O...M...G, I think i'm in love with G-Love. It's been 4 years and this may have even been better than the 5 stars I gave it 4 years ago. The folks who work at and operate this establishment, and the Love Shack next door, are simply masterminds. I feel like I'm entering a love fest, greeted by the friendliest of people and served with excellence by several staff members. A big shout out to Tyler who made us feel like family and served us from start to finish with efficiency, kindness, and exceptional care. From the moment you enter G-Love, you feel like you chose the right spot to celebrate life, a moment, or to spend time with family and friends.
The drink menu: why is everything so enticing? I can hold my liquor, but not well enough to try all the things that tempted me. Luckily we love sharing and getting tastes of one another's libations.
Here goes:
We started with The Cecilia, The Princess Peach, and a Matchstick Martini, as well as a Diet Coke for the responsible one at the table. Even the taste of the Diet Coke is elevated, or was that just me? Maybe it was the eco-friendly straw...
For food, please don't judge. I live in LA and when I come here, I feel like I may not get another opportunity to come back so I need to try it all. Is that gluttony or wonderful gastronomique decision making?
1. The Crusty Avocado - crusted with coco-blackspice seeds, drizzled with Yuzu and lemon, filled with delightful Ahi Tuna, and a bit of caviar.
2. Fingerling Potatoes - Don't pass these little gems up, as well as the delightful sauces they are served with. A must.
3. Focaccia di Formaggio - couldn't just order one for the table, we needed 2, and it still felt like we could have devoured more. Just kidding, carry on.
4. Broccoli Caeser - traditional with some parmesan and breadcrumbs, but the miso caesar dressing and lemon make it unique and delicious.
5. Garden Peas - I LOVE THIS, did I have to share... YES. served with a citrus yogurt, a macadamia nut pesto, and schmaltz. Get the PEAS says me never, but I do now.
6. Crunchmaster Crisp - maybe my favorite, still up for debate. Charred cabbage, crispy shallots and garlic (already a fan), hazelnuts, apples and Kel's onions. Do not miss this.
7. Hamachi Crudo - This is one of my absolutes, hands down, delicious dishes that shouldn't be overlooked. Divine pieces of sliced hamachi crudo, with a coconut cream and some other delicious things that I can't remember. I blame it on Cecilia.
8. Carrots and Citrus - Not only was this beautiful, it was another one of the dishes that I wished didn't end. Brown butter, pistachio, chili crunch, Tom Kha Vinaigrette. Garrett, where are you so that I can hug you for this dish?
9. Asparagus a la Plancha - fiddleheads, miso-lemon hollandaise, egg yolk, and crispy potato. And you thought this was ironed asparagus. Guess again. Delicious.
10. McFarland Springs Trout - perfectly cooked trout, with smoked buttermilk, cilantro puree, garnished with arugula radish salad.
11. Spring Tagliatelle - served with a broccoli dill pesto, garlic confit, pancetta, and fried anchovy breadcrumbs. You had me at anchovy.
12. Fried Chicken - finger lickin good, truly. No need for the Colonel to get worried, as this fried chicken is in another category. Superb.
13. Pork belly skewers & Scallop Skewers - tasty small bites of perfection. Don't pass these up.
How many of us are dining you ask? Five. Shhhhhhh,.
Dessert? Really, YES.
Since there were 5 of us, we got all three. Of course we did.
1. Milk Chocolate: butterscotch, baby popcorn and honeycomb.
2. Whip-a-licious: Passion fruit curd, lime meringue, coconut crack.
3. Golden Cloud: Golden milk sorbet, cardamom, masala, honey caviar, and chamomile.
My family says: 5***** to all, I simply couldn't.
Thank you G-Love and staff for making my last night in Portland with our family so memorable. From the welcoming to the departure, this is etched in my heart and mind as an all time favorite experience.
Tyler, you are amazing. Thank you for your service and kindness. Garrett, you have a great thing going on. Congratulations for choosing wonderful staff to serve your exceptional food and drinks. In a world where you can go anywhere, folks should go here (and The Love Shack). I can't express my appreciation enough for this amazing and memorable experience. read more