The Heathman Restaurant

07/28/09

Fantastic Food

by aleeka at Citysearch

I've been eating at The Heathman for years. It is my go-to place for a special luncheon or dinner or before a show at the Schnitz. It is the place I go to to eat when i want something fancy and don't feel like making it myself!

Miso marinated black cod... now there's a dish that will remain seared in my memory forever. Delicious, melted in my mouth like butter. Or how about seared pork belly? Fabulous!

So if I love this place, why only 4 stars? Because the weekend staff (Thurs-Fri-Sat) rocks! But when I went there for my birthday on April 1st (a Wednesday), my party of TWELVE was served in a slow and dismissive manner by a female server I'd never seen before (it doesn't take 20 minutes to get a cocktail!). Mind you it was 8:30pm on a Wednesday and we were one of only TWO tables in the place with customers (the bar wasn't busy either). Why such bad service? I'd like to believe it wasn't because myself and my party were dressed like hip urbanites in all black clothing and looked a little 'different' from the blonde server. I'd like to believe it was just because she was newer or perhaps poorly trained. She even FORGOT one of my guest's entrees entirely! Point being, hip urbanites in black clothing pay their bill and tip WELL for good service (20%+). While I get that an 18% gratuity was assured, our server could have acted like she cared if we were served.

• Pros: French influenced food with Northwest ingreedients.
• Cons: Can be expensive!

10/04/07

Paid for business lunch

by krutec at Citysearch

The Heathman is a little above my palate and pocketbook Take that into consideration with my comments.

I had the entree crab cakes. One of the better crab cakes I've had. $14 for two. I was expecting at least 3, but I found myself more than satisfied. I guess I'm too accustomed to traditional American portions. Sauce was tangy and flavorful.

My wife had the clam chowder, which she said was one of the worst she's ever had. She places more emphasis on the tenderness and multitude of the clams, rather than the actual soup portion. She said there were no clams. This is in comparison to some clam chowder she had at Pike Place Chowder, which she raves about. She also had a salmon entree, which she enjoyed thoroughly.

Others at the table had the ceviche. There was one comment about it being smothered in mayo, but I heard nothing more derogatory. They ate the whole portion, so it must have been pretty decent.

The service was attentive, but unobtrusive. Very elegant, professional decor, but the white paper on the tables seemed a bit low rent for this establishment. I think just the white table cloths would have sufficed. And as with most any popular restaurant, it was quite loud.

I would go again to try some other menu items.

• Pros: Decor, service
• Cons: Minor items that didn't infringe upon the meal or the occasion

11/13/06

Duck Foie Gras Cappacino in a word: YUM

by jlointc at Citysearch

I'm happy with the Heathman choice. My friend made a comment about it not being romantic as the usual places we've been. I tend to agree. The lighting is bright, the seating arrangement can accomodate big groups, etc. But the food was exceptional. I can't say anything bad about the taste. The price, ehh..maybe a little high. So what did we eat? To start: Duck Liver Cappacino, Lamb Tongue, Syrah 2003 -Dragon (Australia), Entrees: Venison, Duck Confit, Dessert: Chocolate covered Cream Puffs, and a Tropical Dessert. This was one of those times when conversation made the evening. The food/tastes were secondary. Not very loud . Excellent place to talk.

08/16/05

Good but not great

by atrimble at Citysearch

Our busboy was more attentive than our lazy server, who did nothing more than take our orders and bring our food, despite her utter lack of tables. Go there for the food, not for the service. Excellent hanger steak, albacore tuna, and scallops. Appetizers were good, but not at the level of the entrees. Desserts were a dissapointment. Mediocre sorbets (bad texture, acceptable flavor), average flourless chocolate cake, but good raspberry napoleon. The wine list had some good selections but looked like my kid's highschool binder (the pages were actually falling out and one of them was an atrocious hot pink).

• Pros: some excellent food, Hanger steak
• Cons: service, desserts

07/18/04

best dessert in town

by heathernperry at Citysearch

I used to live in portland and found the desserts at the heathman to be lacking. Coming back to visit, we stayed at the hotel and dined in the restaurant. I can say that the cherry pie is some of the best I have ever had. My husband had the baked meringue and it was truly a special treat with so many plump berries and delicious cream. Nice usage of fresh fruits of the season! Kudos to the chef for really working on a seasonal menu!

• Pros: excellent dessert men, delightful service, wonderful ingredients
• Cons: , loud

06/24/03

Good for Breakfast

by jeimz at Citysearch

I've only eaten at the Heathman Restaurant at breakfast, but have been several times. I have mixed feelings.

The service has always been good, and I've never experienced any problems with noise before, unlike some other reviewers.

I loved the dungeness crab omelettes and smoothies, but one time I strayed from my usual order in favor of the salmon hash, which was, unfortunately, dry and virtually tasteless. So, I'd give 4 of my visits an (8) and 1 of my visits a (3). The food is very good, although not incredibly so, and comes in large, reasonably priced portions.

• Pros: service, ambience
• Cons: hit-or-miss quality

05/22/02

Great brunch

by jennifertom_citysearch at Citysearch

I haven't had dinner here in awhile, but the brunches I can attest for. Crabcakes are the best I've had in Portland, and the eggs Benedict and salmon hash are excellent. It's a bit more expensive as far as bruch goes, but the quality is there.