We’re taking a belated holiday break and thus West Cafe’s doors will be closed the week of 01/04 through 01/09.  We will, however, return for brunch Sunday morning, 01/10.  Our Saturday Jazz will also resume on 01/16 the following week (see the Jazz Calendar for upcoming performances).  Thank you and Happy New Year to all!

Ring in the winter holidays with West Café and join us for a traditional family-styled Mexican dinner on Tuesday, December 15.

Join us on Tuesday, December 15 for a heartening and scrumptious authentic Mexican fiesta to celebrate the oncoming holidays.  Come in to downtown Portland’s West Cafe, make yourself comfortable with friends and family and prepare to enjoy a delicious traditional Mexican meal.  All the culinary delights listed below – for just $15 per person.  Dinner is served at 7PM and reservations are required.  Contact us via phone at 503.227.8189 or email us at eat@westcafepdx.com.  Be sure to reserve seats soon as these events typically sell out quickly.

West Cafe Traditional Mexican Fiesta Menu:

Homemade Sopas: fried tortillas topped with refried pinto beans, chicken,
lettuce, tomato and queso fresco

Tamales Nejos: steamed seasoned masa in banana leaves for you to top with:
Puerco rojo braised pork with a red tomato salsa and
Tinga, chicken braised with a green salsa

Pollo Posole: traditional Mexican soup with chicken, spices and hominy

Round Two:
Arros de Leche: Rice pudding with cinnamon and raisins

Mexican Flan: caramel and egg custard

West Cafe Jazz Calendar October 2009

October 3, 2009:  Mindy Anderson
West Café brings intimate Portland jazz downtown on Saturday, October 3.

West Café is pleased to feature Portland jazz songstress Mindy Anderson with guitar accompaniment on Saturday, October 3. Mindy’s intimate musical style should mesh perfectly with the West’s warm and cozy surroundings. In Mindy’s own words: “Some of my earliest memories revolve around two of the things I love most: family and music. For me, singing invokes the joy of belonging, security and celebration.” Hear and see more of Mindy at www.myspace.com/mindyrooted.
Please join us for a delicious dinner in the dining area or relax in our bar and enjoy some of the finest local jazz Portland has to offer. Our jazz performances are always free.

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009
Time:  7-10PM

October 10, 2009: Carol Rossio
West Café, jazz and a taste of French flair downtown on Saturday, October 10.

West Café is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio.  Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjures visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost.  Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma.  For more info on Carol and her various projects, visit www.carolrossio.com/home.html.
Come take advantage of the West’s cozy intimate space and imagine you’re lost in the Latin Quarter, sipping the West’s finer wines and tasting the exquisite dishes crafted by head chef Sean Concannon.  Saturday jazz shows are always free.

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

October 17, 2009: David Brothers
West Café presents down-home folk and blues downtown Saturday, October 17.

On Saturday, October 17, the West Café is happy to welcome back the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David [www.myspace.com/davidbrothers] artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He packed the house for his debut cd release in April and we expect the café to be jumping in October as summer breathes its last and autumn settles in.  Join us for a delectable dinner in the restaurant or simply unwind at the cozy bar with top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.
Saturday music is always free.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

October 24, 2009: Mary Kadderly
Come welcome autumn in at the West Café in downtown Portland with the distinctive jazz of Mary Kadderly on Saturday, October 24.

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London.  More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com/index.htm.
The West always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz on Saturday, October 24.  There’s never a cover charge.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 7-10PM

Thursday August 6, 2009 6 P.M.

Sean Concannon & Doug Smith of West Café, with Michelle & Lotof Shahtout of Michelle’s Piano Company and musical guest Darcy White present a very special evening in conjunction with Our House of Portland.  The evening is a benefit and part of the Our House Dinner Series.   100% of the proceeds from public and private dinners go to Our House, Swan House, Esther’s Pantry, Tod’s Corner, and our Neighborhood Housing & Care Program.

You won’t want to miss this special evening, certain to indulge your palate as well as your ears.  The adventure begins downtown at Michelle’s Piano Company, where diners will sip wine and indulge in starters of Dungeness crab and corn fritters with mango mustard sauce, asparagus and Portobello yakitori, and smoked salmon and pineapple nori rolls.  Between bites, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking concert played simultaneously by three classically trained pianists – including critically-acclaimed Darcy White.  After the concert, it’s a short ride on the Portland Streetcar to West Café, where the kitchen embraces both the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Rim.  Dinner includes a choice of Asian-style beef tenderloin or mint yogurt-marinated halibut, followed by either a dense chocolate “Queen of Sheba” torte or a cobbler made of pristine late-summer berries guaranteed to be music to your mouth.

Note: Vegetarian or vegan option is available with prior notice.

Cost: $125

Reserve seats early as the restaurant is certain to fill quickly.  To make reservations, call (503) 736-9276

“Our Way Forward” Menu Reflects West’s Commitment to Economic Stimulation.

