Mingo is at it's best when it keeps true to it vision of simple Italian food -- house infused olive oil with a perfect chunk of bread, a trio of rice croquettes with just a touch of red sauce and a sprig of Italian parsley, a glass of wine and a little plate with 2 slices of perfect cheese and a sliced apple, tomato soup, a sublime cream of garlic soup, a perfect burger with a cold Italian lager, grilled polenta drizzled with olive oil, and on and on with any number of plated marvels. The lovely bartender, Monica, is kind, attentive, knowledgeable and makes beautiful cocktails, whether she is mixing the perfect Manhattan or one of her own design with fresh juices, or making a very knowing wine suggestion, it is not just a drink but an extraordinarily civilized end to the day. All these little wonders make this the greatest train stop in Oregon. I do not just enjoy Mingo, Mingo sustains my faith in the human experience. \r
\r
more