Cafe Nell in Portland, OR

 
Cafe on the Corner

This is the cute cafe, where my dear friend and I enjoyed a heavenly patio breakfast, beneath a 100 year old oak tree!

Actually we arrived at 10:30 and they weren't open for breakfast. We looked longingly from across the street.

Getting Ready

We crossed over to see when they would open. 11:00. 

The covered patio appeared quiet, except for spurts of activity. Staff seemed to be preparing for some kind of surprise party and we were entertained.  

The outdoor dining area was lovely with chairs that reminded me of Paris. The enclosure was classy, unlike all the quickly rigged structures, I remember being thrown up for Covid dining. The 100 year old oak added some drama and history! 

We found a cute little bench area with umbrellas and sat a moment.

Walk Time

But that used up 5 minutes. Milissa and I went on a walk to kill time. The neighborhood area in Northwest Portland, was very inviting on a summer morning.

Milissa and I had lots to talk about, so it really didn't matter whether we were at a proper table or traveling down a sidewalk.

Ready to Go

We returned at 11 and the red carpet awaited! There were curtains and strings of lights and potted bushes. We could be outside, but feel the comforts of inside dining.

We were the first diners to arrive. The surprise party was happening out of our sight. We didn't get to witness the reaction.

My Coffee Buddy

Milissa and I met through our kids 30+ years ago. We have conversed over all kinds of beverages. On this morning we were happy with our blue bottle of water and our cups of coffee.

We now live 2,000 miles apart and our coffee and converstaion has to be shared over the phone.  But on this August morning, we talked over coffee in person! It felt like we'd left our homes in Texas and Oregon and had met up at a cafe in France. 

Omelet

I was glad they had good breakfast options on the lunch menu. I ordered the Bacon, Egg and Blue Omelet. "3 free range chickens, bacon, chopped tomato and blue cheese".

The omelet and potatoes were tasty. I liked how the food was served, with  cloth napkins... little dish holding butter, jelly and catsup. It just felt nice. But the wait service was not quite as nice. We finally begged for a coffee refill. But honestly, we were caught up in our own world and were happy to be a little ignored. 

The patio never filled up, so we felt okay lingering as long as we liked. We eventually paid up, then stepped inside to take a peek around.

The red stools and red carpet and red and black chairs really felt festive and French.

Nell's describes their food as, "French inspired American classics". They've been in business on this neighborhood corner, for 13 years. I read that the last 2 restaurants in this space, were also French.

The red fireplace was extra cool. There were lots of mirrors! I'd love to see the place at night with glowing lights reflecting off the mirrors.

Heading Off

I had my buddy sit for a photo, before we walked back to her apartment. She fit right into the umbrella scene, with her black and white attire. ​

Our dining adventure was a little piece of heaven. We had lots of catching up to do and we didn't have to holler over crowds. Our table was cozy and pretty and clean and calm. The food was nice and a carafe of coffee on the table would have made it just perfect. 

I'm hoping for another dining adventure with Milissa, very soon!
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