01/03/09

ummmm, ok???

by mangoswartz

I agree with previous review.....the host slapped down our cheap looking menus and hardly gave us a smile all night. The wine was ok but overpriced. There is definately better wine bars out there.

• Pros: good location
• Cons: unfriendly service

10/15/08

Vino Paradiso is Something Special

by rockems

We've been going to Vino Paradiso for over a year now, sometimes once a week, sometimes once a month.

What I love about Vino:

THE FOOD - fresh, local, organic, creative, delicious, perfectly priced. Chef Duncan has even hand picked the nettles he uses in spring dishes! His lamb is amazing. His hand made sausages are incredible. I want to eat his heirloom tomato/mozarella/basil/olive oil salad as my last meal. Last night we had a really, really good winter squash wrapped in speck. We've never had anything but excellent food, wine pairing and service. We love the food so much we hired the chef, Ian Duncan, to cater an outdoor summer grill party which was a resounding success.

THE WINE- An extensive menu with great, approachable descriptions to help us decide what we want. Tim Nishimoto, the owner/sommelier will tell us about the region, history, and flavors (sorry - I have no better word) of the wines we try. He's so down to earth, mellow and approachable that it's a fun experience. I hate the idea of snooty wine bars. Back in NYC, my fiance and I were at a snooty wine bar/restaurant where we'd asked the waiter to tell us a little about the two wines we were considering and he sneered "You wouldn't know the difference" before turning on his heel. He might have been right, but that's 180 degrees difference from the approach at Vino.

THE ATMOSPHERE - hip without being aware of it, relaxed without being too casual. Every month there is a different painter or painters' work displayed. We bought a painting by local artist Rebecca Shelly from Vino that now hangs in our living room. The owner is part of Pink Martini, one of Portland's most favorite local music groups so there's always good music on. Vino serves dinner until late - we rarely come in before 9 pm. All the staff are friendly, approachable and professional.

10/13/08

Great Wine Bar and Great Choices

by vinoloco

I've been frequenting this wine bar for a couple of years, it was the first wine bar I went to when I moved here. Consistency is always what I look for and that's why I keep coming back. Great attention to the wine list (variety, not just your northwest choices), always something new on the menu, sit at the bar and ask great questions of the team and get to learn about and taste fantastic wines. The food is good portions (not huge, not small) and complements the tasting. Bring friends and hang out in the back corner for some privacy or chill out after work. Love this place of all the wine bars in Portland.

• Pros: Variety of Wine from around the world
• Cons: Parking