As a Portland native, I appreciate this restaurant for growing more beautiful and interesting every year. I sat in the garden this morning for the ""King's Choice,"" a hearty brunch of bacon, eggs, potato cake, and the best french toast I've ever had, surrounded by roses, hollyhocks, anenomes, fucias and the most incredible hanging begonia baskets. This is a place that has evolved into what it is, and so escapes that empty and predictable feeling of carefully designed and marketed business plans. It is very special, and that is why I come back so often, whether for dinner, appetizers and drinks in the bar with friends, or a family brunch like this morning. The continual emphasis on very fresh, very flavorful seasonal produce and seafood is great--I always leave feeling full but with great whole foods--and the burger is sometimes inescapable (the best flavor!). Thank you to the VQ for so many great times!
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