Taylor Tobin |
If brushing elbows with Portland’s hippest hipsters at a candlelit table while chowing down on cajun seared alligator tail sounds like your kind of night, take a peek under the Morrison Bridge; it’s where you’ll find Le Bistro Montage.
Montage is known for it’s communal tables, quirky staff and a menu with a Cajun/Creole spin. The wait staff isn’t overly nice, but they're also not overbearing. This adds to the laid-back, dive feel given by the dim lighting, rustic furniture and open bar area. The staff does, however, aggressively fill up your water glass so you won’t leave thirsty!
The menu might seem intimidating to some, but it’s ok if you’re not brave enough to try gator or the Buttermilk Catfish Fillet, because they have ten types of macaroni to dig into. Who doesn’t like a gourmet spin on a childhood favorite? Classic cheddar, jalapeño, pesto, bacon (BACON), they have it all. And if you don’t want to choose just one, try the Spold Mac, a mix of the Old Mac (garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan) and the Spicy Mac (cajun gravy, parmesan & jalapeño).
If you can, try to hold back from licking your plate clean, because some of the Montage staff are seriously skilled at wrapping your leftover ball of Old Mac in a tinfoil giraffe, seahorse, cat or other various animals/objects. It feels like you’re walking out with a prize.
Montage does get busy, especially on weekends, and they don’t take reservations. You should be prepared to wait for a few minutes, but know that it’s worth the wait!
Recommendations:
Appetizers
Gator Bites ($9.75)
Crawfish Hushpuppies ($7.95)
Entrees
Spold Mac ($8.25)
Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage ($12)
Hoppin’ Jon Salad ($5.95)
Dessert
Rum Raisin Bread Pudding ($5.75)
Grasshopper Pie ($6.50)
Address: 301 SE Morrison Street, Portland Oregon 97214
