The smart way to pick the best places to eat, stay, shop, and play because you are the critic! It is truly the people's choice!

   
Chez Machin, Portland, OR P321
 
Revisited  
   
Well, OK...that's better....definitely go for the crêpes and you won't be disappointed...in the food, at least.  The "waitstaff" is something else. 

I've been back a couple of times...visited with the owner who's from Chartes...even has a nice picture of the Cathedral in the restaurant...he's a great guy, but the waiters and waitresses definitely leave something to be desired. 

On my last visit, the waitress forgot to order my "crêpe of the day", never bothered to come by and ask if everything was all right, never bothered to re-fill our water glasses...and trying to pay the bill?  Fugetaboutit.  She couldn't be bothered to take our money...had to track her down and hand her the credit card.  Oh well...I guess good help is hard to find these days. 

The place has grown on me...I just expect poor service, but good crêpes and have a good meal.  They feature a few excellent Belgium and French beers along with hard Cider from Normandy...goes really well with the crêpes. 

I've even come to appreciate the Onion Soup...not hearty beef stock, rather light, but pleasant enough...they seem to have come up with some flavor since my first visit. 

The salads are just OK...a bit small for the price...but a crêpe and salad isn't a bad way to go for lunch. 

Food:  A
Attitude:  The owner:  A+; the "waitstaff":  D
Ambiance:  eclectic/funky/a little French
Parking:  On the street
Service:  SUCKS!
Value:  A

   
Chez Machin Overall grade: A-
3553 S. W. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 736-9381  
Date of visit: 8/2001 Rcvd: 8/16/2001
Submitted by: HCG, Tualatin, OR C2 R348
   
   
The Oregonian heralds Chez Machin as the "latest French newcomer" in Portland.  I guess the bottom line here is:  When you go to a crêperie, have the crêpes!  I didn't and was disappointed. 

The salads were OK, but nothing special...and not too plentiful for $6.95. 

The onion soup just didn't make it...no particular flavor, no crust of gruyere cheese, pretty lame light colored stock. 

I wasn't particularly impressed by the cleanliness of the tables nor the speed of the waiter either.  There were only a total of five tables occupied and 3 of those had their check and were leaving, but he saw fit to take the time to chat with the cook and have a couple of glasses of water prior to serving my cider...which came without glasses. 

I'll probably try them again and have the crêpes...but I'm a little skeptical. 

Food:  B
Ambiance:  A
Attitude:  A-
Parking:  on the street
Service:  D
Value:  B

 
Chez Machin Overall grade: B
3553 S. W. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 736-9381  
Date of visit: 7/2001 Rcvd: 7/4/2001
Submitted by: HCG, Tualatin, OR C2 R340
Critiques from readers represent the views of the writer and do not reflect any opinion by . Similarly, advertisement from advertisers represent the views of the advertiser and do not reflect any endorsement by .
 
Help us grow!
Copyright © 2001 . All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
updated 8/24/2001 Comments & suggestions to: webmaster@criticsatlarge.com