VeganFabulous

the lowdown: Portobello Vegan Tratoria | 2001 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 | 503.754.5993 | Website | Dinner only | Entrees $7 - $12 | ***

All vegan Italian!

Work is busy, school is busy, people’s kid’s are busy, and pets have dental appointments. As a result, over the last several years my friendships have largely involved occasional emails, dinner dates, and maybe a movie. Unfortunately, everyone’s busy schedule has a way of obfuscating strong friendships. It isn’t until something significant occurs in one’s life does the dividing line between supportive friends and those you simply dine with become obvious. Throughout the fog of excitement and stress of wedding planning, I have re-discovered some amazing people in my life. How I found them or they found me, I can’t explain. I only hope I can express my appreciation in the short amount of time we do have.

Part of wedding planning always involves choosing very important dates, especially the bridal shower. A great friend and bridesmaid graciously offered to throw the party so we met at the new Portobello to discuss preliminary details! The best way to describe Portobello is tapas style Italian. All main dishes are offered in two sizes, but even the larger size is disappointingly small. We were both quite hungry and had difficulty deciding so we ordered several dishes. To begin we shared the Bagna Cauda ($6), an antipasti with bread, veggies, and garlic/olive oil dip.  Round two included the Roast Brussels Sprouts ($4), Saltimboca alla Vegana ($8), “hearts” wrapped seitan, and Pumpkin Cappeliacci ($10), dumplings stuffed with pumpkin and layered with cashew sauce. The food is good, but not terribly exciting. However, like the Portobello mushroom, the restaurant has a variety of offerings and brings a much needed element to the currently contracting vegan dining landscape. Not to mention it is a great place to dine with the friends you want to see more often.

the lowdown: Romano’s Macaroni Grill | 300 SW Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97204 | 503.546.3040 | Website | Entrees $7.79 - $21.99 | Lunch, Dinner | ***

Special menu upon request, useful for building your own vegan dish.

I don’t normally patronize large chain restaurants but I sadly lose all integrity when offered a free lunch, especially on my employer’s dime. To be honest, I was quite surprised with the food, especially after I had called ahead and was told my choice was a garden salad.

Most Italian restaurants make their pasta fresh, thus it generally includes eggs. One upside of Macaroni Grill being a chain is that they make very little from scratch, especially not the pasta, so it is all vegan. This provides a lot of opportunities for anyone trying to make the most out of a work sponsored lunch. Simply ask for the custom menu and you can choose your own base, vegetables, and type of pasta. I ordered the wheat penne with a garlic and olive oil base, topped with basil, asparagus, and spinach. In fact, I started a trend because when others at the table saw me building my own dish, they followed suit. It’s surprising what people will do when they have options.

the lowdown: 410 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97210 | 503.274.1572 | Website | Entrees $13 - $19 | Brunch (weekends only), Lunch, Dinner

Mediocre Italian at its best. Vegan pasta dish unofficially available upon request.

Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen and with prices in the medium to high range, I expect a generously sized portion of lip smacking pasta. Sadly the stellar location, dark-lit romantic ambiance and pleasant service don’t make up for the conventionally bland pasta and lack of creativity. My dish contained oil drenched spaghetti noodles topped with “seasonal” vegetables that looked and tasted as if they were last seasons, not to mention the lack of spices. My dining companions who ordered directly off the menu were not impressed with their dishes either. The other thing worth mentioning is that they don’t serve coffee, only espresso drinks. A very disappointing evening for me.

the lowdown: Caffe Mingo | 807 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 | 503.226.4646 | Entrees $12 - $22

Vegetarian options, yes. Vegan options by request only!

Cafe Mingo is a quaint Italian joint two blocks from my place in what has been commonly referred to as “Restaurant Row”. I have always loved this spot and if it wasn’t for my obsession to try something new every time I dine out, I would eat here more often. My most recent visit was the first since the change in my diet and I waited with bated breath as the server announced the specials. When I asked if there was anything vegan on the menu he pointed out a few vegetable sides and promptly went back to query the chef. Let me just say that the dish they pulled together for me was fantastic (see below) and the professionalism of the server in handling the situation was OUTSTANDING. I am about to awake my neighbors as I am standing up right now applauding. Regardless of what your dietary needs may or may not be, Cafe Mingo is one of the greatest restaurants in Portland. Not only will you be treated as if you are the center of their attention, you will have some fabulous food to go along with it.

the lowdown: Pinocchio Bar and Restaurant | 1005 SW Park Ave. | Portland, OR 97205 | 503.595.2227 | Website

Cruelty-free diners, let me warn you that when you look at the menu you will not find a single thing you can safely eat. But there is hope! The chef is happy to accommodate you, you just have to ask!

The other day I stopped by to check it out before heading to the threatre knowing that after the movie dinner would be in order. As I read through the entrees my heart sank and I frantically looked through the salads to see if I could convince myself that would be enough. Before I turned away, a small voice in my head urged me to go inside and ask just in case I overlooked something on the menu. The staff were extremely accommodating and worked with the chef to offer me a vegan Risotto Con Funghi. Later that evening when I came back I told the waiter I had stopped by earlier and he was already informed of my order. Now, if I stopped the story right there we could all go home happy, but it gets better! The owner stopped by and told me that he likes vegans and is happy to work with the chef to make modifications where possible. Not only did I leave with a full stomach but a sense that I had forged a path for vegans who don’t want to be left out of the fine dining scene in Portland!