Tried the restaurant Pair on a whim and was pleasantly surprised at the incredible flavor and preparation of food. And when they call it "pair", they must have done so because each one of their dishes always has a perfectly matched partner. Wait, let me back up. Pair is an adorably decorated, small restaurant on the corner of the U-district and Ravenna. There's just the right amount of French country nicknacks and French country flair (water served in chilled pop-top bottles) to make you feel comfy and ready to eat as you walk in the door. My date and I sat at the bar, which is always my favorite place to sit, and let the very capable bartender help us through our menu anxiety. Everything looked delicious, mouth-water even, trumped only the special which was pan-seared scallops. YIKES! It's all moderately priced and nothing is more that $13 for a plate. Generous portions as well. It's easy to run up a tab here, because you want to order some cheese, then a yummy raddichio salad, oooh then the crabcakes, oh and what about the salmon toasts - Know what I mean? But, it's also easy to stop in for a cheese place, charceuterie and a glass of wine on the cheap. Either way, an extremely comfy, delicious example of chefs putting the wonderful Northwest food to good use.
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