In Love With The Woodsman

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Basically, I'm in love with a restaurant and I'm screaming it from the rooftops doing a full-on blog post about it. Because it deserves it. Considering the fact that the good majority of my spending money goes to food (and random hobbies that last a weekend) it's surprising that I haven't ventured in this direction with the blog before. Well, The Woodsman Tavern has convinced me twice now that it's the best place to dine in Portland, once during an annual holiday dinner with my closest girlfriends and again as an "impromptu" weekend brunch destination; "impromptu" in quotes because I had been scheming a plan since Tuesday to guarantee my brunch companion and I would end up there.

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Grounded in Southeast Portland on the increasingly popular Division Street (and only a few minutes from my doorstep - it's a sign), this place had my eyelashes batting the first time I heard the name. I mean come on, "The Woodsman?" Without even seeing the place it's already sexy, and sexy = the best. The tavern (and marketplace next door) was imagined and then made into a reality by Stumptown Coffee founder Duane Sorenson, with chef Jason Barwikowski (formerly of Clyde Common & Olympic Provisions) and barman Evan Zimmerman (formerly of Laurelhurst Market) rounding out Sorenson's vision.

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The real first impression happened when my friends and I were greeted by a beautiful wooden trough of fresh oysters and lemons on ice upon entering the restaurant. Good move Woodsman, good move. The five of us were seated around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night without having to wait even a minute (apparently this is not the norm) and I must admit I was sort of freaking out inside as I looked around and took in the thoughtful ambience. It's clear that Sorenson's hypothetical resume has "attention to detail" toward the top of his skills list, and I'm all about detail - so much so that my friends came back from the bathroom insisting I go in just to see how cool it was. I went to wash my hands and the soap dispensers alone (nerd alert!) are worth a trip to the baño if you appreciate design/style in any way, shape or form. I'll let the pictures do the talking because I know my words won't do the place justice, but I'll briefly describe The Woodsman Tavern by saying it's a sort of fantasy world of Portland-style idealized. We all wish we could look this good.

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Now of course the food is probably what everyone really wants to know about. As much as style and design influence my opinions, the food is most important; some of the best barbecue brisket I've ever had was out of a small town gas station. I ordered a dirty martini, and it was top notch - perfect with oysters, which I had three of ($2-$3.5). Our server was great at describing the various options, because lord knows that as much as I love oysters I have no idea what the difference is between a Shigoku and a Chelsea Gem. My friend Hannah ordered one of the cauliflower "first plates" ($11) and I admit I was a tad envious; I judged it on looks alone and I know it tasted incredible. But for me the best was yet to come: I made one of the greatest decisions in recent memory and went with the Grilled Bavette Steak and French Fried Potatoes ($28). Best. damn. steak. of. my. life. And I'm from Texas. A ton of flavor, the perfect amount of tenderness, and the potatoes came with sriracha aioli on the side(!!!).

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Brunch was a whole 'nother perfect experience. As someone who has waited two and a half hours for a table at another PDX brunch spot (okay there were 7 of us) it's kind of amazing that we were seated immediately and enjoyed pretty much perfect food. But first I have to talk about the bloody mary ($9). I don't have enough self-control to not ask for a bloody mary if it's on the menu, so that's what I ordered without considering anything else. And I had no regret; the secret mixture was "bottle-aged" and therefore looked cool and had unbeatable flavor. My meal was equally good: a potted egg with creamed kale and a country ham and apple butter biscuit sandwich ($12) - but not just any sandwich, a very good-looking one. While the biscuit stack hit this sandwich lover's spot, I must say that I have never loved kale more in a dish. I really, really recommend this meal with all of my heart.

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In conclusion, I am very happy that The Woodsman exists, and can't wait to make my third trip back and finally try the "Spicy Back" (Irish whiskey and spicy pickle juice) that has beckoned to me since I first laid eyes on the cocktail menu. If you live in Portland, I recommend you put this place on your calendar asap and if you live elsewhere make sure to check it out if you ever visit our fine city - we want to make a good impression on you and this tavern will do the trick.

I obviously love The Woodsman. Is there a restaurant that you go absolutely gaga over?


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