by: Kelly Moyer-Wade - Five months after Troutdale locals bid a three-day, spirit-filled goodbye to Hagar's, one of East County's favorite watering holes, a new creation stands in its wake.
The Riverview Restaurant, Troutdale entrepreneur Junki Yoshida's latest undertaking, opened May 1, and if reservations are any indication (the place is booked solid for Mother's Day), it isn't lacking fans.
Located on the easternmost tip of Stark Street, the new restaurant takes full advantage of its wooded surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows faces the Sandy River, giving the trees and flowing water center stage. And an outside deck, set to open later this month, seats 150 people on river's edge.
"My dream is that this will become a landmark for East County," Yoshida said earlier this year of his new restaurant.
Nearly 5,000 square feet of indoor dining space are filled by elegant tables on an expanse of polished hardwood floors and punctuated by three fireplaces and colorful, modern artwork.
Eventually, guests can peruse the ambitious garden area, which Yoshida's wife, Linda, is designing. In planning the Riverview, Yoshida said finding a balance between quality ingredients and affordable prices was important to him.
This balance is born out in such dishes as the Butternut Ravioli, a butternut squash filled ravioli coated with toasted hazelnuts, sage and Marsala, for $14; and the Seafood Tower, a mix of skewered prawns and cod, grilled with coconut and panko breading, served with coconut curry cream, garlic mashed potatoes and stir-fried vegetables, for $17.
Yoshida hopes Riverview will introduce East County diners to the joys and delicacies of quality seafood with entrees like Sesame-Seared Ahi Tuna and Grilled Chilean Sea Bass.
Even the usual suspects are given the royal treatment. A hamburger is not a hamburger here. Instead, it is a Colossal Kobe Burger, serving a "generous portion" of Kobe beef on a Ciabatta bun with sautéed mushrooms, onion, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and served with fries and a tossed green salad for $15.
For the lighter appetite, or to start your meal, try the Riverview's New England style clam chowder, a tasty concoction of Pacific Northwest clams, bacon, potatoes, celery and spices in a creamy base.
The lounge features more than a dozen on-tap microbrews and happy hour offers a taste of the restaurant's appeal for just a few dollars. Signature drinks include the Yoshi's Bloody Mary — a mix of Yoshida's Spicy Wing and BBQ Sauce, jalapeno vodka, hickory smoke, dried dill, lime juice and tomato juice — and the Black and Blue Iced Tea, which is made with blackberry iced tea and blueberry vodka.
Riverview has a definite sweet side — there are more than enough desserts to satisfy most diners. The crème brulee sampler serves three flavors of crème brulee in sake cups; or, if you're feeling European, try the fruit plate, which serves fresh, seasonal fruit with an assortment of domestic and imported cheeses.
Dutch apple pie, old-fashioned carrot cake, cheesecakes, chocolate cake and sorbet are also on the menu.
The restaurant has several upcoming events planned, including Mother's and Father's Day events, as well as a pre-planned New Year's Eve bash.
The restaurant is at 29311 S.E. Stark St., Troutdale. Reservations are welcome. Call 503-661-3663 for reservations or more information. Or, visit www.yoshidariverview.com.
The restaurant is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant will begin serving lunch June 1. The lounge is open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo by Carole Archer
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