Portland Restaurant Guide

A very happy find - by accident. Marrakesh was full and couldn't take us til much later (what recession?) so we walked a block and found Paleys. The staff was wonderfully helpful and friendly. My crab salad with truffles was superb, and my wife raved about her chicken entree. The waiter was not as knowledgeable about wine as we would have liked (my wife wanted a full bodied red wine, and his initial recommendation was too weak. Later my wife traded up to a Shiraz, which was better). Prices would probably shock a thrifty Scotsman, but this is the Pearl, and by Pearl standards the prices are reasonable. The wait staff is very friendly and attentive. Did I mention the crab salad with truffles is just out of this world?

Please do not order trout done in the Normandy manner. A diva in the kitchen decided that Portlanders would like curled and very overcooked fish. A desecration. This happened several years ago and I have not been back. But planning to give them another overpriced chance.