One chilly January night, your intrepid restaurant reviewers happened on
a gem in NW Portland. After a brisk afternoon walk, dressed in their Columbia
Sportswear best, the chilled walkers entered a magical setting.
Upon entering Touche' they were transported to the warm simpatico atmosphere
of the Mediterranean...within an instant!
Zareh, the Armenian owner, describes his vision:
"We wished to have a place, where you will enjoy a night out not just dine out. Where you can have a five course dinner or a pizza from our wood-burning oven.
The food would not be fufu.
Prices would be fair.
The food will be great.
After dinner you could go upstairs have a cognac..
Watch people or join in, for a game of billiards, backgammon, darts, lotto... and the list is growing."
But, in his modesty, Zareh, does not do justice to Touche'. George and Nancy, our walking gourmet companions summarized their impressions:
Attentive, friendly but unobtrusive, professional wait staff. Vegetarian options - Greek salad, some pastas, pizzas (you can build your own). Zareh's Armenian background influences Touche's hommus, baba ghannoush and lamb shish kebob which consists of a mildly-spiced ground lamb. Cozy environment with booths along the far wall.
Ambience is European/Continental.
Music reflects this feeling but includes a variety of music to dine by. But the impressions were only a hint of the delights.
Well-fortified with a glass of red wine recommended by the owner, we perused the menu.
For starters, the four of us shared "Blackened Broccoli, served with a tahini dip" $4.50. Ahhh, not your usual steamed broccoli.. a true treat!
Our meals that night were truly a delight to be savored. Liz enjoyed the "Ravioli del Rei," described as "Our house-made ravioli filled with roasted chicken, shallots and ricotta cheese in a sauce of Parmesan cream, sun dried tomatoes and prosciutto ham." $13.95
Bill went for the "Spaghetti Bolognese," ... "with a sauce of plum tomatoes, ground beef and pork simmered with vegetables and finished with fresh Basil, oregano and a touch of whole butter." $9.95
But Nancy and George, smart Touche' regulars, immediately selected the special of the evening... a delicious and hearty beef dish. Touche' has the freshest, most tender beef they have experienced. Whether its a steak or roast, the cuts are generous and the sauces rich and intriguing.
By the end of our long evening, we could not resist just one more delight, before we headed out into the evening chill ... dessert cooked and served at our table. The choice was Bananas Flambe' and the four of us shared just two desserts.. enough for a wonderful taste.. and a fitting end to our visit to Touche'.
If you go: Touche' specializes in late night dining. They are open 7 days a week from 4pm to 2:30am and they serve dinner until 2:00am! (Non-smoker's secret: They do not allow smoking in the downstairs restaurant/bar area until 10pm). Decor: Trendy Mediterranean Dress: As you wish (however, the wait staff dresses well in the traditional Mediterranean style.) Price: Mid-range.
~ Elizabeth Mitchell
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