Noble Rot every time

I love the Noble Rot.
Every time I go there, I leave happy.
Last night was no exception.
VBM and I hadn't planned on going there, but we were hungry and adventurous after viewing "Wedding Crashers" at the Bagdad. A lame movie, by the way, but entertaining nonetheless. Not recommended for Parents.
Anyways, the Rot.
There was room for us at the bar when we got there, which was a stroke of luck.
We sat at the very end, where the dishwashing station is. The hot chef who rocks the place, Leather Storrs, was there. Washing dishes. I swooned.
Our mission was to get a glass of wine and a little dessert. As we perused the menu, I mentioned perhaps ordering a little protein as well. The Dishwashing Chef overheard us and offered us a salad that was not on the menu or the specials board: scarlet runner beans, porcinis, and dandelion greens served warm. He said it would be "extraordinary". We were all over it, even though VBM hates mushrooms. I was delighted. More for me and all that. The salad was amazing--the mushrooms were sauteed in garlic and breadcrumb and they were perfectly savory bites of yum. The greens, warm but not wilted. The beans, braised to aldente and then all of it in an innocuous vinaigrette. A great mix of textures and flavors and gentleness. Note: the Hot Chef checked in with us to see if we liked the salad. More swooning on my part. VBM was amused. We also had a brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it, drizzled with Rot's caramel sauce. The brownie was hot and very chocolatey and not too sweet. The sauce was more buttery than butter. There was Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir and later, some tawny port for me and some sherry for VBM. These libations were perfectly suited to what we were eating. The service was great. Everyone who works there is cute and smart and there is no waiting for water or the check. Minimal chitchat. Nobody called us "guys."
I hate that. I am not "guys."
On our way out the Hot Chef looked up from what he was doing and caught my eye (ok swooning again) and I said Thank You and he smiled and he said You're Welcome and I ran out the door giggling like a little girl.
I love the Noble Rot.
Sigh.

Noble Rot
(503) 233-1999
2724 SE Ankeny St
Portland, OR 97214