Very disappointed. I've wanted to try this place for years. Sorry to say I won't be trying it again. We went with friends and opted for the 5 course Chef's Taster with the paired wine. The evening began with the waiter asking about dislikes or allergies. He told us the chef sometimes likes to take people on culinary journeys of discovery. To open their eyes to ingredients they only thought they disliked. We should of made him clarify that. They prepared and brought us dishes that specifically incorporated things we told them we DIDN'T like. Lucky us! One small problem - I said I gag on beets because I gag on them. Perhaps the chef could cook something else? Something I might actually enjoy? I was excited to be surprised. With whatever he'd dream up. My only caveat - please steer clear of a couple of things I strongly dislike. Nope. Instead, we paid $90 per person (including tip) to be told ""You're wrong. Your palate is unrefined."" We were so shocked that it took us until the 4th course to say ""Wait a minute, I specifically said I can't eat that."" The waiter responded by switching out the plate with someone else's at the table. Seriously. This is a specially prepared meal crafted around your personal like and dislikes?! But it's magically interchangeable with the meal across the table?! Unbelievable. And the wine pairings? A joke. Everyone at the table shared the same wine with each course, regardless of whether we were served vegetarian risotto, scallops, steak, or venison. The waiter asked us before each course ""What do you feel like now? Time for red?"" Seriously? We're paying extra for this? There was no consideration or thought or explanation given to pairing anything with anything for any reason whatsoever. There are a lot of wonderful places to dine in Portland. With great food and knowledgeable and courteous staff. And sadly we could of enjoyed a couple of those places for the time and money we wasted at Grolla.
Pros: Not crowded
Cons: Pretty much everything else
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