Today I’m putting into practice the advice from yesterday’s post to Step One: Go Exploring (practice noticing) and Step Two: Share What You Discover (not everyone got to go with you!). On our recent trip to Portland, we had the opportunity to explore 3 new or new-to-us and rave-worthy restaurants.

Located in the Pearl, Mediterranean Exploration Company is part of a family of restaurants that includes Toro Bravo, Tasty n Alder, and Tasty n Sons. The food was outstanding! The warm Castelvetrano olives were large, green, moist with olive oil, and surprisingly sweet.  The Octopus was gorgeous. A long oval plate held one long substantial yet tender tentacle garnished with piquillo pepper and fresh dill in olive oil. The Moroccan Brick Chicken’s thin crisp skin over the moist leg and breast meat was delicious! This dish is the source of that delicious smell when you walk in the front door.

Named one of Bon Appétit Magazine’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America in 2014, Måurice offers Norwegian / French cooking including Radishes with Butter and Sea Salt and Norwegian Meatballs w/Quince Dulce. The Polenta Clafoutis with Poached Farm Egg held sea salt at the bottom of the dish, suffusing it with the needed flavor at exactly the right time. The restaurant is charming and cozy. Sit at the bar so you can watch what goes on at the stove covered in Le Creuset.

Le Buchon offers a French dining experience on an equally intimate and bright scale. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy champagne and cassoulet on a cold rainy winter day.  The wine-by-the-glass selection is well curated and the aperitifs include traditional French aperitifs such as pastis and kir royale.  The chalkboard menu includes a great creme brulee and various regional dishes.

If you’re in Portland, these are 3 outstanding places to put on the list!