My husband and I recently had reservations at Wilfs Restaurant in Portland. Wilfs in located in the old Union Station on NW 6th, which is a lively area with travelers coming and going on the train as well as the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. As you enter the restaurant, you begin to take a step back in time. The lights are dimmed, the tables are all set with white table clothes and dinnerware and the chairs are red wing backed which turn out to be very comfortable. Very large chandeliers are dotted across the ceiling and thick red velvet drapes frame the windows. All of this is set to the mood of jazz playing in the background. We were made to feel very comfortable and relaxed…no rushing here! Take your time, it is glorious!

We had a long leisurely dinner which started with a Seasonal cheese plate, Caesar salad for two that was made for us at our table side. How fun is that? For dinner, I had the PORK LOIN with coconut pineapple marinade, cilantro jicama slaw and coconut rum basmati rice. May I say, it was FABULOUS! My husband had the SPICE RUBBED CHICKEN that was battered and fried and came with ancho stewed black beans, grilled pineapple rings, and raspberry compote, which also was very good! And then, what better way to finish off the meal…dessert of course! The crème’ brule was amazing!

Now keep in mind, they also have live jazz that starts about 8:00pm. Some of Portland’s best jazz artists perform Wednesday through Saturday. Again, there is no rush…sit back in your wingback chair, sip on your favorite beverage and enjoy the music, as long as you like. We did! We spent 3 wonderful hours!

In case you are wondering…yes, we will go back! Until next time, happy dining!

– Judy Pace
Self Proclaimed “foodie,”
Stutzman Services, Inc

Join us at Wilfs on Saturday, May 21st as we welcome incredible jazz vocalist, Deborah Latz to Portland. Critics have called New York-based Latz “one of the finest balladeers” (Jazz Society Of Oregon), “undeniably unique” (jazzimprov.com), and (AllAboutJazz-NewYork) says, “Her free vocal line is clear and perfectly centered.” Deborah is a performer par excellence. Her intimate, charming, and relaxed demeanor on stage moves the hearts and souls of her audiences the world over. Accompanying Latz at Wilfs will be Ron Steen, George Mitchell and Phil Baker with special guest, John Keyser. Show starts at 8:00pm – $12 cover.

On Tuesday, March 1st, Wilfs and William Hill Estate Winery present a very special evening of music, food and wine featuring local jazz great Patrick Lamb to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Wilfs Restaurant and William Hill Estate have partnered with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation to raise awareness and funds to further the Foundation’s mission to restore instrumental music education programs in schools across the country. Sales of William Hill Estate wines at Wilfs from March through April 2011 will help increase the contribution to the Foundation at a national level and support music programs in your local community.

Plus, the local distributor of William Hill Estate wines, Odom-Southern Distributors will also make a donation to The Jazz Society of Oregon, a music organization that will allocate funds to benefit local music programs in need at these schools:

• Duniway Elementary School
• Lincoln High School
• Valley Catholic Music School
• Cleveland High School
• West Linn High School

Make your reservations now!
Call Wilfs at 503-223-0070 to reserve your space at this not-to-be-missed evening of wine, food and great music, and an even greater cause!

What is the VH1 Save The Music Foundation?
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Through strategic partnerships with school districts, the Foundation provides brand-new musical instruments to public schools, jump-starting dormant music programs across the country. The Foundation maintains a partnership with the district until instrumental music is in place in every school.

Learn more about Portland jazz musician Patrick Lamb at his website.

There are 100 $50 certificates for just $25 available starting Wednesday morning at 5:00AM. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good, so act quickly. Details on the offer are available at the KPTV site.

Click here to get your certificate from KPTV

Wilfs will be closed from July 3rd to the 6th, and will re-open for lunch on July 7 at 11:30am. We wish you and yours a happy and safe Independence Day Holiday!

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Please join us on May 8, 2010 from 10 AM to 4 PM for the third annual National Train Day! It’s a coast-to-coast celebration of the Rails, and your entire family’s invited to Portland’s Union Station to join in the fun! Come down and check out the displays, exhibits and information, including:

• Tours of the SP 4449 Steam Locomotive and Vintage Railroad Cars
• Rose Festival Clown Corps
• Scale Model Trains
• Food and beverages rail-side from Wilfs Restaurant
• Host, Roger Hart of Sunny 1150 AM spinning “oldies” music
• Tons of exhibitors and groups (click flyer for complete list)

Union Station is easy to find — look for the big “Go By Train” clock tower, or take the MAX Yellow line or Green line to the NW 5th & Glisan or NW 6th & Hoyt stops. If you drive, parking is only $3 at nearby Station Place Garage. Click here for a map.

Learn more about National Train Day