Breakfast at Equinox

As we walked towards Mississippi, my friend said “I hope you’re in the mood for a healthy breakfast.” A bad sign, I thought. I can eat a healthy breakfast anytime I want at home. When I go out I want to be decadent and consume enough calories to last me four or five days at least. We were en route to Equinox, a place I had always wanted to check out. And now that I live within a few stone’s throws, I was ready to finally get in there and get my hands dirty. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the friendly staff and the modern yet warm vibe of the room. There was a cute little bar in the corner where a girl was making espresso drinks and bloody mary’s. The dining area was nicely laid out, with plenty of room between tables.

So my friend’s version of healthy breakfast must be screwed by one too many bacon and French toast plates at My Father’s Place, because Equinox certainly isn’t pandering to the health nuts of Portland. I was pleasantly surprised to find not just a few but many rich and salty sounding breakfasts on the menu. There was even a hamburger patty and egg plate. This is gourmet comfort food at its finest. I was immediately drawn to the Black & Blue Omelette with peppered bacon, caramelized onions and danish bleu cheese topped with balsamic-apple créme. If that’s not decadent I don’t know what is. And the roasted potatoes were also pretty perfect. I then sampled my friend’s Irving Scramble, which included salmon, basil, roasted shallots and brie and was topped with lemon fraiche créme. Another friend ordered an omelette with grilled sirloin steak, crimini mushrooms and some sort of peppercorn sauce that I also sampled and found completely delicious.

Equinox is popular for more than just its location. The service was great, our food came out fast and nothing about the experience felt rushed at all. I tell you, I’m pretty excited to have the Equinox as my neighborhood breakfast spot. Now it just need to go back for dinner and drinks some time.

Equinox Restaurant
830 N Shaver
(503) 460-3333