In Northeast Portland, the recently opened Mémoire Cà Phê is generating buzz for its unique blend of flavors and nostalgic roots. The highlight of the menu is the shrimp omelet, inspired by a dish chef Richard Le’s mother would make for him growing up. According to culinary reviews, the omelet is a symphony of texture and taste, blending eggs with coconut milk, fish sauce, and crispy fried garlic, enveloping juicy shrimp and cherry tomatoes. This dish is complemented by a base of rice and garnished with ribbons of scallion, creating a culinary experience that many patrons cannot resist.
Interestingly, even without the shrimp omelet, Mémoire has proven to offer a delightful array of breakfast items. From a properly griddled breakfast burrito to a gooey breakfast sandwich filled with egg yolk and American cheese, there is something for every breakfast lover. Each dish is enhanced by crispy hash browns and a choice of protein, including beef or pork sausage, curried mushrooms, or fish sauce “bacon.” The experience is elevated further by the house ginger-chile sauce that varies in color and spice with each batch.
The flavors and creative style at Mémoire Cà Phê draw inspiration from the collective experience of its owners. Each has been a key player in the Portland food scene, especially through prior endeavors such as Le’s food cart Matta, Lisa Nguyen’s Heyday, and Kimberly Dam’s Portland Cà Phê. The collaborative effort of these three talents has resulted in a menu that reflects a seamless fusion of Vietnamese comfort food and innovative breakfast dishes.
However, diners may notice that the menu is surprisingly compact. With only four main offerings available at a time, some might argue that Mémoire feels more like a café than a full-fledged restaurant. This has led to discussions about how the establishment fits into the culinary landscape of Northeast Portland and whether it may benefit from expanding its menu.
On a recent visit, it was evident that the restaurant was beginning to evolve into a more established dining experience. The shrimp omelet had returned to the menu, bringing with it a sense of comfort and nostalgia for many customers. Available from Friday to Sunday, it stands alongside other tantalizing items like Nguyen’s soft ube waffles topped with maple syrup or fried chicken, and a rich cinnamon roll drizzled with creamy frosting, revealing a sweet black sesame filling underneath.
For those wanting to indulge in a hearty brunch, the limited menu at Mémoire still delivers. Though fewer in offerings, each dish is crafted with attention to detail and flavor. Whether it’s the breakfast sandwich or the breakfast burrito, the food is praised for its quality and taste, but many insist that the shrimp omelet is the true standout.
As a new eatery, Mémoire Cà Phê aims to capture the essence of culinary nostalgia while appealing to a modern audience. The memories that food invokes resonate differently with each individual, making their selection of dishes particularly personal for every diner. A meal at Mémoire may serve as an opportunity for customers to forge new memories alongside the established ones tied to flavors of their youth.
The restaurant’s brunch hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily make it a convenient spot for locals seeking delicious offerings. Located at 1495 N.E. Alberta St., Mémoire is accessible for those utilizing public transport, with TriMet bus lines 8 and 72 stopping nearby. The venue is small but welcoming, with its entrance at ground level making it accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.
In conclusion, whether you are a fan of traditional breakfast fare or adventurous enough to try a shrimp omelet infused with coconut milk, Mémoire Cà Phê is emerging as a noteworthy destination on Alberta Street. With its charming ambiance and comforting dishes, it presents an enticing escape for anyone seeking to indulge in a warm breakfast experience. As diners continue to explore the flavors at Mémoire, it is clear that this establishment has the potential to make lasting impressions on Portland’s culinary scene.
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