Dinner & jazz hotspot
Sharky's
opens to rave reviews
by Patrice Raplee
Among the colorful tables and flickering candlelight, patrons line
the doorways of Sharky's Grill restaurant and jazz club.
Sharky's, located at 355 N. State St. in Lake Oswego, has become Portland's
new fine dining and jazz hotspot. Joseph and Patti Dallal opened their
Mediterranean venue in June to rave reviews and a packed house almost
every night. The Dallal's success clearly comes from the superb cuisine
and list of top swing and jazz musicians that perform nightly. Proficient
at their various jobs, the friendly staff appears to move in a choreographed
dance without missing a beat or losing their patience with the full-to-capacity
dining room.
Joseph Dallal graciously greets his guests and makes sure that every
customer is pampered. One of the aspects that makes Sharky's so appealing
is the "no cover charge" for the music and a no smoking policy
anywhere in the restaurant or lounge. Outdoor seating is available and
Dallal is even planning on setting up outdoor heat lamps for cooler
evenings.
Sharky's originally opened two years ago with the ownership divided
between eight partners. Dallal states that "nobody could decide
on the direction the restaurant should take," so he left and went
to work elsewhere. Last April, Sharky's was put up for sale; the Dallals
didn't hesitate and bought Sharky's with a very clear direction in mind!
"Pamper your customers, stay consistent and don't raise your prices
with success!" states Dallal. "We want our customers to receive
the very best food, service and entertainment available."
The restaurant is a work in progress; several changes reflect the inspired
theme of Sharky's interior. A Mediterranean blue tropical fish tank
influences the overall decor of the dining room, while colorful blue-cast
walls offset the glass tabletops and woven chairs. The gourmet cuisine
at Sharky's is presented with artistic flair. Beautiful dishes are prepared
before your eyes in the open-face kitchen by some of the most talented
chefs in Portland.
The evening this writer visited Sharky's, it was definitely standing
room only; wistful patrons were regretfully informed it would be a considerable
amount of time before they could be seated. A few customers had the
option of mixing parties at the same table; this solution turned out
exceptionally well.
Couples such as Bob and Cleo Fuller, who celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary, shared their table with Don and Jan Anderson of Lake Oswego.
Both couples came to enjoy dinner and listen to Donny Osborne's performance,
a tribute to the late Mel Torme. Graciously giving up her chair so that
this writer could pencil a review, Phyllis Raniere of the Clairmont
District commented on how thrilled she was that a first class jazz club
and restaurant had finally opened in Lake Oswego.
Part of the success of Sharky's is due to Dallal's business partner
Nate Brusselback. A graduate of Lewis and Clark, Brusselback contributes
many valuable perspectives, from restaurant designer to Maitre de. An
elegant gentleman who quickly and efficiently takes care of any problems
or requests a customer might have, Brusselback exudes a quiet confidence
that signifies the mark of a top-drawer establishment.
Sharky's menu is billed as "inspired cuisine." The selection
of appetizers runs from crab and artichoke to bruschetta. Filet mignon
to pesto-crusted halibut are listed in the entrée section, with
specials such as free-range lamb as the alternative. Dessert is allocated
the same consideration as the main meal with culinary delights bordering
on the indulgent side. Try the "Suicide Chocolate Cake" if
you dare.
If all the sights, sounds and tastes of this unique restaurant are
not enough, imagine it combined in harmony with some of the best musicians
in Portland. Victoria Corrigan is the booking agent for Sharky's, as
well a regular performer. Guest artist for Osborne's tribute to Torme,
Corrigan bewitched the crowd with her version of Peggy Lee's Fever.
Osborne, who has worked for and was friends with Torme since he was
18, gave a performance that sent the crowd into a standing ovation at
the end of the show.
Upcoming performers at Sharky's include: The incomparable Dana Lutes,
Marilyn Keller, Lew Chapman and Tall Jazz. For a complete listing check
out Music on Tap this issue.
The Dallals have seamlessly blended Sharky's into the best of worlds,
music and fine cuisine combined with irreproachable service. Visit Lake
Oswego and find out why everyone is talking about the establishment
of the year.
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