Surprisingly Stunning Japanese Γ Portuguese Flavors
Portland Food Exploration | Surprisingly Stunning Japanese Γ Portuguese Flavors π« This niche fusion restaurant, specializing in Japanese-inspired Γ Portuguese cuisine, is located inside a hot spring hotel in the Alberta area. It's low-key but quite distinctive. The overall decor is very Instagram-worthy, with a gentle, cozy atmosphere and comfortable lighting. π¨ Only street parking is available nearby, which can be difficult. π₯© Beef Tartare ππππ The beef tartare was clean, delicate, and had no off-flavors. Paired with slightly spicy aioli and pickled pearl onions, it was very well-balanced. Eating it with the provided potato chips created a burst of texture and flavor: crispy + tender + tangy + rich. π It's just that the portion was too small β gone in just a few bites. Deducted one star for that. π Mentaiko Udon πππππ The clear winner of the meal, no hesitation giving it five stars. The thick udon noodles were chewy yet soft. The mentaiko + garlic + cream sauce was rich but not overly heavy. After mixing in the soy sauce-marinated raw egg yolk, the whole dish became even smoother and creamier. The granular texture of the mentaiko and the crispy crunch from the furikake added great depth to the mouthfeel. π The fusion of umami, saltiness, and creaminess was executed perfectly. A must-orderβΌοΈ π Octopus Salad πππ On its own, it was a bit ordinary β initially worth only two stars. The octopus was tender, paired with citrus, pearl onions, and bell peppers for a refreshing taste, but not stunning. However, after a few richer dishes, having a bite of this salad instantly cut through the grease. π Not a standout dish, but gained an extra star for its "lifesaving" role in refreshing the palate. π Yellowtail Crudo πππ The yellowtail itself had nice fat and flavor. This dish leaned towards preserving the fish's original taste. The apple salsa verde on top provided a light acidity, and the nut crumbs added textural layers. Dipping it into the sauce made for a clean, refreshing bite. π Not the most memorable dish of the meal, but no complaints. π Duck Duck Rice πππππ The bottom layer of rice was pan-fried into a fragrant, crispy crust before being flipped over for serving, topped with sesame seeds and scallions. The rice seemed pre-soaked, resulting in a soft, glutinous yet non-sticky texture with distinct grains. The combination of duck breast, minced pork, and Portuguese sausage built up a hearty meaty flavor, with a hint of orange peel adding a subtle sweetness that prevented it from being cloying. π Consistently delicious, like an Asian comfort food. RecommendedβΌοΈ π₯© Wagyu Teres Major ππππ The medium-rare doneness was executed beautifully β tender with a pleasant chew. The wagyu's inherent marbling provided just enough richness without being greasy. The peppercorn sauce's numbing aroma elevated the beef flavor to a brighter level. π However, overall, it was still a solid but not particularly stunning dish. Overall, the experience was very comfortable, with no major disappointments among the dishes. The prices are indeed on the higher side, but it's well-suited for dates or when you want to enjoy something refined yet not too heavy. #PortlandTravel #PortugueseCuisine #Portland #PortlandFood #RestaurantRecommendations
