Le Bistro Montage

Tucked into the underside of the Morrison Bridge rests Le Bistro Montage, a Portland institution since 1992. Montage is a unique dining experience, with communal tables, dim lighting, and empty green wine bottles lining the shelves to offset the red interior.

Upon arrival, the service was fast-paced and motivated. My family and I were shown to an end table in the middle of the restaurant, so we were surrounded by a plethora of movement. The music was loud enough to hear clearly but quiet enough to maintain a conversation with company.

The menu consists of many Louisiana inspired dishes, such as jambalaya and gumbo, as well as more traditional plates, like Montage’s infamous macaroni. There are also vegan and gluten free menus to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Not only are the kitchen staff very willing to help with dietary needs, they can craft up any dish you’d like from food on the menu. Some of the more exciting items are oyster shooters, alligator, and frog legs.

At the dinner table on the evening that I dined at Montage, we ate a plethora of different dishes. To my right was the Bacon Jalepeño Mac, a spicy, cheesy dish, cut with savory notes of bacon. Diagonally from me laid the Basil Pesto Mac, labelled by freshman Megan Blodgett as “very very good”. Across from me was the Mixed Greens Salad, a simple dish with available additions such as chicken or various seafood items. My choice was the Old Mac with alligator. Every dish left us full and satisfied, with food to spare.

Leftovers are returned to customers wrapped in creative shapes and animals, like a sword or snail. For dessert, a chocolate mousse was served. Creamy and chilling, the mousse after dinner was the true icing on the cake. Written by Sara Blodgett

Le Bistro Montage is located at 301 SW Morrison Street. Open Monday through Friday 5pm-2am, Saturday & Sunday from 4pm-2am. Top: Streetview of Le Bistro Montage. Middle: Tabletop featuring nightly menu. Bottom: Interior ambience is queit with long grouptables.