Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery is adding some pizzaz to the lunch hour by created a fixed price three-course meal that changes weekly. Very reasonably priced at between $14-18, diners receive two courses plus dessert or a lunch size pour of wine or beer. And if you can’t decide whether to imbibe or finish your meal with something sweet, this writer recommends doing both. The wine pairing is well appointed and should not be missed so add a glass to your lunch and you’ll have the best of everything.
The Fixe lunch menu in a previous week
Wine: 2010 Domaine Jomain Chardonnay White Burgundy
First course: Escarole and grapefruit salad with crème fraiche tarragon dressing and toasted pine nuts
The grapefruit brought a nice pop of acidity out in the Domaine Jomain Chardonnay. The crème fraiche tarragon dressing really unified all the flavors in the salad and the pine nuts added a nice crunchy texture.
Main course: Eggplant Involtini- roasted eggplant strips wrapped around house made ricotta, bread crumbs, and lemon zest served over house marinara and finished with basil and Grana Padano
The simplicity of the marinara sauce with its roasted tomato sweetness and depth, combined with the roasted eggplant contributed a distinct nuttiness to the Chardonnay that enhanced the wine/food pairing. The breadcrumbs within the involtini lent a crispy crunch that further boosted the textural mouthfeel of the meal. The garlic, basil and lemon zest also added to the depth with each sip of wine.
Dessert: Stewed apple puffs with poached figs
The spiced apples and puffed pastry, coupled with the poached figs and crème fraiche was down-right delicious. It brought out a nice hint of oak in the wine that hadn’t really been detected during the first two courses of the meal. Please note that The Fixe lunch has an either/or option where the diner must choose between the wine pairing and the dessert. This writer’s recommendation is to add a glass of wine to your lunch meal so as to enjoy the fully intended wine and food pairing. It’s worth the extra cost.
Who: Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery
What: The Fixe lunch special, three courses for $14-18
Where: 815 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214
When: The Fixe is offered Monday-Friday 11:30am-4pm
Map to Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery: https://goo.gl/maps/jV8b1
Contact: 503.206.7862 or info@cyrilspdx.com
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