Italy in SE PDX

Sometimes you just have an experience that needs to be shared. For me, it’s often the little things that push things over, making something memorable and worthy. In this case? The best darn garlic bread in existence. Garlic bread you may ask? Really, a blog post about garlic bread? Well, yes. And along with this most tasty of pane, the overall experience at Italian masterpiece restaurant, Ava Gene’s, makes it truly special. Alas, I have written about Ava Gene’s before…

Here is the garlic bread I am speaking of…just look at these amazing ingredients! Toasted baguette with shaved parmesan, cilantro, fresh garlic, butter, sharp white cheddar, pepper, oh wow….so good! Seriously, just going for the garlic bread and selections off of Ava Gene’s wine list could make for a very nice visit. Belly up to the bar to avoid the need for reservations. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

O.K. We’ve got the garlic bread covered. So now, here’s a look at the whole menu, and some ensuing pics of what went along with our tastiest bread!

The toughest part about this menu is deciding. There are so many good options on here and EVERYTHING I’ve ever tried at Ava Gene’s has been truly remarkable. Just a reason to keep coming back! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

A look at the open kitchen inside Ava Gene’s. The wood burning fire and the smell of 5-star cooking fills the place. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

The second appetizer we had in the run-up to our entrees was this truly unique and savory salad. Listed under Gardina as: Beets, Barley, Winter Radishes, Feta, Pecans…this salad went very well with the garlic bread. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

A near rival for the garlic bread was this truly wonderful item under Pane called: Borlotti Beans, Rosemary, Lemon and Garlic. Between the salad, the garlic bread and this additional bread item…we were getting full before the entrees arrived. That said, the entrees stunned, as usual, and somehow it was VERY easy to find room ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

And now for my entree… This was the special the night of our dinner so it’s not listed on the menu. That said, this entree consisted of skirt steak stuffed with parmesan cheese, peppercorn and red pepper relish. It was delectable! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Ava Gene’s Particulars

Ava Gene’s is always in the conversation when we are looking for a nice meal out. However, unless you’re willing to sit at the bar (which is a great spot by the way), you’ll need reservations well ahead of time. Being picked by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the finest restaurants in the U.S. has not made it easy to get a table. The praise is more than worthy however, and the effort to be served is well justified.

Location:

3377 SE Division Street, Portland, Oregon

Hours:

Mon - Thu 5pm to 10pm
Fri 5pm to 11pm
Sat 4:30pm to 11pm
Sun 4:30pm to 10pm

Website: www.avagenes.com

Phone: 971.229.0571

E-mail: info@avagenes.com