As a means of honoring and contributing to the White House’s efforts to jump-start our flagging economy, Portland’s West Café has “re-charged” and “re-branded” our popular “Bail-Out Menu” with a brand new “Our Way Forward” Menu featuring four delectable dinner entrées for just $10 each.

Items on the “Our Way Forward” Menu effectively combine the grounding comforts of tradition with edgier steps into the future.  After all, imagination is a key component in successfully making “our way forward”!

“Our Way Forward” Dinner Menu:

Steamed ½ Artichoke with Curry Tofu and Brown Rice Stuffing and Creamy Lemon Peppercorn Dip

Grilled Turkey Reuben with Mashed Potatoes

Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Roasted Red Peppers, Wilted Greens & Basil Tomato Cream Sauce

Grilled Dijon Marinated Chicken Breast over au Gratin Potatoes

$10 each
accompanied by a whisper of our house salad

This represents a significant discount over West Café’s regular dinner menu, which emphasizes fresh Northwest fare with entrée prices ranging from $16 to $25.

BAR SNACKS – Spring 2009

Downtown HAPPY HOUR: Everyday 4:30-7pm & 9pm-closing

Take $1 off any of the below and beer & wine by the glass

Wasabi peas 2
Pecorino romano garlic toast 4
Sweet & spicy roasted hazelnuts 5
Oven roasted curry sweet potato wedges with cilantro yogurt dipping sauce 5
Meatloaf minis on silver dollar rolls with Tillamook cheddar 5
Black bean, cheddar & scallion quesadilla with pineapple salsa 6
Roasted eggplant dip with tomato & cilantro served with crostinis,
sugar snaps, celery & carrots 6
Jeanne Moreau’s spicy sesame noodles, soba noodles tossed with sesame sauce,
served with pickled ginger and seaweed salad 7
Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers, 3 coriander, yogurt & spice marinated chicken skewers
served with red onion bell pepper & cabbage slaw 7
2 mini bourbon BBQ pulled pork sandwiches on silver dollar rolls 7
Wild mushroom, spinach & caramelized onion tart 8
Corn & Dungeness crab fritters with mango mustard drizzle 9
Homemade pizza of the day (please allow 15 minutes) 10
Balsamic roasted “portobello burger” on foccocia with avocado spread, caramelized onions & goat cheese 10
Napoleon of Dungeness crab, bay shrimp & remoulade with avocado & mango salsa 12

SOUPS & SALADS
Today’s freshly prepared soups 3, 5
Our house salad of mixed greens with sesame ginger vinaigrette 6
Iceberg wedge with creamy Oregon blue cheese dressing and chopped tomatoes 7
Caesar,* traditional style with shaved pecorino cheese 9
Roasted beet salad of spinach with green apples, chevre and creamy peppercorn drizzle 9
Quesadilla Salad, our quesadilla on the house salad 11
Add to the above 5 salads:
Sesame maple seared tofu 4
Sliced grilled chicken breast 5
Chili lime seared halibut fillet 6
2 Jumbo basil grilled prawns 6
Sliced grilled culotte steak 9

Fresh roasted turkey cobb salad, romaine, bacon, hard boiled egg, avocado,
diced tomato, Oregon blue cheese & garlic buttermilk dressing 12
Granny Smith apple & grilled chicken salad* over a bed of romaine
with a balsamic vinaigrette and spiced candied hazelnuts 12

Grilled romaine & jumbo prawn salad with basil, garlic,
sliced tomatoes and pecorino romano cheese 15

West Cafe Specialty Cocktails

Lychee hazelnut martini 7
Pinnacle vodka, lychee juice and hazelnut liqueur served up with lychee garnish

Fireside Chopin Martini 8
Chopin vodka and a splash of ruby port served up in a cinnamon rimmed glass
with marinated fig garnish

Blood Orange Old Fashion 8
New take on an old classic with Bulleit bourbon and a splash of blood orange juice.

Mister Fisher’s Sazurac 8
Rye whiskey and a splash of simple syrup served up n a Pernod rimmed glass with a twist

Pomegranate Black Pepper Margarita 8
Good gold tequila, triple sec, pomegranate, lime & orange juices.
Muddled with lime and cracked black pepper. Served on the rocks with a
cayenne-sugared rim.

Washington Red Apple 8
Crown Royal and a splash of Apple Pucker served up with a cinnamon rim

Basil Pear Martini 8
Pinnacle vodka, fresh basil, pear puree and confectioner’s sugar.
Muddled and served up.

French 57 8
A classic drink of Tanqueray Rangpur gin, fresh lime, a dash of sugar syrup. Topped with champagne. Served up or on the rocks

Mango Mojito 8
10 Cane rum, muddled with mango puree, mint, lime and confectioner’s
sugar. Served on the rocks.

