I visited DOC despite opinions of some of the reviews on here, and to be honest found them grossly inconsistent with my experience. While the space is small and the kitchen and dining area are one and the same, in no way did it effect the quality of our meal. In fact, one in our party commented about the laid-back, attentive style of those cooking the food-even comparing it to articles and shows on the style of Thomas Keller's kitchens in Napa.\r
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A good thing ot keep in mind is that PDX is not NYC, and that DOC is not Gaucho or even Paley's-but that doesn't mean that service is not great, despite its lack of stuffy formality. The personal attention was outstanding and contributed completly to the dining experience. Also, they were willing to communicate with us to ensure that our dining experience was up to apr in every way, rather than assuming that they knew exactly what we were expecitng at each moment. It was a refreshing change from the ghostly lurkers that populate some other well-regarded restaurants.\r
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And the food-the four of us DID partake in the tasting menu, and we were able to try the entire menu as a group. Each of us recieved our own dish for every course other than Bread/Olives, and whenever possible we each recieved something different. This was a true attempt at a ""tasting menu,"" not just using the term interchangably with prix fixe. The wines that were poured, as reccomended by the wine expert (som?), were not only a perfect match, but unique. Both couples at the table have large cellars, and we were all amazed at the new varietals and styles that were able to try in a single meal.\r
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All in all, one of the best dining experiences in Portland. The attention to ingredients was strikingly similar to a Paley's or Higgins, the service was top knotch, and the really unique chracter of the space as well as the food and neighborhood make it an establishment that I would highly reccomend.
Pros: Personal service, INCREDIBLE quality of food, Tasting Menu
Cons: Small Menu? (Not a con to me, but maybe to some)
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