Hi Hat Restaurant
June 30, 2008
East meets west in a grand fashion at Tigard's Hi-Hat Chinese Restaurant and Lounge on Barbur Boulevard, seven nights a week.
Karaoke that originated in Japan and cuisine from China, mixed with good old-fashioned American hospitality, is a sure-fire recipe for a wonderful evening out.
"People love the service and personal attention," says DJ Scott Abbey. Abbey is one of four DJs that produce sing-along music for guests with a touch of star fever. Unfortunately, last month he was temporarily side lined due to a minor illness, but still took time out from recuperating to sit down and chat one evening with this reporter.
DJ Michael Pierce took over the recently updated soundboard. Abbey has spun tunes at the Hi-Hat for almost eight years and also entertains at two other bars, "but this is the family-owned fun one," he says.
Karaoke was originally just Monday through Friday, with live bands and dancing on weekends that ended 10 years ago. The switch to giving guests the chance to sing in a comfortable environment each night to recorded music has proved popular. A wanna-be singing star can pick from literally hundreds of tunes, from oldies and classic rock to country, and sing their heart out without tolerating the sarcastic commentary of American Idol's Simon Crowell. Instead, a guest can enjoy his or her 15 minutes of fame to hoots and hollers and appreciative applause.
Abbey went on to relate the story of Millie Jo, a regular customer who celebrated her 82nd birthday at the Hi-Hat not too long ago. "She put on an impressive show," he says.
For those who want to take a break from cooking at home, the Hi-Hat offers a wonderful menu of Asian food centered around the Hong Kong style. "There have been a lot of family recipes (prepared) over the years," Abbey remarks. He went on to say that several cooks from China have passed though the well-appointed kitchen, bringing their own specialties and brand of cooking. The family "makes a lot of their own sauces that have been in the family for years; and a lot of handmade menu items as well," he continues.
The Hi-Hat is not only a great place for the entertainer in you to take over for a song or two, or to experience an intimate and delicious Chinese meal; it can handle up to 350 diners in the back dining room as well, should the need arise. Abbey talked about the large wedding party it hosted not too long ago and says it also is a great place for regular business parties as well.
The eatery is involved with Portland's Rose Festival to some degree in an effort to give something back to the community. Under the back dining room is a securely fenced and locked storage area for Dragon boats that race in the yearly event.
The Hi-Hat is located at 11530 S.W. Barbur Blvd. in Tigard, with easy access to Interstate Hwy-5. It opens at 11:30 each morning. Call 503.246-4055 or 503-246-4049 for more information. Internet address is: www.myspace.com/tigardhihat.