I have a very fussy palate and not a lot of money, but if you enjoy a really fine gustatory experince, Fenouil is well worth the price. I used to be in the wine business and have had the opportunity to taste the finest wines and some really spectacular meals. Although it has been many years since I have dined at the famed Four Seasons in NYC, I can honestly say that the food quality at Fenouil is in the same catagory.
My daughter treated me to a special birthday dinner in August. I had been craving sweetbreads, but had not seen them on a menu in quite some time. After perusing the Fenouil website, I noticed that Chef Pascal invited diners to email him with any questions or requests. I did. He was incredibly gracious and promised me sweetbreads with a week's notice. He delivered admirably. They were lightly sauteed and accompanied by lucious ripe figs and a wine reduction sauce (if I remember correctly). We started our meal with escargots which were, without doubt, the best I have ever tasted. There was also a lovely small complimentary appitizer which included a fig and cheese. Delicious! When we were having trouble deciding on a wine, our delightful and knowledgeable server, Lucinda, arranged for us to taste three. We decided the $16 glass was worth the splurge. For desert we shared the twin souffles. To die for! Because it was my birthday, Pascal also sent over a tray of small tasty truffles. Bravo to the side of asparagus as well. We had regular coffee, which in Portland I have found to be generally awful. Not so at Fenouil. I have read some reviews that indicated the service was not good, not so in our case. Lucinda was charming, knowledgeable and attentive, even posing with us for a picture. We're trying the bistro today and I will again use the very reasonable ($5) valet parking. I can't wait. I might add, we ate outside with a lovely view of children playing in the fountain at Jamison Park. Pascal and Lucinda, we love you.
Pros: Food, food, food. Also service and ambience. Valet parking a plus for handicapped.
Cons: It is expensive, but you get what you pay for.
more