Portland’s Elite Lived L’Yelp Life Magnifique @ Bluehour!

C’est magnifique! On Saturday, August 13, 2011, 150 of Portland’s Elite and their lucky guests lived L’Yelp Life Magnifique in Portland’s swankiest digs – Bluehour!  Not since the reign of Louis XIV has a group of folks been treated to such royal decadence!

With the addition of superstar chef Thomas Boyce (formerly of Spago!) to Bluehour’s quintessential French kitchen, this swankatorium is experiencing a culinary revolution. What perfect timing to invite the core of Portland’s Yelp Community in for a taste!

Yelpers were met at the door by tray-bearing Bluehour staff with cocktails forged with Portland’s local House Spirits. The Paradise #2, a mix of Aviation Gin, Peche, orange juice and a dash of Reagan’s bitters, and the Oslo Gimlet, a mix of Krogstad Aquavit and lime, were the refreshments du jour. They went down almost as smooth and fast as the service itself!

But that’s not all that was on tap this fine day. Widmer Brothers Brewing brought down a special batch of Falconer’s IPA, a new release from their Rotator IPA series. This beer is so new, in fact, that this is the first time it’s been consumed in public, and they were nice enough to serve it up to Yelp! To pair with this local brew, Youngberg Hill brought a mighty fine Oregon Pinot Noir – the Youngberg Natasha Block 07 Pinot. A mighty fine vine made this lush, robust red, which turned out to be a perfect pour for the nouvau French cuisine.

Speaking of cuisine, Chef Boyce threw down what must be the most chef-forward Yelp Elite Event spread to date. Passed apps included items such as: crispy lamb belly with apricot compote and ten spice; grilled prime ribeye with bone marrow emulsion; albacore sashimi; wild mushroom pizza with guanciale and braised greens; rapini pizza with garlic, chili and clams; margherita pizza with tomato and basil; bruschetta with fava beans goat ricotta and prosciutto; sweet corn and marscapone tortellini; octopus terrine with spicy marinated daikon, shiso; foie mousse on grilled baguette; grilled lamb chops with tomato and golden-raisin chutney; and beignets with chocolate fondue. Yes, you read that right. All items from the brand new menu at Bluehour.

There’s no question that between the top-notch food and high-end local beer, wine and spirits, Portland’s Elite were treated to a swank soiree of supreme proportions. This incredible event could not have taken place without the help of friends like Mindy and Dan from Widmer Brothers Brewing; Matt and Christian from House Spirits; Kelly Kerbs and the fine folks at Youngberg Hill Winery; Didier, Karen, Bradley, Bruce and the tremendous staff at Bluehour; Matt D; and of course the Yelp Elite Squad, without whom none of this would be possible.

Don’t believe me? Check out the 5-star reviews and photos! Haven’t written a review yet? Well what on Earth are you waiting for?

Until next time, SYOY!

—Le Don B.