Food:

Love their oysters and it's a great spot to meet friends for drinks.

Food:

Stopped in DISTRICT on Friday evening for a pre-dinner appetizer and glass of wine. It was perfectly bustling at the bar as the staff also got ready for a busy dinner service. The place has an upscale, foodie yet friendly neighborhood bar feel. Lots of unique & gourmet specials on the chalkboard -- including two kinds of fresh oysters ($1 and $2) and house foie gras. The staff was friendly & unpretentious and the food was good just based on our small sampling. Will definitely go back for a proper dinner soon!

Food:

District is the new offering from the O'Brien brothers, whom formerly owned and ran the classic music venue Big Easy. Having taken a building that has a bit of a storied past quite literally down to the studs, and rebuilt it into that unique juxtaposition of neighborhood bistro and high end eatery.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a friendly, smiling hostess, whom, after your first few visits, will often greet you by name. The ground level houses a large, custom built bar with a large variety of high end spirits, beers, and wines. Don't be suprised if you recognize at least a few of the staff's faces, as the Brothers OBrien have clearly called in the best and brightest in the local service industry to be a part of their new venture. A large family table is available down here, as well as casual lounge seating, including both sofas and high tops. It is obvious that one could both begin and end their evening in this comfortable area.

As you are lead up the stairs, you begin to feel a bit of the duality that effort was put into. The second floor of the establishment houses the fine dining area, and, while having an open view down to the lounge area, is not overly loud, nor deathly quiet. It has that energetic bistro feel that many owners attempt, but never get quite right.

All of the tables have plenty of room, and, with their white linen coverings, soft leather seats, and quality flatware and stemware, it is clear that the comfort of the diner is key. Unlike certain other restaurants in Portland, that may, ahem, "burn and turn" their seatings for the night, at District you can easily stay for several hours, without pressure, enjoying the company of those you are with. A small bar sits in the corner, to specifically service the dining area, assuring that drinks and wine are delivered with quiet efficiency. An open window into the kitchen completes the ambiance, where a skilled team creates a menu reflecting a variety of influences, and a depth of culinary knowledge.

This night I arrived with a couple that I have been friends with for quite a while, and whom consider themselves "foodies", especially within the local scene. Seated quickly, we were greeted by a lovely server, whom was able to, with quite a bit of knowledge, go over the evening specials, as well as the charcouterie and raw bar availabilities. We put in drink orders, and began to peruse the menu. I was drawn to the Mustard glazed chicken wings as a starter, and ordered the special that night, the notoriously fickle Beef Wellington (its almost impossible to get it perfect, but more on that later). My "chicken wings" arrived quickly, and I was amazed. These were not the glazed and fried chicken wings you find elsewhere. No, instead I was greeted with hand sculpted lollipop style wings, lightly (perfectly) paired with a perfect mustard glazing. Perfect.

I have had Beef Wellington in some of the finest venues in both the USA and Europe, and understand the difficulty in getting both the gentle flake of the puff pastry, the texture of the pate, and the juicy cooking of the tenderloin inside correct. District did it perfectly. Without question, the best wellington I have ever had. period. As we were eating our main course, both of the brothers/owners, at separate times, came by to greet us, and actually engage in a bit of conversation. Its lovely when the owner(s) actually make an effort to make you feel like you are part of something bigger, a member of some "in crowd".

Desert was a combination of locally prepared sweets, that vary from night to night. No matter what is available when you arrive, rest assured that it is fantastic.

On subsequent visits I have had their brunch on Sunday - unlimited chicken and waffles, and some creative bloody mary's, and at lunch, the best burger I have had. Anywhere. Ask one of the brothers the secret, as its magical.

If you have not yet tried District, run, don't walk. Its worth it. But don't take my word for it (que Reading Rainbow music)