Chef Dolan Lane Unveils All-New Red Star Tavern Menu

Taking over as executive chef of Red Star Tavern this spring, Portland-kitchen-vet Dolan Lane (clarklewis, Meriwether's) wanted to make some changes. He wanted dishes to be more seasonally focused, lighter, and brighter, and the results are now in: The all-new dinner menu rolled out last week at Red Star Tavern (see it below).

Part of Kimpton Hotels, Red Star Tavern is adjacent to Hotel Monaco Downtown, and while the dining room can tend toward a more corporate vibe, the restaurant's bar program is hands-on; the martini menu, for instance, touts seven unique vermouth options. The hope is now that Lane can take the food to the next level.

And he certainly seems on his way. The new veggie-packed menu has a Pacific Northwest-ingredient backbone, which is especially on display with the new Chef's Dinner option. In an email to Eater, Red Star Tavern says the Chef's Dinner features three "'what's in the moment' courses," plus an amuse, for $42.

New entrees include Peach-Glazed Pork Short Ribs and Grilled Oregon Albacore with roasted cauliflower, squid-ink vinaigrette, and espellete peppers. Overall, the menu has a robust selection of vegetable-forward dishes, from seasonal salads to sides, like Oven-Roasted Broccoli served with cheddar cheese fonduta.

One thing Lane didn't want to change was Red Star's groove as a modern American tavern, so as new dishes develop, don't expect anything too far afield. Red Star Tavern serves dinner nightly; breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday; and brunch on weekends. Here's a recent menu from Red Star Tavern, now with Lane's imprint:

Red Star Tavern Dinner Menu, 7.18.2016