Måurice’s Kristen D. Murray Adores Cyril’s At Clay Pigeon Winery

Oregon is home to a lot of restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Portlanders aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's many food players to share their recommendations for a recurring feature we call Dining Confidential.

When she's not making your food, Måurice's Kristen D. Murray likes to spend her days off by letting someone else cook for her. (That "D" stand for Danielle, in case you were wondering.)

The chef enjoys meals at Coquine, Luce, and Lovely's Fifty Fifty, as well as brunching at Navarre, sipping on cocktails (at Secret Society and Expatriate), and drinking chocolates (at Cacao).

But when it comes to pairing eating with a good bit of relaxing, she heads to Cyril's at Clay Pigeon Winery, which she absolutely "adores."

"The patio is the sweetest hidden gem in town—bocce court and all!" she gushes. "Pretty wines, punchy salads, and grilled fare in the back patio in the summertime; a pretty view of the downtown skyline in the winter. It is pretty perfect."

As for the service?

"The owners and staff are kind, knowledgeable and engaged," she says. "For the food, I have always been a fan of Cryil's salad plate. It consists of a hearty sampling of the three salads offered on the daily menu. Sasha and her kitchen staff always have a thoughtful offering that mixes seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains dressed in bright dressings, and often accented with interesting spice combinations. Also, I am a sucker for delicious cheeses, which they specialize in, and of course, gorgeous wines. I'm a silly fool for all things Cyril's."

Cyril's at Clay Pigeon Winery: 815 SE Oak St., 503-206-7862