Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Sophisticated German Grub: Grüner

Lots of people really love Grüner in Portland.  We liked it but didn't love it.
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It's not Grüner's fault.  We simply realized that German cuisine isn't at the top of our list.  If you're looking for a good German meal, I don't think you can do much better than Grüner.  Well, unless you're in Germany or have a German grandma.

Complimentary pretzel bread (and other bread) and butter.
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We didn't even touch the regular bread.  Why would we when we had that glorious braid on top?

Crisp polenta croquettes stuffed with Raclette cheese ($5).
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Our first few bites were the best of the entire meal.  Just read those ingredients.  Just look at that golden glow.  Five dollars bought a lot of happiness.

Bacon-wrapped rabbit roulade filled with foie gras served with toasted brioche, raspberry mustard, pickled rhubarb, and pickled baby carrots ($14).
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Given the foie gras ban back home, this was a no-brainer order for me.  Solid.

Quark spätzle, Edelweiss Black Forest ham, sauteed green garlic, asparagus, Crimini mushrooms, Fontina cheese, cream, chives, crisp shallots ($22).
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Tasty...but not even close to being as tasty as Italian pasta.  Unfair comparison perhaps, but it's the truth.

Choucroute garnie -- bratwurst, saucisson, cider-braised pork belly, cured pork tenderloin, sauerkraut, sweet mustard, Yukon Gold potatoes ($26).
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So traditional.  So very German.  Nice version.

We were glad to have sampled Grüner, but it's unlikely we'll ever return.  You can do better when you're in Portland.

4 comments:

  1. "...unless you're in Germany or have a German grandma." Lol!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Quark spaetzle? The only quarks I know are subatomic particles...

    ReplyDelete

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