Eve's at the Garden Ready to Blossom
Hotel dining rooms, once the wall flower of the restaurant world, are now a big deal where it’s very much in vogue to have a signature eatery housed within. In our midst, Eve’s at the Garden, the restaurant owned and operated by the Portland Harbor Hotel, is something of an anomaly in Portland’s little world of hotel dining. The thing is Portland doesn’t have that many hotels with restaurants on site. Of the eight full service lodging operations in the city only two have noteworthy eateries—the aforementioned and 20 Milk Street at the Portland Regency.
Eve’s has had its ups and downs over the years. In the face of stiff competition in a city that prides itself on its culinary savvy, a hotel’s dining room better be pretty good otherwise why bother?
When their highly regarded chef Jeff Landry departed a few years ago to open the Farmer’s Table, the hotel’s dining room seemed at loose ends with a procession of cooks coming and going. For a while Earl Morse (CIA trained, White Barn Inn pedigree) held kitchen court followed by veteran Maine chef Bill Clifford who devised the menu now in place. But he too is gone.
I haven’t been to Eve’s in a year or more. And I took the opportunity during Restaurant Week to see how it fared now.
Word on the street is that the hotel is looking for a new executive chef once again to bring culinary excitement back home. Management feels they need to make a statement with a star chef at the helm. After all, the hotel remains—for now--Portland’s only luxury brand, which won’t last forever as the city evolves into the sphere of the sophisticated tourist trade.
Regardless of who’s cooking it all takes place in a well appointed space that was redone several years ago It’s appealing and attractive in that clubby sort of way that hotels favor. The tables are large and comfortable, and the open, adjoining bar is well integrated with the dining room.
Who’s cooking now? Louis Pickens, formerly the sous chef, is manning the stove. After my meal there this past Saturday I’m not sure why management needs to look elsewhere. The food was inventive and well prepared—the kitchen barely missing a beat on a busy Saturday night.
The special $30 three course prix fixe Restaurant Week menu was well thought out and gave a good indication of the kitchen’s current abilities.
I started off with lollipop lamb chops, which are cut from the rack. These were a bit larger than they should have been since the eye of the rib would have been preferable. Nonetheless they were beautifully seasoned, tender and cooked perfectly pink (though I wasn’t asked how I wanted my lamb); the dipping sauces of hummus and red pepper offered sweet Mediterranean nuances.
My dinner mate ordered the tuna tartare. Here’s a dish that can be disastrous in the wrong hands. This rendition was a triumph with barely seared slices of raw tuna laid over cool disks of golden beets. For crunch the garnish of cornmeal croutons were addictively good.
For a main course I chose fish. That night grouper was on the menu, which I was looking forward to since it’s hard to find that fish out of Florida waters in Maine. The kitchen replaced it, however, with red snapper.
What came out was a perfectly grilled fillet astride a vegetable mélange of leeks, tomatoes and olives.
My companion ordered pasta--in this case baked penne in the usual tomato based sauce with feta and a mish mosh of too many other ingredients. Still, it was tasty and very filling.
For dessert I had the crème brulee which was so sweet—even for me—that I stopped eating it after a few spoonfuls.
My partner’s lemon glazed pound cake, however, swathed in a berry sauce and cream, was like eating candied ambrosia; and the crusty, lemony outer trappings of the pound cake was well worth the calories.
As for this dining establishment’s future as a culinary force in a city already agog with food mavens and award winning chefs, it could happen. I hope it does if only to have a great place to dine that offers free valet parking in a private garage with an elevator that whisks you up to the main dining room lickety split.
John Golden makes no bones about sharing his opinions. If you'd like to share yours, email him at jdgmaine@gmail.com
The views expressed on this Web site are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Down East Enterprise or its employees.
- John Golden
- Login or register to post comments
This is such a great
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free.
slimming singapore
Thanks for the blog post
Thanks for the blog post buddy! Keep them coming...
ecig
Organic food in restaurants
Americans are suffering from obesity. One of the most effective ways to overcome this problem is the organic food. The popularity of organic foods and the restaurants that serve them has skyrocketed in recent years.Care for your health, always check if restaurant serves a low fat organic food.
Food4Wealth
Thanks for useful information
Simply desire to say your article is amazing. The clarity your put up is simply spectacular and that I suppose you are very knowledgeable on the gourmet food subject. Definitely going to visit this place.
juicer reviews
Thanks for the valuable
Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here...
cyprus website design
Nice blog and absolutely
Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.Keep trying for the best.
Flash Templates
Simple arrangements require
Simple arrangements require basic flower sense. Organize flowers by appearance into the brightest, biggest, most exotic blooms, to the lean, straight-looking ones, rounded ones, forms other than round, and finally, feathery, filler flowers. But florists can be your ideal mentors. Florist Plympton
Awesome and interesting
Awesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post.
e cig review
Excellent information on
Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists.
Opslag.com tijdelijke opslag
Excellent information on
Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists.
Opslag.com tijdelijke opslag
This is my first time i
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work
www.interiordesignersingapore.net
Your website is really cool
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Thank you so much.
2pg.com
If your soil is fairly
If your soil is fairly dismal, you suffer from impaired mobility or you just like to move things along more quickly, then raised beds may suit you better. A section of your garden in raised beds can look very attractive, remain tidy and be extremely productive year round.
