Audrey’s Kitchen

1429 SE 37th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-6886

With all the wonderful restaurants in Portland, it was really difficult choosing just one for Valentine’s Day. I had my eye set on some of the newer restaurants in town but thankfully, I didn’t have to make that decision. Instead, E followed his friend’s advice and booked our date at the delightful 3 Doors Down Cafe on Hawthorne. I’ve passed by this little brick restaurant more often than I can remember, and while it delicious aromas have always emanated from it, this was the first time I actually went inside. I vaguely remember reading some really good reviews for it years ago and have always meant to try it, but it took a back burner to the shiny and new places in the Pearl.

I guess one really shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover because I have found a new favorite in 3 Doors Down. Once we stepped inside the restaurant, we were greeted by an energetic hostess who immediately led us to our table. Since it was Valentines Day, red puckered lips were stamped all over white paper across the table. To our right was a canoodling couple posing with a giant picture frame for a server to take a polaroid picture. The servers did it for every table that night and the effect was cute and kitschy. There’s a certain nostalgic quality about polaroids and it was nice to have a picture as a momento from the evening. The waitstaff was excellent, although probably not that knowledgable on wines as other places, but their enthusiasm made up for it. E asked our server to recommend a wine, and while she seemed unsure of what to recommend, she did bring out tastings for him to try. A for effort, if not knowledge.

As soon as we ordered, the server brought out a huge hunk of bread with a pureed bean spread. Let me just say, the bread was delicious, and I loved that they provided a healthy alternative to butter. Rustic, with a wonderfully chewy texture, it was a great way to start out meal.

We planned on ordering their cheese plate with tomato jam, since it came with high praise from E’s friend, but they did not have it on the menu that day. Instead, we ordered seared sea scallops. It was very well done! Naturally sweet, it was well seared, with a crispy golden savoriness that paired well with the silky texture of the scallops. It sat atop a bed of pureed chickpeas and surrounded by a pool of a buttery, lightly sweetened sauce.

For our entrees, I selected the sole stuffed with crab. It was amazing. The sole was buttery smooth, and the stuffing was full of sweet, fresh crab meat and little bits of zuchini and onion. It was served with a heavenly burre blanc, each drop of which was thoroughly mopped up by the roasted fingerling potatos. The potatos were delicious on their own, but add on some of the sauce, and it was truly sublime. Even the spinach that came on the side was delicious! Piping hot, it was simply flavored with garlic and a sprinkling of salt.

E ordered the Veal Cheeks with Polenta. It came stewed in what looked and tasted like a mushroomy ragout that had a slight smokey bacon flavor. The polenta was thicker than what I’m used to, and had a cheesy texture and taste to it. They were very generous with the veal and it was truly like nothing I have ever had before. The veal was unbelievably tender-so soft that it seemed to melt, but I think the sauce may have overpowered the delicate taste of the meat.

By now, we were stuffed but we had to try one of their desserts. I had wanted to try their famous banana cream pie, and judging by the number of patrons who ordered it around us, we really should have done it. Instead, we opted for the cannoli because it was supposed to be one of the lightest desserts that night. I’ve never had cannoli before, so I can’t say if I do or do not like it for sure, but I probably would not order it from 3 Doors Down again. It had a nice citrusy flavored ricotta filling, but I was hoping for more of a pistachio flavor. Note to self, when in Rome, do as the Roman’s do. Next time, I will definitely leave room for their banana cream pie.

Overall, I had really nice time. The interior was painted in warm and cheerful hues of red, and was very inviting. The service was excellent, the food is truly outstanding, and the restaurant, housed in a humble brick building 3 doors down from Hawthorne, is truly deserving of favorite status. I will be back and look forward to it.