West Side Pear-adise 8
Clear Creek pear brandy, a splash of coconut rum, pear nectar and lime.
Served up with a lime and cherry.

Espresso Martini 8
Pinnacle Vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and espresso. Served up with fresh cream
drizzled on top.

Coffee Cocktails 8
Spanish, Irish, Mexican, Jamaican or Parisian

Madagascar Cafe 9
Navan vanilla cognac, Tuaca, & Portland Roasting’s Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream & a pinch of nutmeg

Chocolate Martini 9
Pinnacle vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur and a splash of Crème de Cacao. Served up in an elegantly decorated glass.

Northwest hot butter rum 9
Dark rum, Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg & brown sugar

Ask about our daily featured cocktail.

HAPPY HOUR: Everyday 4:30-7pm & 9pm-closing
Take $1 off any of the above and beer & wine by the glass

Hello Food & Wine Lovers,

Come and join us Tuesday Febuary 17th at 7pm for our Monthly Wine Dinner Event. 5 courses, 5 wines for only $35.00 per person. This month we are celebrating the wines from South America. Chef Sean Concannon will be producing 5 South American inspired courses that we will pair with 5 outstanding wines. As always we’ll have several wine professionals on hand to pour these featured wines:

Please contact Craig Hedstrom directly to make reservations for this event at 503-317-6211 or craighedstrom@yahoo.com. (more…)

By Abraham Hyatt

PORTLAND Remember Nov. 20? Sure you do. That was the day the Dow stopped simply practicing for the Winter Olympics and became a gold medalist in downhill catastrophe, dropping 445 points to a mind-boggling 7,550.

Be honest. Did you drink? A lot? If not, maybe you should have. West Cafe in Southwest Portland had been matching the Dow, day by day, with corresponding drink specials. On the 20th, house martinis were going for $4.45 — or as the bar put on its daily blog, “Might as well drown your sorrows in the cheap stuff!”

The 2-year-old West Cafe looks more “Mad Men” than day-trader watering hole. But from the end of October through November, co-owner Sean Concannon scrambled to transform Wall Street’s daily ticker into a specials menu. On Nov. 6, the Dow was down 443 so $4.43 got patrons a glass of “hallucination inducing” Lucid Absinthe; on Nov. 21, the Dow was up 494 so a draft beer and two sandwiches went for $4.94.

With tongue firmly in cheek, Concannon describes the drink deals as part of the restaurant’s economic stimulus plan for Portland. So far it appears Portlanders like being stimulated with booze. Despite the economy, business was strong for West Cafe during late fall and early winter; traffic to the cafe’s blog (which announced each day’s deal) quadrupled over the same period of time.

Cafe West’s Dow-based drink deals have gone the way of the adjustable-rate mortgage (Concannon said it was exhausting trying to keep up every day). In their place are deals based on a regularly updated list of bail-out beneficiaries. For instance, the Fannie Mae is a bourbon blood orange Old Fashioned that “might hurt you more than it hurts them, but you won’t feel it until later.”

Or if you’re looking for your own personal bailout, whispering, “I’ll do my part to make a difference,” to your waiter will earn you a free gourmet chocolate chip cookie.

Read the entire article here, http://www.oregonbusiness.com/.docs/action/detail/rid/35266/pg/10002

The Dow dropped 443 points today. We’re offering a hallucination inducing Lucid Absinthe for $4.43. Come out and enjoy an affordable a dose of the ‘green fairy’. If you have no idea what we’re talking about take a peak at this informative video,
http://www.westcafepdx.com/blog/hall-o-ween-hallucinations-free-absinthe-tasting/.

West Cafe offers Happy Hour specials every weekday from 4:30 – 7:00pm. That always includes $1.00 off wine and beer by the glass and $1.00 off bar menu items. Check out our Bar Snaks Menu or classy cocktails for all the delectable details.

Join your friends and adversaries (all political affiliations welcome) at our Election Night Party! Even if you don’t have a horse in the race, you can toast the fact that we won’t have to watch those miserable TV commercials anymore. Whatever your reason, this is the time celebrate.

We’re bringing in a big-screen TV just for the event and we’ll stay open until a U.S. presidential candidate is declared a winner – even if results go late into the night. Bring your laptop if you want to track Internet stats  – we have fast, free wi-fi!

Happy Hour prices will be offered all night long, starting at 4:30pm, when our bar opens. That includes $1.00 off anything on our bar menu, along with all wine, beer and cocktails (on or off our menus).

We have other deals going as well, including our Bail Out Menu and Twitter Special. You won’t find a better hang on election night anywhere!

Event: Election Night Party

Location: 1201 SW Jefferson

Description: Come out and celebrate a changing of the guard. Happy Hour all night along with live results shown on our large flat screen TV.

Start Time: 4:30pm

Date: Election Day – Tuesday, November 4, 2008