I’ve been to Italy once, long ago when I was just a young child. We were staying for a few days in Zurich with my dad and drove down, if maybe only for a night, to Lake Como, Italy. Unfortunately, at this point, my memory of that trip to Italy is faint with a few moments here and there that I can recall.
I remember one of the bumpiest car rides I have ever experienced as my dad’s colleague who didn’t know how to drive stick drove us from Switzerland to Italy.
I remember walking along a cobble stone pathway, surrounded by restaurants and shops to choose from.
I remember sitting down to eat and enjoying a breadstick that was very crunchy and so very different from the breadsticks I had known from Pizza Hut–a favorite at that time in my life.
And, most of all, while I don’t remember exactly what it was I ate, I do remember that I had one of the best pasta dinners I’d ever had–well, at least up to that point in my life–in Lake Como.
Food has an amazing way of connecting us to an experience. For me, I may not remember what I was wearing or exactly where we were but I can usually remember what it was we ate. The way a musician or avid music lover may reminisce on a trip with a song they heard during their travels–I reminisce on memories and experiences with the dishes I’ve tasted.
It is not often that you find a restaurant or experience that really, truly reminds you not only of another meal you ate but of an authentic experience you may have had. But a Cena Ristorante, which appropriately translates to “come to supper,” in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Ore. did just that for me last weekend.
On one of the most beautiful fall evenings I’ve experienced in Portland in a long time, my family and I were seated on a bench outside that became our passport, our gondola if you will, to Italy.
Simple, fresh ingredients, and superb service, every dish that was put in front of us not only satisfied my stomach but warmed my heart.
This Fall, the restaurant’s chef and its owner will be traveling back to Italy on the search for new recipes and to stay inspired by the experiences they have while they’re abroad. It’s clear from the symphony of flavors we tasted at a Cena that both heart, soul and a deep knowledge and appreciation for authentic Italian cooking is what the chef is pouring in to each of his dishes.
If only I could come to supper in Portland every night. You’d likely find me dining al fresco at a Cena with a glass of wine and a bowl of freshly made pasta.
Frito Misto: Lightly fried prawns, scallops and calamari served with marinara.
Taliatelle: Chanterelles,Brussel Sprouts, leeks, sprouts,olive oil, parsley garlic and parmigiano
Spaghetti
Pappardelle: Tuscan braised rabbit, rosemary, porcini, handcut pappardelle
Garganelli ala Norcia: Housemade fennel sausage, cremini, white wine, cream and grana padano.
Budino: Butterscotch Pudding, caramel sauce, whipped cream. Served with a Pizzelle.
Classic Tiramisu with mascarpone, espresso, dark rum and cocoa.
a Cena. 7742 SE 13th Ave., Portland, Ore. 97202