01/19/09

Absolutely delicious

by dangrmous

We went to Cafe Castagna last night and were completely delighted. First off, the service was impeccable: prompt, informed, pleasant, and unobtrusive. The meal was superb! A standout was the braised beef angliotti recommended by our server. They were really sensational, and came in a beef broth reduction with chives and I'm guessing sherry. The fried risotto croquettes with fontina were delightful. We ordered cheeseburgers and fries based on their reputation for burgers and they did not disappoint. I think the fries were some of the best tasting fries I have had anywhere. The potato flavor was clear and earthy, the fries were properly cooked - light and crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. The burgers were superb, and the addition of delicious house-made sweet pickles didn't hurt either. I can't wait to go back and try more items, the people here clearly have skill and obviously cook with love and pride.

• Pros: service, angliotti, burgers, fries
• Cons: none

06/18/08

Good food, mediocre service

by kinnetic

The food here is always excellent. I've been on a couple occasions... the burger is fantastic. The penne and cheese is a little overwhelming but good if you're looking for something rich, and the margarita pizza was delicious. However, the wait staff seems a little confused for the most part. My recent visit was not an overly busy night, yet service was slow (got drinks after appetizers) and a little schizo. We requested an outside patio table, but then they gave it to a different group that came in after us. Okay. Our server wasn't bad but the water-pourer/busser didn't seem to know what was happening. My friend and I asked for our meals boxed (half a pizza and half a penne meal) and she acknowledged and took them away, only never to return. Kind of inconsiderate considered I paid $14 for barely half a meal... I saw her later bussing tables but in the rush of things forgot to confront them about it. I don't feel like I should have to! Did she just take our whole meals and throw them away? I guess we weren't old and rich looking enough to be taken into consideration. I'd give it another try for the food...but maybe just one more.

• Pros: Food is great
• Cons: Whats up with the service??

06/11/08

Excellent Lunch Spot.

by Kosine

Often heralded as a fine spot for dinner, the Cafe should not be overlooked for an exquisite lunch. I am a lunch time regular and find that the dynamic menu offers many options from delicious burgers, succulent pastrami sandwiches, house made sausages to local seafood.

The outside patio allows for some truly fantastic dining (assuming Portland's weather cooperates!) and the classically attractive wait staff are patient, courteous and attentive. I have had numerous business lunches here and the staff always reads our needs. Food was timed well, space was made for our documents and we felt comfortable sitting and discussing long after our plates were cleared.

I am hard pressed to think of a better lunch spot.

• Pros: Fantastic Lunch Items, Great Service
• Cons: Espresso drinks not very good