Paragon

Last night for dinner, my wife and I took her parents to Paragon. I unabashedly love this place. This was our sixth or seventh time, and each time I have walked away, or perhaps waddled away, completely satisfied.

The restaurant is fairly small, so reservations are a good idea Thursday through Saturday night. Paragon has a large bar area as well, which seems to always be nearly full. The interior is comfortable and unassuming.

We always get as an appetizer the Gorgonzola cheesecake. Super-delicious. My wife is such a fan that she asked if we could get the recipe several months back. You know what? Not only did they give it to us, it was pre-printed.

The waitstaff was very attentive...and patient. And, that's the way it should be, given the kind of money you will drop at this place. I wouldn't say it was outrageous ('cause if it was, my wife wouldn't go back), but be prepared to spend between $18 to $22 on your entree. After tip, the four of us dropped $155.00. Whew! But worth every penny.

The menu is brief. I think I counted a total of eight entrees. This is comfort food; a hanger steak, a pork loin, ravioli, lamb shank, pot roast, a fish selection, you get the picture. My wife can't leave the pot roast alone. And why should she? It's tender, moist and flavorful. In case you're wondering, my wife's parents both had the pot roast, too.

I had the lamb shank last night. Beautiful. That's really all I can get out.

For dessert, my father-in-law had bread pudding and I had the pots de creme. Both desserts were fantastic.

Paragon is definitely in my top-five of the restaurants that I eat at in Portland. I don't see that changing any time soon. What are the other four? You'll just have to keep checking back.