BEST OF PORTLAND CAFES: FIGLIA AMERICANA

Meet my new crush.

Figlia Americana.

You’ve probably driven by it a couple times since it opened in December, and not even taken notice.

It occupies the cafe space inside Rejuvenation right on Grand Avenue, and unless you noticed the small sign, you may have thought it was still that soup driven place.

But it’d be a mistake to overlook this hidden gem.

Created by the same talented folks behind Renata, this place is my new daytime dream date.

First off, the space.

It’s a big open room with three long communal tables, a long counter looking out on the street, an oversized marble round table with an open kitchen on one side and an ordering station/bakery counter on the other.

I adore the space– it’s airy and light-filled and feels like a beautiful Scandinavian space (or at least in my dreams).

There are so many pretty details upon which to rest your eyes– a glimpse into Rejuvenation beyond and eye candy throughout.

Just look at the enamel mugs awaiting soup.

I want that shelf in my house.

And the food?

It’s so simple but the quality of the ingredients so exceptional that every single thing I’ve eaten there (on multiple visits) has been memorable.

There are terrifically rendered beverage offerings: Kombucha, chai, smoothies and velvety coffee drinks.

Then let’s look at some of their breakfast offerings.

Next time I’m trying the exceptional looking cookies and fig focaccia, but it’s going to be really hard to do that to the exclusion of some of the other wonderful things I’ve had here.

Their sandwiches are exceptional.

Some are made on bread from Renata, like this Roast Beef

and the Smoked Turkey with Avocado and Bacon.

And then there was perhaps my favorite: the Grab and Go with Prosiutto Cotto, Hannah cheese (from excellent Ancient Dairy Creamery) and a Calabrian Chili Butter on a Little T American Bakery ficelle.

Its deliciousness defied description.

I got the half ($7) and eaten late morning it was substantial enough to hold me over until dinner.

Not to be missed either are any of their rotating fresh salads.

We tried a Chickpea with Feta and a Beet, Orange and Shaved Fennel, and both were exuberantly and expertly seasoned.

The beautiful thing about this cafe is it has everything I want in a place.

First off, a beautiful space that invites either a quick pop-in or a long stay.

I could easily imagine happily spending hours in the space, but it’s worked out too when I had only for a 15 minute re-fuel.

It’s got a friendly, non-snooty staff who takes their time to answer any questions you have and checks in to make sure you have all that you need.

And the food is both affordable and flat-out gorgeous.

Next time I’m trying the tantalizing tomato soup and grilled cheese option or one of the other salads — plus one of those cookies (I think they are from Bakeshop).

Figlia Americana, you’re bellissima. And I can’t wait to see you again.

http://www.figliapdx.com/