Beast

Yes, this photo is of me ... 1959. The first day I rode my bicycle "solo." What a great memory. This photo was taken in front of our home. We lived on 30th near Killingsworth with a mix of homes and businesses. It was a fun place to grow up. Such a busy place with buses and pedestrians passing by -- a lot of activity! In the picture you will notice a Coast to Coast Hardware store, a small barber shop and a market on the corner.
Back in July we planned a birthday dinner date with the Dehazes and Auxiers to dine at Beast in my old neighborhood. My, how things have changed on the block I grew up on!
Beast is owned by Chef Naomi Pomeroy, who competed on Top Chef last spring. The dining room is very simple with chalkboard walls and communal dining tables. It is a very cozy, intimate dining experience while watching the chefs in action as your 6-course French cuisine meal is prepared. There is a fixed menu that changes weekly -- but substitutions are politely declined! Fortunately, our menu included Grass Fed Carmen Ranch New York Strip Loin ... from Wallowa : ) It was wonderful!!
I have included the menu from our visit to show you the foods we enjoyed and the wine pairings.
Each course was delicious and the portions were just the right size.
I will honestly tell you ... this is a pricey dining experience. Bring your VISA Gold (LOL) but you also must factor in the atmosphere, the kitchen experience, the delicious food ... and the wonderful company of great friends!
For me it was more than just dining and celebrating ... it was an opportunity to see my childhood neighborhood transformed into a trendy, upscale, happening place. Fifty years ago ... who would have thought?!?!?
Happy Birthday Donna! It was fun celebrating YOU.