Metrovino. We were excited to be trying a new restaurant with the ?best burger? in Portland. I called for a reservation a day ahead and was asked, ?Is this a special occasion?? I replied that this was my wife?s birthday. The relevance of this exchange will be clear in short order.
We invited another couple to join us (they too would be first timers). We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early and were greeted with, ?and is this a special occasion?? I again said it was my wife?s birthday. My wife was not really happy I?d spilled the beans, but she relaxed as we ordered two wine flights (including a sparkling one for her). When our friends arrived we all began to consider what to order. I for one was determined to try the burger, but that was not so simple. I was told that the burger was only available in the bar and that there are only 10 per night being provided to customers. We?d have to move from our booth into the bar, IF there were burgers available (one of our friends wanted to try the burger too).
The bar was nearly full, but we found a table and our drinks were brought to us. Yes, there were two burgers still available. We ordered them. Later in the evening, 30 or 40 minutes later another burger was seen being delivered to patrons who had ordered after us. Perhaps they had ordered their burger when they made their reservation?
Service was uneven in the bar. There were seemingly excessive delays between our various courses. The food itself was top notch with one exception. From the marrow bone appetizer to the burgers and salmon all were tasty and well prepared. The exception was the lamb ?T-bone? which was nothing more that a ? inch thick loin chop cooked medium well when it was promised to be medium rare.
When it was dessert time, I expected that my wife would be brought a ?Happy Birthday? decorated dessert item (the adjoining table was brought such an item). But, nothing was forthcoming of the sort. We ordered the cherry/chocolate bread pudding (10-12 minutes required, but it took about 20 minutes). I was bummed that there were two questions about ?special occasion,? but nothing came of that while the birthday boy adjacent to us got a birthday treat.
I?d come early, sit in the bar from the start and have the burger ($9 during happy hour). Skip planning a special occasion as it is seemingly a hit or miss chance that Metrovino?s system will actually respond with some acknowledgement (by the way I?d have been happy to provide my own or pay for theirs had I known they?d drop the ball).
Live and learn.
Pros: Many wines available by the glass; a good bar food spot
Cons: Did not live up to the polish expected from other reviews
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