Portland, Oregon robbed me of something. Actually someone. So last weekend I went there to try to reclaim what was mine. I returned home without accomplishing my mission, but I left knowing that Portland is worthy of having (but really just borrowing) my best friend.
It was my first time in Portland and I discovered some really amazing food: Marrow bones with onions, aged balsamic vinegar and toast; grilled flatiron steak with truffle creamed spinach and pickled onion rings; roasted chicken and seasonal vegetables, garlic mash and rosemary jus. Just to name a few.
Portland is known for their brunch and I had mine at Gravy. I knew before my plane even landed that I would be having the oatmeal brulee. Just the sound of it seemed amazing to me.
It was my first time in Portland and I discovered some really amazing food: Marrow bones with onions, aged balsamic vinegar and toast; grilled flatiron steak with truffle creamed spinach and pickled onion rings; roasted chicken and seasonal vegetables, garlic mash and rosemary jus. Just to name a few.
Portland is known for their brunch and I had mine at Gravy. I knew before my plane even landed that I would be having the oatmeal brulee. Just the sound of it seemed amazing to me.
Oatmeal brulee, orange juice and a biscuit with gravy.
The bruleed crust was so delicious and added lots of sweetness to the oatmeal that had rolled oats and fresh berries. I loved the idea so much that I stole it.
My own oatmeal brulee with steel cut oats, strawberries and blackberries.
As you can see it doesn't look quite the same. Mine definitely didn't have the same kind of crust that you use your spoon to break into but I still managed to get a few crunchy bits. I think the restaurant may have used the broiler whereas I used a mini torch. If you wanted to try it, prepare your oatmeal like usual but pass on any sweeteners. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top and brulee. The crust itself adds quite a bit of sweetness to your oatmeal.
To accompany my oatmeal, I made myself a coffee with cardamom and honey, another great idea I discovered in Portland. The honey cardamom latte I had at Dragonfly Coffee House was life changing. To me, it tastes like a chai flavored coffee. I watched the ladies at the shop making my coffee and it was so simple. Just add about 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom and about 2 tablespoons of honey to your coffee cup. So so yum.
So, you win Portland. You have one of my best friends and you have some amazing food, but that doesn't mean I won't put in a good fight. I'll be back.
