Lucier

12/15/08

Spendy!

by mcpherren

Put your pocket books away in this restaurant unless you're here to pay for the extensive and beautiful remodeling this place has undertaken. I had dinner here with 3 other executives and was shocked when our tab came back at $650. Unbelievable! And we didn't even have dessert! It takes longer to explain what you're eating than it does to enjoy the dishes you're served as they are about as small as you can get. I have to admit the service was incredible, but with 3 people taking care of our table, it quickly became clear why our meals were so small and so over priced...overhead. Sadly, don't know if this one will be around very long as very few people in Portland can afford regular visits.

• Pros: Beautiful view on the water, nice servers
• Cons: Extremely overpriced, small portions, bar counter but no bar

11/19/08

Pretty food, but nothing to die for

by jessijunk

While not a food critic or expert of any sort, I have been to some very nice restaurants in LA, Manhattan & Las Vegas, and I enjoy fine dining. Lucier is frankly, a mixed bag. It's nicely, if not 100% tastefully, decorated, the staff is very friendly and efficient, and the location is great.

I went for a romantic dinner with my husband, and it is perfect for a quiet & private experience. However, while the food was good, and the ingredients all interesting & fresh, nothing wowed us. We had the 6 course, duo tasting menu for $110 PP. Frankly, for a bill that cost us $300 (including tip, and with no wine) I would expect some, or many of the dishes to really knock my socks off, but nothing did.

Everything was plated beautifully, served well, and was clearly the product of a lot of planning; It just wasn't as delicious as I would have hoped. The portions are small, but that's kind of typical of this type of fare. We had a nice time but I can't say I would recommend it, unless you have a good amount of discretionary income and won't be too upset if your $300 meal is merely good.

I enjoyed the experience but I will not go back. And since there were only 3 tables filled at any one time while we were there (only 5 all night including us), I think the rest of the town agrees.

• Pros: Interesting, fancy, some foodie types will surely be impressed
• Cons: Not delicious enough for the money

11/18/08

You should go - once.

by ElizabethPearl

I'm torn, but compelled to write. My mom was visiting and wanted to take us out to dinner (all six of us - kids, boyfriends, girlfriends). I had heard of Lucier - new restaurant - sure... why not? Did no homework. Based our decision on a reliable friend. OH - MY - GOD. We walked in, and burst out laughing. You're kidding. A caviar bar? A creek running through the restaurant? All the young women hostesses wearing senior ball gowns? With pearls yet. It was fabulous, in all the best surreal has to offer. The menu is like reading those artist statements that need translation, but make your mouth water. You can choose water from Tanzania! (or was it Tazmania?) But of course! We had a wonderful time reading the menu to each other, wondering what it all meant. We fondled the silver, played with the table lighting, and appreciated the green orchids. The biggest disappointment, and the reason I won't go back, is the absurd amount of food. Tiny is not an understatement - which is really too bad since it was so good - so inspiring - and then, so hard to find on one's plate. Everyone should go - once.

• Pros: Ambience, decor, menu
• Cons: Price plus teeny servings (one or the other ok, not both)