday, I am considering two or more of the following choices:
Tabla
Fenouil
Castagna
Olympic Provisions
Veritable Quandry
Brazil Grill
Beast
and of course, Le Pigeon.

Naturally, i am open to any other suggestions. Price isnt really an issue, but places that are not too fussy/precious/formal are preferred.

Many thanks for all you valuable input.

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Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Laurelhurst Market
3155 East Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97232

Fenouil
900 NW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

Castagna
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Clyde Common
, Portland, OR 97201

Brazil Grill
1201 SW 12th Ave Ste 100, Portland, OR 97205

[Fydeaux]

OK, the decision has been made. Since you have WAY too many great restaurants in Portland, since it IS a birthday ending in a zero, and since I am a father who loves his daughter very much, she will be receiving gift certificates for Castagna, Olympic Provisions, and (just for fun and because it sounds like the kind of place that I would enjoy) The Red Fox.

Thanks to all who replied. I'll let you know what happens next.

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Castagna
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

The Red Fox Bar
5128 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

[Nettie]

What a nice dad! I hope that your daughter has great meals at all of those places.

[porky pine]

I just went to Tasty N Sons for breakfast on my birthday a few days ago and thought it was really, really good. It's Toro Bravo's new breakfast spot. She could bring a few friends there for breakfast and go out to dinner with her boyfriend at one of the other previously mentioned restaurants. I know she would love it.

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Toro Bravo
120 NE Russell St Ste A, Portland, OR 97212

[Chatsworth]

Are you looking to adopt? ;-)

[Fydeaux]

That depends; I would like to retire soon. Can you afford to support me in the manner to which I plan to become accustomed?

[MichaelG]

I'd go with Davis Street Tavern. I'm sure she'll love it!

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Davis Street Tavern
500 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209

[cheeseisheaven]

I got treated to Castagna, and it was superb. It's fancy and the food is inventive and delicious, and the service was perfect. It is definitely a place that will make you feel special.

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Castagna
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

[Nettie]

For a special birthday, I would go for Castagna. I think they have loosened up quite a bit and are less formal than they used to be before the new chef started. Plus they are doing food that's unique in Portland.

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Castagna
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

[JillO]

Nostrana and Davis Street Tavern

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Nostrana
1401 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214

Davis Street Tavern
500 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209

[Kazy Ctn]

Wow - your daughter has some great parents. As someone in her age bracket, I'd love this gift scenario...

I'm wondering if she plans on using this as part of a larger group or b-day party? If so, I might eliminate Beast (because of the structure and limited menu) and LePige (limited seating arrangements), but both are otherwise very good. Fenouil and Castgna's main room could also be a bit formal. Of the remaining choices, my vote would go to Olympic Provisions - some excellent and very sharable small plates, cool atmosphere and interesting location... (Tell her I recommend the octopus!)

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Fenouil
900 NW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

[Fydeaux]

I was thinking mainly of places for her, her boyfriend, and maybe one other couple, but she has been pretty good at figuring out how to get the most out these things, so places that have a bar or happy hour menu that will enable her to bring a small group with her are cool.

Olympic Provisions is definitely on the short(er) list.

[Kazy Ctn]

Jill's suggestion of Davis St. would also be a good bet...

[MyNextMeal]

If it were my birthday, I'd really like:

Castagna - it's white table cloth but I've heard lots of good first and secondhand chatter about the restaurant of late.
Metrovino - http://www.metrovinopdx.com/index.html
Beaker and Flask - http://www.beakerandflask.com/

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Castagna
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Beaker and Flask
720 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97214