Yesterday my bestie Ben, and his sister Jenna introduced me to what is now my favorite restaurant in all of Portland: Jade Teahouse & Patisserie Located in the adorable Sellwood neighborhood, off of 13th and SE Lexington, is a beautiful green building. One of the reasons it was love at first site was the design [...]
Yesterday my bestie Ben, and his sister Jenna introduced me to what is now my favorite restaurant in all of Portland: Jade Teahouse & Patisserie
Located in the adorable Sellwood neighborhood, off of 13th and SE Lexington, is a beautiful green building. One of the reasons it was love at first site was the design of everything. From the moment you spot the place driving by, to the second you walk through the door, it’s beautiful. The colors, the lighting, the furniture, even the fonts on the menu board create such an upclass, yet homey feel. You can tell that everything has been carefully thought out and cared for with a whole heart. These people want you to feel comforable!!
The atmosphere is completely beautiful and warm. There’s a peace about it, and there are fun little details everywhere. Just look at the rack of loose leaf teas!
And the menu, oh, the menu!!! Mark and I have a hard time finding a place with food that we both LOVE. Sure, there are places that he loves, and I like, or visa versa… but this place is the perfect fit! They have menu items that are more traditional or basic (but still completely flavorful and delicious), and also items for the more adventurous tongue, and everything in between. I don’t know anyone who couldn’t find something here that they didn’t absolutely love.
They have a huge variety of asian influenced dishes, as well as baguette sandwiches, soups, and delicous baked goods! The head chef pours her heart and soul into every single dish that’s prepared, and you can tell 100%. Everything tastes and looks like it was specially prepared just for you. The people are extremely friendly, and go above and beyond the norm to tell you about the cuisine, even recommending things! All of the ingredients are fresh, and though I’ve only been there twice now, it seems as though they make most everything from scratch! They have a bakery downstairs where the head chef (who apparently studied the art of french baking for a time in France [i think, can't remember exactly what our server said about this.. but I know she studied it over in Europe for a time]) prepares delicious baked cookies, macaroons, and other tastey treats!
I could go on and on all day, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves 
Mark’s Thai Iced Tea & my fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade
A few cute shots of my markie <3
Our delicious food!!!
Hands down, best Pho I’ve ever eaten. Mmmmmm so good
And of course, we had to have dessert!!! Jenna was raving about their traditional cake that they make! It’s green due to the banana peels that they use in it, and it tastes like a light vanilla. The cake is moist and fluffy, and the buttercream is smooth and creamy. There’s a surprise crunchy layer in the middle of some sort of flaky pastry, and white chocolate shavings on top To. Die. For. And not too sweet either!
We also tried this traditional sesame ball treat, which I forget the name of! It was awesome!! It was like a rice/bread doughnut-like ball that was crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and it was filled with some sort of yummy almond paste and coconut. Then it comes with a sweet glazey honey caramel sauce (I think that’s what it was… it was all so delicious and went so fast I can’t be positive!).
Seriously. Best. Restaraunt. EVER. I’m officially in love, and SO excited to find a place that Mark and I are both totally blown away by! I can’t wait to go back, and I was just there 2 hours ago!!
Until we meet again Jade… <3
Thanks for stopping by. It was fun getting a chance to meet you both. Love the photos! I’ll make sure April sees this post, she’ll be stoked. The cake is made using a SE Asian palm leaf called a Pandanas leaf and the sesame ball is just called “sesame ball” though in Chinese culture it’s referred to as “Jin Deui” or “Bánh Cam” in Vietnamese. Anyway, the great write up and imagery is much appreciated, will look forward to seeing y’all again soon.
Ahhh thank you for the clarification Josh! There were so many things to absorb, i should have been taking notes
Your blog is awesome too!! Great pics & write-ups! We’ll be back in to see you soon and try out some more delicious menu items! mmmmmmm
Jade is a terrific spot, even for those shy of Asian cuisines…its mix of Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian dishes is approachable and unmatched, especially for the price. The mom of the mother-daughter owners, Lucy, brings an authentic touch to all her dishes, and it’s worth engaging her in conversation about your dish…she’ll often bring out special condiments. And don’t forget to inquire about what they offer on the “secret menu”!
oh yes! Josh told us about the “Secret Menu”! So exciting!! I can’t wait to go back and try more delicious eats
Hi Courtney. Your papa sent me your way. Beautiful photos. Will definitely check this place out as I live close by. Karen.
I am so glad that you got to go there the next night! You crack me up and the photos give you such an amazing and accurate experience of the place which is wonderful! I am glad that my sister and I could show you this amazing restaurant, and for you to say it is the most amazing PHO you have ever had after all the places you have been is incredible!! <3