twice in one week.

http://sonnysportland.com/

You know a restaurant is good if you go twice in one week when you are completely broke. Sonny’s provides its patrons with worldly experiences. The mixing of Cuban, Mexican, Brazilian and south western cuisine is simply phenomenal.

Mr. Jonesy and I randomly decided to grab lunch at what was once O’Naturals on Exchange St. We sat in back to avoid the hustle and bustle of bar transactions and general traffic. The space was bright and lively, and the old architecture was a treat for the eyes balanced with simple floral like designs painted throughout the space. Not feeling too adventurous I ordered a salad with chili roasted corn and goat cheeses and shaved cheddar with chili rubbed steak tips. It was clean and simple with just the right amount of kick. I have made a habit of ordering the steak salad at norms bar and grill and I dare say this raised the bar a bit for me. Mr. Jonesy originally was planning on having a liquid lunch, but after hearing the daily specials had but no choice but to order the rabbit dish. Now I cant fully describe the dish because he was but only so interested in sharing. He described it as a clean tasting pulled pork complimented with corn fritters and some sort of a root with rice and beans. I might also add the proportions are just enough to fill you up but not too much that you have to waddle home and loosen your belt buckle.

Tonight, after rudely being turned away from a certain upscale Portland restaurant my parents and I ended up magically back at Sonny’s. This time was going to be fearless. The dinner ambiance was straight up swanky. The waitress’s and servers and bartenders all possessed that unmistakable Portland aesthetic and were quite knowledgeable and helpful on the menu front. I ordered the whitefish, spinach and plantain concoction. oh my gah. Hands down the most delicious dish I have had in a while. The flavors although seemingly different combine in a way that my mouth had not experienced before. I don’t even like plantains or sage, both key components in the dish and I was very close to pulling a grandpa Carl and lick my plate.

Gentlemen bring a special lady there and you are sure to score some points. Ladies, have a fancy girls night out. pretend its not freezing outside and leave your bean boots and flannels at home. Don’t be intimidated by the menu’s language and price. Its South American comfort food in fancy clothes. out of towners, come see yet another component to what makes portland so damn  special.