#48: Gravy

I have now had two experiences with Gravy.  The first time, my husband and I invited two of our close friends Mike and Mandy with us.  We went on a Sunday afternoon (our mistake) and sat for, wait for it, two and a half hours!    By the time we had been sat, ordered and received our food I'm pretty sure anything would have sufficed.  We were even more pleased when we took that first bite.  It was good.  I'm not talking sufficient, but clean up the plate good.  Another important note:  If you get a hankering for breakfast and are hoping for some 'brinner', no such luck.  Gravy closes by 3:00PM. 

All that said, nobody will be cleaning up their plate because the portion sizes are HUMONGOUS, but all in all a great experience.  My husband got the challah french toast, I got banana chocolate chip pancakes, and we shared a portion of biscuits and gravy.  Is this why its called Gravy?  I sure hope not.  It was okay.  Nothing to call home about though.  If you're looking for some good biscuits and gravy, check out Pine State Biscuits(I'm drooling just thinking about it).  The banana chocolate chip pancakes were delicious although very sweet.  Banana chunks were hidden inside the batter and each cut had a nice slice of real banana.  Slightly melted chocolate chips and fresh banana slices were on top for a nice touch.  The highlight of our meal?  The challah french toast... wow.  This is not only the best french toast I've had in Portland thus far, but the best french toast hands down.  Perfectly cooked and amazing flavor.  If you like french toast, you MUST GO!  

I'm trying to remember what our friends got.. I believe it was one of the signature 'Scrambles & Omelets' in addition to the veggie version of the biscuits and gravy.  The veggie gravy was much better than the country gravy, but still nothing spectacular.  I didn't hear any complaints about the scramble either.

Our second visit was less successful.  I was determined to order the french toast for myself, a half order of course.  My husband, wanting to venture out asked for the 'Country fried steak & eggs' with a side of buttermilk pancakes.  Again, remember the portion sizes are HUGE.  If you're unhappy, a lot of food goes to waste.
  

I was pleased as punch with my french toast.. another ten in my book.  My husband, was less than happy with his dish.  The country fried steak was thick and chewy and the fried shell was broken and thin.  He ended up having two bites and moving his eggs to his pancakes plate.  The pancakes he liked, but wasn't impressed.  He is a breakfast critic and expected more with how amazing the french toast is.  All in all, one left satisfied the other disgruntled and grumbling that Gravy is only good for one thing... french toast.

Cost: decently priced for the portions.  Average cost per plate is $8-$12
Menu: Nice breakfast breakdown with sweet and savory food for everyone.  Vegan and vegetarian options also included.
Food:  There are some gems on the menu that make this rating higher than it might be if we tried everything on the menu.  I would rate it a 4/5
Service: The wait stinks, but there is no way around it with these popular one of a kind restaurants.  Know about it and be prepared.  Service is relaxed and not a good place to go if you're looking for quick and attentive.  You're not ignored and the staff are pleasant, but you're going to be there a while.