The Original

Written by mojdeh on February 2, 2015 in I Eat America, I Eat...Out with 0 Comments

(originaldinerant.com) – Southwest neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

How I heard of this place: On a walking food-cart tour in September, my husband and I met a group of women from New Jersey – who are often in Portland on business. They made a number of recommendations, including The Original Dinerant. (More to come…)

Type of cuisine: “Mod-Americana cuisine served with a dose of style and sophistication. We love food, and it shows. The Original is the perfect destination for unexpected all-day Portland dining.

Our inspired menu of eclectic American cuisine takes on regional favorites and modifies them with local and seasonal ingredients resulting in flavors and textures unique to the Pacific Northwest.

The Original Postcard Wall

Unwind at our candle-lit bar for that much deserved post-prandial nightcap.

At the Original, we honor the past as we listen in on the pulse of Portland’s adventurous and evolving tastes.“

Ambiance: Bright and airy, the spacious, tall-ceilinged, window-lined establishment offers the welcome of a thoughtfully decorated and presented space within the comfort of a diner.

Rusty brown booth seating, laminate table-tops and bright reds set against grey walls give patrons every reason to come in and stay for awhile.

What I ordered: With yet another 45-minutes of Happy Hour, and the option of more for less, we knew what we had to do. My husband and I picked our favorites and then set out to share each dish, starting with Poutine ($6): french fries, cheese curds (and cheddar?) with gravy.

A Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($7) of breaded chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, onion, honey dijon spread on a brioche bun,

the BBQ Brisket Hot Pockets ($4): two mini pockets stuffed with cheese curds and served alongside BBQ Fondue,

Donut Burger Sliders ($5): mini buttermilk donuts, highland oak beef and Tillamook cheddar,

Chicken & Waffle Sliders ($5): two quartered buttermilk waffle triangles topped with fried chicken and a drizzle of honey dijon.

We started, and ended with our two Shakes ($6 each). For me, the shake of the day: Strawberry-Banana with a chocolate-hazelnut topping, and for my husband, the Cookies & Cream hand-dipped milkshake.

What I loved: The BBQ Brisket Hot Pockets, despite the wee size, stole the show for me, while the abundance of glaze surrounding the Donut Burger Sliders kept my husband most happy. The Strawberry-Banana Shake, a perfect balance of fresh fruit with creamy, ice-creamy consistency.