December 11, 2007
Tondero
Last night I ate a fabulous meal for free at a new restaurant downtown that hasn't even opened yet. All thanks to my friend Kelly who is in training as a server at Tondero, a "New Latin" restaurant opening next to the Fox Tower movie theaters. We picked a ceviche, appetizer and entree randomly before we were seated but got to choose our own drinks. I had a mojito and a caipirinha, new to me. I joined some co-workers from Kelly's day job with Portland Parks at a four top. The whole night was a practice run for the kitchen, servers and entire operation. From my perspective it was great, yummy and interesting food, nice view out the windows to Portland's downtown decorated for Christmas. The decor was maybe a little too abstract contemporary for me. We shared just about everything but I had a tamale with oxtail appetizer and a potato dish with avocado and fish. My entree was a saffron coconut rice dish with scallops, shrimp and mussels. The night felt especially gluttonous not only because of how much I ate but because I skipped my last yoga class of the term which was practically across the street to attend dinner. However one of my dinner companions noted that both activities are good for the soul. Thanks Kelly!Posted by Dave at December 11, 2007 09:09 AM