Monday, July 15, 2013

Portland Brunch: Ned Ludd

What: Ned Ludd
Where: 3925 NE MLK Blvd.
When: Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm
Honeys Heart: Strawberry Butter



My sister Sarah came to Portland in May for the Portland Rock'n'Roll half marathon, which she ROCKED (pun intended.) Not only did she visit for an extended weekend, we were joined by her close friend from college, Isabel, and a weekend of hitting up the Portland food scene ensued. Sarah ran 13.1 miles so that was basically enough for all of us, right?



The race ended and we refused to take Sarah anywhere until she stretched and showered. Following some serious foam rolling (Isabel and I laid on the couch) we ended up at Ned Ludd. The space has an interesting rustic feel, with pops of colors, a man outside chopping firewood, and the darkest bathroom I've ever been in at noon, but I liked the vibe and felt totally comfortable there. We took some time with the food menu, but it only took a couple seconds to decide on Bloody Marys - a toast to Sarah's accomplishment! The jars had a chili rim and some fun pickled vegetables. Of course we had 2-3 more. 



Sarah ordered the Hard Cooked Egg, Avocado, Cress, Radish on Volkorn Brot ($9) which was drizzled with olive oil and generously salted. It was really amazing for being so simple. This is totally a dish I could recreate at home. It's on my to-do list.


Isabel and I shared an order of the same dish that Sarah ordered as well as the Fried Polenta, Charred Rabes, Fried Duck Egg and Chile Conserva ($11.) This was such a comforting dish, but at the same time it didn't feel heavy. 


So, to be honest, Adam, Isabel and I already had breakfast sandwiches while cheering Sarah on so while Isabel and I called this lunch, Adam went for a "lighter" option. Well, less food, but between the Strawberry Butter and the Bacon it was pretty rich! Though I think we're all glad he ordered that strawberry butter...it was so tasty!


I don't make it up to N/NE for brunch often enough (maybe it's more like I don't make it up for weekend brunch often enough), but this is a great option and I would gladly return!