On March 25, Carina Lounge opened in the venue that was home to Basta’s Trattoria and Bar for the past 25 years, at 410 NW 21st Ave., and Eater photographer Dina Avila returns with photos of the new look in the gallery above. The bar area adds swagger with brown-leather bar stools and a lush leafy theme, and overall, the restaurant has been brightened with a color scheme of blue tones and reclaimed wood.
Carina Lounge continues to be co-owned by Marco Frattaroli, the restaurateur behind Basta’s and SE Division’s Cibo. For the project, he partnered with Peter Kost and Michael Waters, who used to run Northwest’s Lucy’s Table (now Dick’s Kitchen), and the Carina Lounge menu is a blend of the most popular dishes from the Basta’s and Lucy’s, with some new offerings.
Maintaining an Italian focus, chef Waters prepares plates like a grilled romaine salad, Basta’s mussels with house Italian sausage, and goat cheese ravioli with browned butter and pancetta. A trio of pizzas as well as entrees like roasted Oregon seabass with saffron cream round out the menu.
Carina Lounge is now open daily, from 4:30 p.m. to midnight. Happy hour runs everyday, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., as well as from 10 to 11 p.m.
- Carina Lounge [Official Site]
- All Previous Carina Lounge Coverage [EPDX]
