Restaurant Guide 2006

A Southeast Portland institution and nowadays a brand with its own cooking show, cooking classes and cookbooks, Caprial's still hits the mark with Northwest-style dishes accented with just enough Asian flavor to add interest. A hot-and-sour sweet corn soup with poached cod and cilantro expresses this Pacific Rim sensibility. To reap more of the same style, try the sesame-encrusted ahi�seared, sliced and served with avocado, cucumber and wasabi dressing�or lettuce wraps that tuck in chicken, bean sprouts and peanuts, chili dipping-sauce nearby. If you want your Northwest straight, you'll find it in the fresh, pan-roasted fish du jour served with a potato and green garlic rosti, or risotto cake. Or try the sturdy pork-loin chop dressed with Walla Walla onion jam. Menus change with the month.