Crow

The environment at Crow is open and well designed, with plenty of bar and chef counter space to enjoy your meal if you prefer not to be seated at a table. I really liked the energy and ambiance of this restaurant.

We started with a bottle of 2005 Novelty Hill Semillon paired with grilled asparagus with prosciutto, parmesan and balsamic and a mediterranean platter with grilled pita, dipping sauces & feta cheese.

These appetizers were the highlight of my meal, for I really enjoyed the fresh asparagus, while the med platter offered an incredible medley of tastes. Unfortunately, I think the Novelty Hill ‘05 semillon was on its way down, as it just no longer seemed like the fresh, young white wine it might have been years before.

For the main course, I ordered the pan roasted chicken wrapped in prosciutto with green beans. Based on our server’s recommendation, we chose a bottle of Belle Pente 2006 Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir, which ended up being a wonderful wine to follow the struggling semillon.

In fact, the Belle Pente pinot ended up trumping my overcooked chicken, which when combined with the flavorless, rubbery green beans, didn’t make for a memorable dish. I should have sent it back, but with the wine so enjoyable, I let the whole matter slide.

Overall, I would definitely return to Crow, for it offers a great environment, attentive service, and a diverse menu of food and wines to enjoy.

crow is (as the crow flies) the closest restaurant to our house. lucky for us, we love it. i think it is the best dining value out there; wonderfully prepared food, large portions, a changing menu, & really nice service for what you might pay @ one of those crappy, “upscale” chain restaurants.

we’ve been there about half a dozen times & i’ve never been disappointed. even the chicken (which i never order in restaurants) is outstanding, & that’s saying a lot.

the only downside i’ve found to Crow is the accoustics. it’s a bit noisy in there so it does not make for a very intimate dining experience.

At the Crow, you get seated by the window and when you are done complimenting the shells of their delicious oysters the waiter will suggest a second plate: “Do you want another?” “Yes, but please don’t bring us one.” When I tried the theory of ordering the first wine on the wine list (I bet it gets neglected) and over-pronounced the name he said, “It’s big for a Sangiovese,” and I couldn’t wait to agree. I gorged myself on lasagna, smashed potato cakes, and rhubarb, and walked out asking if Maggie liked this place or Restaurant Zoe better. She liked the food here better, but the atmosphere at Zoe better. Since then my brain has also included Palace Kitchen in the bundle of places to compare it to. Comfortable for slightly fancy.

Took my wife here for her birthday. Food was very good.