Kris K.
Yelp
If you follow my reviews, you know that when our son, Michael, visits, we often explore new places. Two Sundays ago we hit Midpoint Food and Drink. It's humbly hidden just round the corner off of Powell. One of about 5 places in an unassuming, dog legged strip mall, it would be easy to pass by.
The groups of folks waiting outside quickly dispelled ideas of "just another old time, meh brunch place".
We just got in under the call for the 2:00pm closing time. Whew!
I ordered and explored and savored the textures and tastes of the day's special deep fried French toast with blueberry cream cheese, whipped cream (the real kind) and berries. I didn't lick the plate because my husband was there. The bread was palm-sized rounds, soaked in vanilla French toast dip and then deep fried to a crisp delight. Between the rounds, a large quenelle of the blueberry cream cheese contrasted the crunch of the toast and was a bit melty but still cool, again contrasting the warm toast pieces. Unneeded but welcome, a dollop of whipped cream offered the sugar hit that made the syrup totally unnecessary. I didn't touch it. And the scattered, fresh berries added tang and brightness. All the food moans and sighs.
Bill and Michael ordered different variations of the potato stacks. These were hash browns to perfection - you know, they're potatoey inside and golden (not old oil overly brown or inconsistently singed, browned, or barely crisp) outside. The other ingredients in the stack were deftly cooked to done. The chef obviously works to maintain the integrity of all the produce used.
Excellent places have wait staff that authentically serve, show pride in their coworkers and in the food they produce. They make you feel like you belong. Check.
Memorable places offer interesting specials that entice you to go down that road less traveled. And you're happy you did. Check.
Places you appreciate are those that prize quality over absurd quantity. You can eat the entire serving without feeling like you could compete in a Miss Manatee competition. And prices are fair. Check.
We will return and even talked about who we'd bring there - always a nod to how much we enjoyed it.
Find your way to this Portland gem. You'll thank yourself and then you'll make plans to go back.