Pambiche may be my favorite restaurant in Portland. It might not be the "fanciest", or "gourmet-est" restaurant but it IS the one I missed the most while I was away from Portland. Last night I finally made it back. At most restaurants, from visit to visit I try new things. At Pambiche, I always get the same thing, a maiz con pollo empanada. It's a crispy, flaky crescent filled with corn and chicken (duh). It's served with tostones (fried green plantains) with limes to squeeze on top and banana ketchup for dipping. It also comes with ensalada caribeña - the best version of slaw ever, cabbage, carrots, citrus, herbs, no mayo in sight. It is filling but best of all, it leaves room for sharing a dessert. Last night, Laura and I split the Alemán - coconut chocolate cake laced with saoco syrup and sandwiched with a caramel peanut filling. Glazed with Oaxacan chocolate ganache and topped off with typical Cuban peanut candy. Served with crema chantilly. All of the desserts are made in-house and all the ones I have tried are delicious.Laura, a friend who fondly calls Pambiche "our place", does try different things and has loved them all. Last night she had the Camarones al Ajillo - jumbo gulf prawns in creole garlic sauce. Served with pan frito, and arroz blanco. She said it was delicious and judging by the bite I tried, she's right. I saw at least 5 other tables order this too.
This restaurant is small, no I mean SMALL! And they don't take reservations. But they have made the wait shorter by having outside tables. Thanks to overhead heaters, I have sat outside in December and been comfortable enough that I enjoyed the food. That probably says more about the food than my actual warmth. But should be a testament to you, this place is delicious.
It's on Glisan and NE 28th. It's a delight for the senses. Look for the bright turquoise, hot pink, purple, and yellow building with the neon Cuban flag. Listen for Cuban music. Feel the warmth from the heaters. Smell the delicious scents from your neighbor's table. Taste some of the best food you've ever eaten.
8 comments:
is Laura aware that you're currently just calling her "Laura" and not by her proper name?
so confused.
Ooops, let me clarify. Laura, my friend I went to Europe with. Does that make more sense?
Thank you for the clarification. I had to pause a moment. :)
I love the photo with the vintage car that you expect to see driving down Havana circa 1960.
Sounds like one more reason to vist Portland. Now, if I spent more time on delta.com and less time reading blogs...
You have the prettiest blog, by the way. I like the new header. How do you do that?
Oh I must go back there. The last time I went was when you were in town on a visit, which was ages ago. And now since you are here permanently, I think we must go back. Maybe in a week or two - don't want it to become common or anything:)
Hi, its "Laura, my friend I went to Europe with" :) -- Hi everyone! Yes, it's so nice having Ans back. After we ate so much we felt like we were pregnant (which would have been impossible - unless we were named Mary) we ended up walking around the Laurelhurst neighborhood drooling over all of the incredible homes in that neighborhood. I must add that I normally get the fried cow at Pambiche, but the shrimp might be a new personal fave! See you all soon - Tamara, looking forward to seeing you next time you're in town. Laura
STOP EEEEET! YOU ARE MAKING ME HUNGREEEEEE!
seriuosly, I agree with marie. I love korean food with a passion but sometimes I just miss a good old amerimexideliciousness. the closest I get is a place called "on the border" which is chain food. Yerk.
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