BEAST PORTLAND: Beast is considered one of Portland’s best restaurant. Chef Naomi Pomeroy, Top Chef Masters contestant, has been behind it since 2007 with inspiring recipes and dishes.
Chef Naomi Pomeroy began her career as a caterer. She slowly transitioned to underground supper clubs, or pop ups, like many chefs before her. It’s a great way to garner street buzz and generate word of mouth referrals. It was the road that led San Francisco’s Saison to its World’s 50 Best listing and 3 Michelin Stars. Chef Naomi Pomeroy has a laundry list of accolades; in 2014, she received the James Beard’s Best Chef Pacific Northwest.
Beast is 20 minutes away from Central Portland. The restaurants sit in a non-pretentious yet slightly trendy area. It reminds me of San Diego‘s North Park. I found the rustic store front and street signs filled with stickers charming. The restaurant was unassuming with its humble and modest front; it had a few communal tables with a chef’s counter. The host greeted me and sat me at a table near the window. You can definitely Google Maps the area. Beast Portland
Beast’s restaurant is a small operation. It didn’t have more than 8 employees during my dining experience. There were a handful of cooks and a host who doubled as a the main waiter for its 24 seats. They did a superb job with their limited resources. Everyone at my table agreed the service was good to great. Perfect restaurant for date night. Beast Portland
Beast offers a six course tasting menu. The menu changes every week with two settings twice a night from Wednesday to Saturday and one on Sundays. The restaurant offers wine pairing or a corkage fee charge. Here are my thoughts on two dishes; Beast Portland
- Bonbon – The bonbon was the night’s best dish. The bite size treat with a crunchy yet flaky foundation provided a great contrast to the night’s different courses. The creamy filling topped with a tapioca jelly provided a great end to the night. Beast Portland
Bonbon - Alaskan Halibut – The citrus-cured halibut accompanied with summer squash, red spring onions, popped sorghum, and Japanese ginger. The naturally sweet halibut was tender yet firm in its texture. The citrus brought a different dimension to the dish and the ginger grave it a sharp taste. The popped sorghum provided contrast in terms of the dish’s texture. Beast Portland
Alaskan Halibut
Lastly, Beast is a fun experience. The service was great and the communal setting makes it an interactive experience. However, I didn’t find its dishes very memorable relatively speaking to restaurants in its class. In my opinion, the presentation and flavors weren’t very inspiring. I really wanted to like Beast, but I found the restaurant slightly disappointing. Beast Portland
Check out our review of Ataula and Andina. Need things to do and see while in Portland? Check out our other list here and here.
- Service - 8/108/10
- Presentation - 6/106/10
- Flavors - 5/105/10
- Decor - 7.5/107.5/10
- Ambiance - 7.5/107.5/10
Summary
Beast is considered one of Portland’s best restaurant. Chef Naomi Pomeroy, Top Chef Masters contestant, has been behind it since 2007 with inspiring recipes and dishes. The service was great and the communal setting makes it an interactive experience. However, I didn’t find its dishes very memorable relatively speaking to restaurants in its class.
