Operating a restaurant is challenging anytime, but can you imagine the drive and dedication it takes to buy or open a restaurant during a global pandemic? That’s just what two unstoppable Portland individuals did, and their courage and initiative – along, of course, with delicious food – make their efforts worthy of a visit.
John Oliverio was looking for a new adventure after a successful career in the tech industry. In January, he and his wife, Shirley, purchased Lugano Cafe & Catering (18041 S.W. Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard; 503-430-8097; luganocafecatering.com), a popular breakfast and lunch bistro near Bridgeport Village. Just as John and Shirley were getting acquainted with the business, the pandemic hit – forcing all restaurants to close or readjust quickly. Rather than calling it quits, John took this opportunity to temporarily close his doors and spruce up the menu and the interior.
Since re-opening, a steady stream of customers are stopping by for their daily coffee fix as well as for dining in and take out. The European fried rice (linguica sausage and avocado over fried rice mixed with bacon, eggs, and scallions) is one of their most popular signature breakfast dishes. Kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy homemade French toast and waffles with a choice of tasty toppings while lighter eaters are sure to enjoy options like avocado toast and the Greek yogurt parfait. Lunch menu stand-outs include a turkey club panini, a hearty Cobb salad and an oven-roasted turkey and cranberry sandwich that is always hard for me to turn down. Be sure to take home a fresh homemade scone or the melt-in-your mouth macaroons. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Carlos Cortes, the owner of the popular and authentic Mexican restaurant Casa Lola (16325 S.W. Barrows Road, Suite. 100, Beaverton; 503-567-8131; casalolapdx.com), saw the demand for a steakhouse in the fast-growing Washington County. Boy, was he right! His recently opened Grill68 Steakhouse (16305 S.W. Barrows Road, Suite 100, Beaverton; 503-352-4472; grill68.com) has already gained traction and earned some loyal customers in just a short time.
Long-time readers of this column know that I love a good steak and you won’t be disappointed with their filet mignon, New York or the ribeye – all generously cut and grilled to perfection. Customers also rave over the pork chop, which features a charred orange mustard sauce and a fig reduction. As far as appetizers go, the coconut shrimp is so good, you will be tempted to immediately order another one.
If you still have room, top it all off with a classic New York style cheesecake featuring a northwest berry compote or the grilled peaches. Hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday.
The all-new fourth edition of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon” guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macy’s; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.
The Link LonkAugust 02, 2020
https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/08/tigards-lugano-cafe-gets-a-fresh-new-menu-beaverton-gets-a-new-premium-steakhouse-gerry-franks-picks.html
Tigard’s Lugano Café gets a fresh new menu; Beaverton gets a new premium steakhouse: Gerry Frank’s picks - OregonLive
https://news.google.com/search?q=fresh&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
No comments:
Post a Comment