My husband is an incredible cook so typically, I love eating at home. When we do go out, I search for a unique atmosphere, quality service, and amazing food: somewhere I know I’ll love. Nostrana is one of those places.
I’ve been going there for almost 20 years. Tiramisu is my favorite dessert and I think they have the best in Portland. A few weeks ago, the Nostrana team was nice enough to let our Consign Couture crew crash their pre-prep for the day to take some fun photos and content for Italian Night.
Their Director of Events, Natalia, was so much fun and said, “We’re a fashion family, come on over!”
It was also really fun to be in the restaurant before service, see everyone working so hard, and getting a little glimpse behind the scenes of a place I’ve been coming to for so many years. We were obsessed with the red Italian scooter parked outside, and their chef came out and said, “YES, photograph this.” It was so cute.
Nostrana opened in Southeast Portland in 2005, which is wild when you think about how much Portland’s restaurant scene has changed since then. Chef and owner Cathy Whims built Nostrana around Italian cooking and quality local ingredients. She studied with the legendary Italian cookbook author, Marcella Hazan, and has been nominated for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest six times. Nostrana doesn’t feel like a fancy restaurant that’s constantly reminding you of its accolades. Its just comfortable to be at, has incredible food and wine and you can dress up or down.
What I Order…
Obviously, the tiramisu. Their version has mascarpone, espresso, rum, Marsala and bittersweet cocoa, and it is SO good. The Insalata Nostrana is another classic. It’s radicchio with a Caesar-style dressing, Parmigiano and rosemary-sage croutons. If you’ve been to Nostrana, you’ve probably had it. And then there are the wood-fired pizzas!
In addotion to an early happy hour, I love Nostrana even more for their “Night Owl Happy Hour” where you can get a $10 pizza.
Night Owl Happy Hour is currently: Monday–Thursday, 8–9 PM, and Friday–Saturday, 9–10 PM
Enoteca Next Door
We took these photos at Enoteca Nostrana, Nostrana’s nextdoor bar. It feels a little moodier and sexier than the main restaurant, with a huge wine collection and an emphasis on Italian wines. It’s the perfect spot to have a drink with a girlfriend while you wait for your table nextdoor. Enoteca also has its own Dealer’s Choice Happy Hour at the bar:
Monday–Thursday, 5–6 PM
Friday–Saturday, 4:30–5:30 PM
So either side has a happy hour!
l’Orto Nostrano
Across the street is l’Orto Nostrano, their gorgeous one-acre kitchen garden. And it isn’t just there to look pretty. The garden actually grows vegetables for the restaurant. Executive Chef Bryan Donaldson has said it provides around a quarter of the vegetables they use. During the summer, it also becomes this really fun little gathering place.
Every Friday from June through September they do Garden Pizza & Wine from 5:30 PM until sunset.
There is something really special about this place and we felt honored to take some fun team photos to get inspried for our Italian Night.
xx Tamara
