Cafe Nell was profiled in the August 21st issue of Just Out.  Cafe Nell serves American Brasserie cuisine and is located in Portland’s Nob Hill.     

Calling all frugal foodies!

I’ve just made a great discovery that I must share with you…

Yes, the waning economy may have taken its toll on your pocketbook, but the good news is that it’s never been less expensive to indulge in what used to be a very exclusive culinary tradition – pairing dinners.

Wine dinners are no longer only for people with six digit incomes, and with the growing interest in spirit and beer pairings the wine dinner stigma of hob-nobbing with starch-shirt wine collectors has been distorted beyond recognition. What is gradually taking its place is an emphasis on education, discovery and approachability. The lovely result of this – and the “great discovery” I mentioned earlier – is that these intimate dinners are no longer only once a year and $150 a seat. They’re weekly and they’re $60 a seat!

This epiphany hit last night while pondering my first course (fried squash blossom

Cafe Nell's Squash Blossom

stuffed with crab mousse and drizzled with a balsamic reduction) at Café Nell’s new weekly summer wine dinner – this one featuring Sokol Blosser wines. Each week throughout the summer months, Executive Chef Andrew Garrett will prepare a 5-course wine pairing dinner for the astounding affordable price of $55, wine included.

My words of advice… Don’t wait for the economy to improve to indulge in a pairing dinner. Seize the moment, grab a friend and head to one of the many dinners taking place at restaurants everywhere. I guarantee you’ll spend less than ordering dishes a la carte.