Grolla was the perfect introduction to Portland dining, while I was on vacation. My girlfriend and I both took part in the five course tasting menu, and it was a nice change to let the chef choose our courses. The highlights were a roasted beet salad on the first course which was exellent. The second course were two types of Mushroom soup, a white bean and a chowder which were both hearty and tasty. The fish course was new for both of us, I had a calamari steak, which was suprisingly tender, she had the mussels which just melted in her mouth. For the main course the Lamb Osso Bucco was dark and rich but just fell away from the bone, our favorite dish though was her Beef over Rissoto with Raspberries, and what I believe was a raspberry-balsamic reduction, too good. Dessert was simple and classic with Creme Brulee and a flourless chocolate truffle cake with raspberry sauce. It may not be the hot place to go, and the neighborhood is a bummer, but it's worthy of being a destination dining experience.
Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Food
Cons: Nothing else to do in the area if you're early or want to walk off dinner.
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