I have been itching to go to Fenouil for a long time. When I got my hair cut at a nearby salon in the Pearl, I saw the outside and was immeadiately impressed. I didn't see the sign of the name, however, so I couldn't ask my Portland friends who may have eaten there.
A few months later, I am with a friend at Art in the Pearl, meeting at Jamison Square. I mention to her I love the look of the restaurant and she says she has been there, and likes it. She suggests we go there to eat, but I feel a little under dressed and unprepared for such a fancy looking place.
We get in on a Saturday around 4, and go to the bar. Our bartender comes to us right away, and we are informed it is happy hour. My friend tells me what she has eaten on the list, and suggests some things. We go for the three cheeses, french fries and grilled asparagus. We also order a white wine selection for 5 bucks.
We get bread right away, and see some of the wait staff carrying in fresh loaves to the back. We keep commenting on how fast our water keeps getting filled (which is my general gauge of how good the service is). The food arrives, and it is delicious. I especially loved the dipping sauce with the fries. We ordered 2 helpings! The presentation of the cheeses was so beautiful, I took a picture!
The wait staff, like I said was very attentive. Our bartender was funny, and everyone was super friendly. Not at all what I expected from the looks of the restaurant. Nobody snobby, very down-to-earth. I've been told the dining side might be a little different. It was one of the best dining experiences I've had in Portland---and I love to eat many places! And since we were at Happy Hour for the most part (we stayed 4-8) we each ended up paying 22 bucks! Not bad for a 5-star place.
Just thought I would join so I could write this review...I'm still thinking about the food and planning when to go back :) I think it would be awesome for a date--it's a beautiful romantic setting!
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