Fencing Romford
Great Information sharing ..
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post.
Assertiveness
Thanks for the valuable
Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here...
Asian Flush
Your website is really cool
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Thank you so much.
zuma
Very good points you wrote
Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work.
Tips by Showcase Agency
Superbly written article, if
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place..
www.reverse-email.com
There is no reason that our
There is no reason that our lawn and garden should not be just as visually appealing in the winter as it is in the warmer seasons. We simply have to take the time to plant for winter effect, as well as summer effect. HGH Supplements
Positive site, where did u
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include.
raspberry ketones reviews
Other themed gardens include
Other themed gardens include the Heritage Gardens which portray Singapore's colonial heritage and multiracial identity. The Dragonfly Lake supports biodiversity and provides a habitat for the fishes and birds. bathrooms sterling
The solar garden lights the
The solar garden lights the easiest to maintain and most inexpensive means of lighting up the porch, garden, sit out or just about any backyard and outdoor space. The solar lighting options for the outdoors are great because they burn up less energy. godaddy coupon
Flower gardeners everywhere
Flower gardeners everywhere are on the constant lookout for fresh and modern ideas to beautify their gardens even more. Some of the common examples of flower gardening ideas that find a mention in the talks among the gardening enthusiasts are like new methods of flower arrangements to add aesthetic.
Paving Hornchurch
Like all secret rooms, a
Like all secret rooms, a player can only have one room of this type; buying multiple Autumn Gardens will not get you additional rooms. Selling the Autumn Garden will cause you to lose your room, so do not sell recycle it or you will need to buy a new one in order to get your room back. Biomass Power
There is no list of
There is no list of nominees; each member of the international voting panel votes for their own personal choice of 5 restaurants. To ensure that there are winners from many regions, they may vote for up to two restaurants in their own region, the remaining votes must be cast outside their home region. Architects in Glasgow
Botanical gardens are often
Botanical gardens are often run by universities or other scientific research organizations, and often have associated herbaria and research programmes in plant taxonomy or some other aspect of botanical science. custom event wristbands
Dress up your drinks with
Dress up your drinks with beautiful ice cubes featuring blossoms from the garden. Red rose petals will enhance any drink, and can also be sprinkled on the table for a romantic effect. Perfect for summer afternoon parties or cocktail events. Click here
If you have been struggling
If you have been struggling with how to write critical essays, then this article will give you the 3 essential elements of good essay writing. These elements include reading, summarizing the main arguments, analyzing these arguments, and providing a clear summary of your conclusions. gang violence in america
nice interior
this is the most amazing story i've read so far and much more exciting than watch drama movies online
Evergreens are among the
Evergreens are among the most beautiful trees and shrubs for planting in the winter garden. Their bright green branches covered in snow are one of natures finest etchings. The brilliant contrast of color can be breathtaking, especially when the evergreens are planted in areas they will be the most visually effective. Solaranlagen
A garden is a planned space,
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. More
The flowers in Ozana's Story
The flowers in Ozana's Story Blossom Garden have human faces inside their blossoms; they can speak, and each flower appeals to passers-by to be picked so that it can tell its story in the listener's ear. Every flower has a unique tale to tell, though different types of flowers tell different kinds of stories. most interesting news
there is nothing more
there is nothing more comforting, relaxing, more meditative than sitting on the floor of my garden. working the soil with my hands, smelling the plants and herbs as they reach for the sun, feeling the vitality of the life around me. Honest Juicer Reviews
Every good specimen of
Every good specimen of evergreen will present a beautiful winter picture on its own. But an even more spectacular scene can be created when evergreens are presented in just the right way. Why not let our evergreens serve as backgrounds against which to bring out colors that rival, to some extent. blazer korea
The post is written in very
The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me.
green coffee extract
Restaurants already existed
Restaurants already existed in the Roman Empire. Over the entire city of Pompeii distributed about 160 bars and food stalls, called were Thermopolia , found that were particularly concentrated along the arterial roads and in public places. House Clearance Glasgow
Stayed for one night as part
Stayed for one night as part of a big birthday celebration for my beloved one. we liked the hotel, first class all the way. Bed was awesome and we slept well. Bathroom was very nice, granite walls around the shower and separate tub. Robes, slippers and turn down service included. The bar was neat and friendly, staff very professional. property for sale edinburgh
A garden is a planned space,
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. synthetic turf grass
Very interesting blog. Alot
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one.
FFXIV Gold
I really like this
I really like this restaurant I've been there while I'm buy instagram followers for my Webpage and buy twitter followers. to my friends the foods are so delicious.
In botany, blossom is a term
In botany, blossom is a term given to the flowers of stone fruit trees and of some other plants with a similar appearance that flower profusely for a period of time in spring. Colloquially flowers of orange are referred to as such as well. graphiste bordeaux
I've been there in that
I've been there in that restaurant with my friend to purchase youtube views on social media afterwards I got increase youtube views on the internet marketing.
Its really appealing and
Its really appealing and fantastic to stay such a hotel and recall the memories, Beautiful hotel with tasty meals is a great opportunity to have a good refreshment days. xxxgay
I wrote about Schulte and
I wrote about Schulte and Herr's debut dinner service as something newsworthy so the old rule of giving a restaurant time to work out the kinks didn't necessarily apply--especially since the quality of the cooking was already an established fact as "first" written about in this space.business reseller