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Find Foie Gras and Steamed Burger Nirvana at This Portland Mainstay
Seven years in, Canard’s original location still hits for a casual happy hour retreat
Brenna Houck/Eater Portland
Brenna Houck is a dining editorial manager for the Eater network overseeing the Cascadia and Midwest regions. She previously edited Eater Detroit and reported for Eater. You can follow her at @brennahouck.
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There’s little to say about Canard that hasn’t already been said. Chef Gabriel Rucker’s casual wine bar, tucked in next door to the chef’s other much-loved tasting menu restaurant Le Pigeon, came on the scene in January 2018 to much anticipation and subsequent praise from both local and national media. Seven years later, Canard has transformed into a burgeoning chain with outposts in Beaverton and Oregon City — but its cozy original is still an easy choice for travelers staying in the Buckman neighborhood and looking to dip their toes into Portland’s energetic culinary scene.
What to order
- As someone who lacks nostalgia for White Castle sliders, feel safe knowing that the steamed hams at Canard are leagues above the chain’s version. Take full advantage during happy hour when they’re $4; the simple bite-sized burgers are dressed with melty American cheese, pickles, onions, and mustard.
- If you like foie gras, then Canard is your ticket: Find it all over the menu, whether stuffed into dumplings or as a slab atop a duck “Spam” musubi. It’s also offered seared as an add-on to mains like the Duck Stack and steak frites.
- Oeufs en mayonnaise is the ideal little bite. The creaminess of the soft-boiled egg and sauce is cut by salty pops of trout roe and smoky bacon.
Best seat in the house
If you’re traveling solo or just meeting up with a friend, there’s really no better spot than the curved bar at Canard where you can order the full menu and drinks.
Insider tip
If you show up on an early Wednesday evening, the bass from a Talking Heads song in the restaurant might compete with a thumping beat from House Wednesday at neighboring Nova. Just go with it.
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