Bars, Restaurants, & Taverns
CAFE DES AMIS
The photo above from the Oregonian stated below Roger Jensen, The Oregonian
Per the Oregonian article: Cafe des Amis Chef Dennis Baker created one of Portland's most-refined and understated dining rooms with this French bistro, which ran from 1982 to 2003. Signature dishes included Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic, Duck with Blackberry Sauce, and Filet of Beef Tenderloin in Port Garlic Sauce, which was so popular with diners that Baker said he felt imprisoned by it.
Per website https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/cafe-des-amis-portland-or-97209_26po9922.html
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe des Amis Restaurant Review: One of the long-playing restaurants in Portland, Café des Amis is distinguished by a small but exquisite menu that changes infrequently, assuring its devoted clientele a satisfying familiarity. Its two rooms are simple, even spare, set off by a few elegant pieces of art (including haunting photographs of Paris parks by Harold Altman), lace curtains, and subdued lighting. The atmosphere is quiet, almost sedate, but never precious. Loyal diners do not come here to make the scene. The cooking as well is anything but trendy; the restaurant is dedicated to artistically prepared, classic bistro dishes, a number of which have become almost legendary in Portland: duck terrine with pistachios, wild mushroom ravioli in a lemony creamy sauce, a filet of beef burnished with a sauce of port and garlic, duck with blackberry sauce, and poussin with 40 cloves of garlic. The restaurant has been doing these dishes for over 20 years, so they’ve executed them with understanding and precision. New items show up now and then, but you come to Café des Amis not for cutting-edge cuisine but for reliable favorites that make you feel welcome, almost part of the family. The pleasure of a dinner here is that you feel you can settle in for an absolutely serene evening. And we’d drive across town for their desserts any day of the year.
Per the Wikipedia page for Café Nell: The restaurant opened in September 2008,[3] occupying a space that previously housed Cafe des Amis from 1982 to 2003, and later Hurley's.[4
Per https://www.opentable.com/r/cafe-nell-portland website
Located in the heart of Northwest Portland, Café Nell serves French-inspired American classics simply prepared from Northwest ingredients. Celebrating 13 years, Café Nell has become known for lively brunches featuring signature cocktails which never fail to impress. A full bar, friendly atmosphere, rotating taps, and a glowing fireplace create a welcoming environment. Sidewalk and patio seating are a neighborhood favorite for a tasty lunch or a candle-lit dinner on a lovely Portland evening.
1987 NW Kearney St
295-6487
Years: 1982 - 2003 – gay friendly
Cafe des Amis: 1982 -2003
Hurley: 2003 - 2008, nongay
Café Nell: 2009 - present, nongay
citations & references:
First listed in Damron Address Book 1990 – (MW, MX) French Cuisine
Listed in Damron Address Book 1991 – (MW, MX) French Cuisine
Listed in Damron Address Book 1992 – (MW, MX) French Cuisine
Do not possess Damron Address Book 1993
Listed in Damron Address Book 1994 – (MW, MX) French Cuisine
Listed in Damron Road Atlas 1994 Under: Restaurants and Cafes
Listed in Damron Address Book 1995 Under: Restaurants and Cafes
Listed in Damron Address Book 1995 – (WC) French Cuisine
Listed in Damron Address Book 1996 – (WC) French
Listed in Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA 1996 Under: Eats
Listed in Fodor’s Gay Guide to the Pacific Northwest 1997 Under: Eats
Not listed in Damron Address Book 1997
Listed in Damron Address Book 1998 –Under Restaurants (WC) French, full bar
Listed in Damron Address Book 1999 –Under Restaurants (WC) French, full bar
Listed in Damron’s Men’s Travel Guide 2000 Under: Restaurants