12.05.05
NW Portland: Food in Bloom
This food review was originally posted on PortlandFood.org
Having recently started a new work contract at the Montgomery Park building in NW Portland (http://www.billnaito.com/pages/montgomery.html) I found myself once again on the hunt for the best of the local cuisine. Even with the close proximity to Northwest 21st and 23rd avenues (or as an old co-worker of mine used to call them ‘trendyfirst’ and ‘threndythird’) the cold weather and rain have discouraged much walking and the lack of close by parking makes driving out for lunch impractical. Given those limitations I have been sampling the offerings of feederies located closer in. This is what I hope will be the first of a number of mini-reports on nearby food.
Food in Bloom (http://www.foodinbloom.com/) is the name of the catering business and local cafeteria for Montgomery Park. Located in the second floor of the Montgomery Park office building it is an easy location both for building office workers and nearby workers / residents. For being a ‘work cafeteria’ the offerings are both surprisingly broad and good while a bit expensive. There is a supply of fresh sandwiches prepared each morning and saran wrapped for quick pickup that runs out by around 1pm each day. The sandwiches are freshly made with fresh ingredients and are of a better quality than the presentation would suggest. The FiB grill is ready to prepare a hamburger or quesadilla any day but the real treat at the location are the daily specials. For $5 to $6.50 (depending on the dish and whether you opt for the side salad or not) you will get a heaping plate of chicken enchiladas, beef stew with mashed potatoes or various other dishes. So far every entrée I have tried has been amazingly well prepared and tasty. Eating in the open 135 foot, glass encased atrium of the building is rather pleasant, particularly with the daily musical accompaniment (a rotation of good local artists playing jazz and classical tunes on the piano, flute and other instruments). The price may seem a touch steep for a cafeteria line fare with plastic ware (there is metal silverware, if you know to look for it next to the specials counter) and self-bussing tables but the quality of the food makes Food in Bloom worth patronizing.
Briana said,
December 12, 2005 at 10:08 pm
I just recently attened a company party thrown at the Pittock Mansion, and Food in Bloom catered. They did have a quite lovely selection, and they had these lil red potatoes filled with Asiago which were to die for.
I’m excited to know that they actually have a restraunt!