Bar Avignon is the Go-To for Renata’s Sandra Arnerich

Sandra Arnerich and her husband, Nick, have only been in Portland for two-and-a-half years, so when it comes to exploring this city's dining scene, they've got their work cut out for them—an exercise that's proving increasingly difficult since opening the doors this spring to Renata, their upscale Italian spot.

But they're trying: Sandra says that she and Nick like to turn Saturday night into date night, which allows them to try places like Coquine and Langbaan.

But come Sunday, Arnerich says Bar Avignon is the "go-to" jam for her, Nick, and their two children, aged three and five.

"They have a great wine list that's super approachable, with a by-the-glass list that's well thought out," she says. "As for the food, it's comforting, simple, and it's exactly what I want when I don't want to cook."

And even though the restaurant's menu always changes, she and Nick tend to rely on a couple of Bar Avignon staples: mussels and roasted chicken, the latter of which has Sandra truly smitten.

"It's what I always get whenever I go," she says. "It's just so flavorful—never dry—and it's especially good during tomato season, when they serve it over a panzanella. I can literally eat that three times a week."

Bar Avignon is open seven days a week, from 5 p.m. till close.