Fast break: Portobello’s Grill offers the goods at lunch and dinner

Nestled in Bocage Village on Old Hammond Highway, Portobello’s Grill could easily be overlooked by visitors to the shopping center. But it shouldn’t be. The bar and grill specializes in dishes with an Italian influence, and has changed its menu over the past year, thinning it down to a respectable number of selections. I’d argue that they could pair it down a little more. However, what makes Portobello’s worth a try is its consistency in service and tasty dishes.

While the dining room was buzzing during lunch, I tried the Napa salad special, topped with smoked salmon (the entrée salad is normally served with grilled chicken). The dish also featured crisp apples, strawberries, grapes and Gorgonzola atop a mix of field greens. The dressing was an apple pecan vinaigrette that wasn’t biting or too vinegary and didn’t overload the light feel of the dish. The salmon was prepared perfectly, seared on the outside and wonderfully tender in the middle.

My guest had the Osso Bucco Debris Poboy, which has pulled pork shank topped with melted provolone on a buttery bun. It is served with a house-made horseradish cream sauce, au jus and perfectly salted French fries. It’s a rich sandwich that melts in your mouth.

While she argued that she “won lunch,” I had to disagree. We both did.

For more information, visit portobellos.net.