I have heard rumors for years about Nick?s but was only recently able to make it in for dinner on my last trip to the Oregon wine country. All I can say is wow, the food was truly something special. Generally speaking I am often times disappointed with what is considered to be great food in the Portland area, just a bit spoiled from living in San Francisco for the past 10 years and working in the wine industry. But Nick?s lives up to the hype. The new Chefs, Carmen and Eric, have recently come up from SF?s Quince, one of the best restaurants the bay area has to offer, and it really shows in the food. We sampled some truly great house made charcuteries, and brilliant fresh pastas, the house made garganelli with pancetta cream and fresh fava beans was the table?s favorite along with a masterfully made hazelnut lasagna. The final savory courses from the five course tasting menu were superb, a perfectly cooked local wild salmon with fresh porcinis and the lamb loin wrapped in caul fat being some of our favorites. Michael Tusk?s tutelage shined throughout the meal, with subtle seasoning and expert attention to the food. It is well worth the drive out from Portland and if you are in the wine country it should be at the top of your list for dinner. I should also note that the wine list is awesome. I would also recommend making a reservation as it seemed to fill up quick.
Pros: Expertly cooked northern Italian food and a great winelist
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