Paley's Place

reservations about reservations. After reading all of the recent polarized, mixed reviews, I was anxious to try Paley's again to form my own opinion. I had eaten there years ago, and I found it OK, (B+, maybe three and a half stars). So, about a week ago, I made a reservation for tonight. Unfortunately, I just received a phone call from Paley's in which I was told "there's a lot going on at the time of your reservation, and we can't honor it. Can you come later in the evening?"

So, when I write a review of a restaurant in which I actually eat, perhaps I can comment on the quality of the food...…

Great French Food. We had reserations for four with another couple who had dined there previously. I really enjoyed the food. I order the Escargot, beets, sauted gree, Lemon Verbena Ice Cream and a spectacular Lemon Drop. The Lemon Drop was very good. It competed with Jakes Lemon Drop that I love.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that enjoys French food.

The only draw back I had is that we sat near the cheese tray and every time the opened it up we go the aroma of cheese.…

Hopelessly over-rated. Talk about disappointment of the first degree - we went to Paley's after we read this was one of the few AAA 5 Star rated eating establishments in Portland. AAA got is wrong in my opinion - not even close. Cramped tables, owners didn't even make an attempt at decent decor, extremely limited menu and, at best, ordinary food. We tried several apetizers, salads, and main plates.... I'm not that good of a cook and I can honestly wip a better meal from Trader Joe's. The service was exceptional, but I would like to have a bit more to show for the $180 we paid for a dinner for two.…

First Review of Paley's Place. Have been meaning to try Paley's place for a LONG time, just hasn't worked out until last night. This review is as accurate and objective as it can be. Seated right upon arrival, 10 mins. before our 6:00 PM

reservation. Everyone there greeted us with a smile and a great attitude. Loved the initial atmosphere, dark wood furniture, tables etc. and the spacing of the tables was perfect for their efficiency and our comfort (not too close).

Service was extremely attentive but not nagging, perfect mix in my opinion. My water level was never below half and you could tell that the staff worked as a team to ensure guests were taken care of.

Menu was just a bit confusing, but nothing that couldn't be figured out. My wife had the Borscht starter and I had the Organic Spinach salad. The Borscht is a cold starter soup made with beets and was refreshing and very good. The spinach salad was extremely fresh, ample and already had the dressing mixed in ... but at a perfect ratio.

My wife ordered the pork shoulder and I had the rib eye special that is only on Saturdays. Her pork is made to order and can take up to 45 mins. ... which the server mentioned. Bread came shortly after ordering and was refreshed quickly when we finished the first basket.

After the wait for the pork, which was perfectly acceptable, we got both entrees. Her pork was served with asparagus and a butter bean salad. Pork had great flavor and it was a nice mix with the bean salad and asparagus. The pork had a bit too much fat for her, but I thought it was fine and added to the flavor of the meat. My ribeye was good sized, marbled perfectly to the point where there was virtually nothing left when done and the flavor and the sauce were tremendous. It came with a few potatoes and a small mixed grill of a couple vegetables, inc. shallots (i think). It was great!

We also ordered a side of the braised greens. They did a perfect job of braising the greens to the point where they were hot, tasteful yet not soggy or overly wilted. Would have liked maybe a bit more, but it was enough considering the dinner. Great flavor.

For desert, wife had the creme brulee which is the biggest I've seen served. I had the chocolate souffle with vanilla-honey ice cream and hazelnuts. It was incredible. The souffle melted in my mouth and was still steaming in the inside, and was perfectly paired with the ice cream and hazelnuts. Both deserts were phenomenal ... thanks Lauren! ...as was the dinner!

The only thing that took away from the great atmosphere and service, was that there was obviously some well known individual that was sitting at the end of the bar. He was joined by another couple at the bar. The staff new him and many new him so maybe he was the owner or someone else of note. Either way, as our dinner progressed, the increasing decibels of the conversation aside, the constant dropping of F-bombs became an annoyance and really took away from the nice ambiance, music and service. It gave it a more sports or pool bar feeling.

I don't hold this against Paley's place unless it was the owner or someone involved with the restaurant as I would hope he would understand this detraction. If it was just some other regular, perhaps a reminder or calling attention to it may be in order. For diners though, I am sure this is just luck of the draw and not something to hold against the restaurant.

Can't wait to go again to see if the already great experience could even get even better. Nice job!!…