Castagna

name
Castagna

website
http://www.castagnarestaurant.com

cuisine
Italian & French Inspired

quadrant
SE

where exactly
1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd

what's unique
Castagna has a restaurant and an adjacent cafe with a more casual ambiance

what to order
the pizza - i believe the primary ingredients are tomato, basil, and cheese

fun fact
voted #5 restaurant in Portland for 2007 by Portland Monthly magazine

my short and sweet opinion
i have only indulged at the cafe which is cozy, yet trendy - great vibe and service

pros
the next door cafe is open later than the restaurant, for late night eats

cons
...

Ten 01

name
Ten 01

website
http://www.ten-01.com

cuisine
hmm...Northwest maybe?

quadrant
NW (the pearl district)

where exactly
1001 NW Couch St.

what's unique
great happy hour - oysters on the half shell are $1.00 instead of $2.00

what to order
oysters on the half shell, mac 'n' cheese, truffle fries

fun fact
restaurant originally opened to not so hot reviews, but quickly turned around and has been recognized as the restaurant that made the best turnaround and now receives positive reviews

my short and sweet opinion
I have only been here for happy hour but have indulged in quite a variety of dishes that definitely make me want to return for dinner.

pros
happy hour, atmosphere, lounge/bar area, location

cons
hmm...not sure i found any during my happy hour experiences at Ten 01

Pok Pok

name
Pok Pok

website
http://www.pokpokpdx.com

cuisine
Thai

quadrant
SE

where exactly
3226 SE Division St

what's unique
not your typical Thai restaurant; the chef emulates food served by Thai street vendors in Thailand

what to order
the wings

fun fact
voted #2 restaurant in Portland for 2007 by Portland Monthly magazine

my short and sweet opinion
Pok Pok is a definitely a must-eat; my fave Portland eatery!

pros
Whiskey Soda Lounge adjacent to restaurant, atmosphere, food, service, you name it...

cons
there can be a long wait, especially on weekends