Portland's Beast Tames Refined Palates

If you don't consider Portland, Oregon, a fine-dining destination, try making a reservation at one of its hot restaurants.

Two of the city's eateries, Nostrana and Le Pigeon, were nominated for James Beard Foundation Awards this year, the industry's most prestigious honor. Food & Wine Magazine recently named Naomi Pomeroy of Beast one of the best new chefs. I could only get a reservation at one of the restaurants two weeks in advance -- at 10 p.m. on a Thursday.

Communal dining gets a fancy makeover at Beast.

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