Introducing the Fireside, Now Burning on NW 23rd

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[Avila, 3/22/13]

The flames are flowing: The Fireside made its official debut yesterday in NW 23rd's famous Music Millennium space. As previously reported, co-owners Sue Erickson and Wendy Hessel have created a concept inspired by the outdoors: the dining room and U-shaped bar are designed around two separate fireplaces, while the menu features plates inspired by camping, picnics, and other forms of outdoor dining.

Chef Henry Kibit's menu offers a selection of snacks, 11 "small" plates, and nine "large" plates during lunch and dinner. On the "small" side: lamb riblets with blueberry preserves; a "hash" with shoestring potatoes, butternut squash, and fried egg; and a skillet of potatoes, sprouting broccoli, and raclette cheese. As promised, the larger plates include brisket, pan-fried trout, and an entree portion of pork and beans (and bacon), with other additions like a farro salad (with sunchokes and goat gouda) and steak served with olive butter, fried cauliflower, capers, and meyer lemon. Lunch features lighter options like a veggie fritatta, "hunter" sandwich (with roast beef, mushroom, and arugula), and a "picnic lunch" of cheese, bread, pickles, and choice of rillette.

Erickson's cocktail menu features nine drinks: the "Feelin' Funky" features cachaca, Cynar, lemon, and pineapple gum; the "Root Down" includes rye, house-made root bitters, simply syrup, and absinthe. Four beers are available on-tap, with an additional nine by the bottle.

Fireside is open now for lunch and dinner; according to Hessel, happy hour and brunch will slowly roll out over the next few weeks. Current hours of operation: Lunch, ??11:30a.m. to 2:30p.m., Monday to Saturday; Dinner, 5:30p.m. to 10p.m., ?Monday through Thursday; 5:30p.m. to midnight, Friday & Saturday.
· The Fireside [Official site]
· All Previous Fireside Coverage [Eater PDX]