Tertulia

Tertulia is a gem! As a Montavilla neighborhood patiently awaiting upper NE Glisan’s Portlandia-​fication, I was immediately curious when I saw the «Tertulia» sign appear in the window of this unassuming space, beside a Domino’s pizza place.
A google search and a phone call later, I couldn’t believe my luck — the former chef-​owner of Patanegra was using the space as a pop-​up restaurant! Five courses of Spanish food in a prix fixe menu, Thursdays & Fridays only; only 20 diners per night. I rallied 10 good friends and everyone had a very smooth experience in booking their reservation online. Quick note — Tertulia is more than happy to make dietary accommodations. You can see the menu plan for your evening. But I consider myself again fortunate that everyone in my party a) trusted the chef and b) has an adventuresome palate. Picky eaters can enjoy the Domino’s next door!
All in all, the evening was one of the most marvelous dining-​out experiences I’ve had in Portland. The interior is beautiful, the feeling intimate. Our server was warm, gracious and unpretentious. We were delighted by a short presentation on coffee roasting (!) by the Mt. Tabor Roastery’s… roastmaster? Really nice guy who fresh-​roasted coffee to send home with every guest at meal’s end, which thrilled the caffeine-​addicts among us to no end.
The chef did his thing in the kitchen, and we were treated to those five delicious courses, served family-​style. There was more than enough food for all and we went ahead and paired it with wine from the Catalan region. Pacing was perfect, and many «oohs» and «aahs» attended each course.
So. Gather up your friends. Pick a night and book. It’s the best dinner party in Portland.
PS — Mt. Tabor Roastery, the coffee shop bit, is only open to the public on Saturdays from… oh gosh, I think 9 am — 2 pm? So far as coffee shops go, this place is gorgeous and I am excited to stop on in. You can pick up whole bags of their on-​site roast or get drinks (my friend finished the meal with a beautiful espresso).

Randomly found this gem one day, stopped in for a coffee and was blown away by the beauty and concept! Café by day, and Spanish dinner and roasting classes on Thursday and Friday nights. The tables and marble work really make the space shine!