Le Pigeon

We have been meaning to check out Le Pigeon for quite a while, but the last time we actually made it to the front door it was closed. On a whim we tried it out on a Tuesday, hoping it would not be too crowded, as it is a very intimate space. There is a short bar area with several stools that look straight into the kitchen, and a few large tables where you sit family style. While Le Pigeon is getting a lot of hype, I don't think it is ready to join the Portland big boys yet. It still feels like a small experiment stuck in an unsuspecting strip of East Burnside, that is otherwise home to strip clubs and second hand stores. Much like the French bistros of last century, the menu is short and smart, concentrating on local ingredients and a few specialties. You can actually get pigeon as an appetizer, however I can not imagine eating the rat of the bird family. They also have rabbit, an interesting beet salad (which was more fish than beets), and my choice the potato soup. The highlight of the soup was the sweet bread accompaniment. The soup itself was trying way too hard. The fois gois and whatever else was in there overpowered any hint of potato. The entrees were better, we had the steak accompanied by tongue stroganoff and a blue cheese torte. Both were very nice. Unfortunately we could not attempt a desert due to the richness of the previous courses. So to the only restaurant question that matters: would I go back. In short, not any time soon. I think this place still has a lot of growing up to do. They are long on the attitude and hype, and still short a few consistently good dishes. They are also a little overpriced for what you get. It's a crazy time here in Portland, you want to say good for you, interesting thing you trying to do here, but you also can't help but think... get over yourself, you're not in NY.

Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 546-8796