A Culinary Journey to Rue: A French-Inspired Bistro in Portland (Review)

Please note that Rue is now closed. We encourage you to explore other fantastic dining options in Portland.

Rue was a delightful French-inspired bistro nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon. This restaurant offered a unique dining experience with its focus on vegetable-forward dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Although Rue is now closed, this review aims to capture the essence of what made it a memorable culinary destination.

My visit to Rue occurred on a particularly hectic June day. Despite the day’s challenges, the anticipation of exploring a new culinary gem in Portland spurred me onward. Reflecting on my drive to the inner Southeast Ankeny Street location, memories of the area’s vibrant past flooded back – the old dive bars, the energetic $5 concerts at the legendary La Luna. There was an undeniable sense of excitement building in this part of town. Rue seemed to be at the forefront of this evolution, hinting at the exciting changes to come.

Situated on the corner of Ankeny and 10th Avenue, Rue boasted an abundance of natural light thanks to its expansive windows. The restaurant, accommodating 65 guests, featured a striking bar that ran almost the entire length of the dining area. This layout fostered a sense of connection and conviviality among patrons.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Bar Manager John Lewis, whose welcoming gesture – a glass of summery rosé – perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Rue. His hospitality immediately set the stage for a delightful evening.

Rue’s cocktail program was thoughtfully designed to complement the food menu, showcasing inventive and herbaceous creations. My personal recommendation was the Reagan Smash ($10), a stunning pink concoction featuring Campari, bourbon, and lemon. This refreshing and subtly sweet cocktail enhanced the flavors of the dishes crafted with such care by Executive Chef/Owner Jason Roberts.

The wine list at Rue was equally impressive, offering a harmonious blend of Pacific Northwest and French favorites, catering to a wide range of palates.

The Culinary Delights of Rue

Rue’s dinner-only menu featured a selection of small plates, ranging from $8 to $17, designed to be shared and savored. This approach encouraged diners to explore the diverse offerings and create a personalized culinary journey.

Chef Roberts brought a profound respect for organic farming to his culinary creations. His experience as Chef-Farm Liaison at Chino Farms instilled in him a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of each ingredient. Before opening Rue, Roberts honed his skills with the popular Boxcar Pop-Up series in Los Angeles, showcasing vegetable-forward California cuisine.

Each dish at Rue was a work of art, carefully composed to highlight the individual strengths of its ingredients. The result was a symphony of flavors and textures that were both beautiful and satisfying. Rue catered to a wide range of dietary preferences, ensuring that vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike would find something to delight in. For a complete dinner experience, I would suggest ordering three to four small plates per couple.

My personal favorite was the Lavender Roasted Carrots ($11). Roasted in a decadent brown butter with manchego cheese and chrysanthemum, this dish was a revelation. The combination of textures and flavors created a harmonious balance that was simply irresistible. The crunch and smoothness of the carrots danced on the palate, inspiring a quiet celebration of culinary artistry.

While the menu at Rue was subject to change based on the availability of fresh, local ingredients, here are a few other dishes that I particularly enjoyed during my visit:

Oil Cured Sardines, Radishes, Herbs ($10) – A testament to the simple beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s noted that these were sometimes served with crostini.

Trout Tartare, Cucumber, Smoked Almond – A light and refreshing dish that perfectly showcased the delicate flavors of the trout. While this particular dish was no longer on the menu, Rue often offered a Smoked Trout ($12) dish with haricot vert, tarragon, and aioli.

Ayers Creek Beans, Eggplant, and Marigold – A surprising and harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Even for someone who typically dislikes eggplant, this dish was a revelation.

Reflections on Rue

After indulging in several dishes and savoring a few carefully crafted cocktails, I left Rue feeling lighter, calmer, and utterly content. My experience at Rue left me with high hopes for the future of this burgeoning culinary scene. While Rue may not have been ideal for large groups or families with picky eaters, it was an exceptional choice for date nights or girls’ nights out. It was a formidable contender in Portland’s vibrant restaurant landscape. While now closed, it leaves fond memories of delightful dining.

While Rue is no longer open, you can explore other restaurants in the area that offer unique dining experiences. Consider supporting local businesses and discovering new culinary gems in Portland.