Once you learn that the Provence region of France is a major source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the rest of France, not to mention olives and the delicious oil produced from it, you begin to understand the significance of this local chain of French-style bistro’s name.
Originally opening in Lake Oswego in the 1990s, La Provence currently has eight restaurant locations as well as their own farm where they organically grow many of the ingredients found in their menu items. Two of those locations are right here in the Tualatin Valley. Beginning with their Progress Ridge location and followed by the Orenco Station restaurant, La Provence has become a staple of our food scene.
The Progress Ridge spot has been one of our brunch go-to’s since it opened in 2014. I mean where else can you get tier one bloody mary’s, mimosas, and craft cocktails with fresh-squeezed juice and the most delicious pastries around?!? Admittedly, I am now on a voluntary gluten-avoidance diet but I still remember how delicious the croissants were. Now I have to enjoy them vicariously and that’s ok. There are plenty of gluten-free options on the menu.
These days, we end up at the Orenco Station location more often since it is a little closer although I prefer the patio at Progress Ridge. Even though you are right off Barrows Road, you hardly notice since there is a little vineyard next to the patio as well as Progress Lake. Now don’t get me wrong, the Orenco Station spot is nice too, just not quite as scenic I suppose.
The patios at both locations are dog-friendly as well which is always nice if you want to bring your fur fam.
At the time of this writing, the dine-in portions of their restaurants are now open and following Phase 1 guidelines. They have suspended the use of their table-paging system and instead will text/call you when your table is ready. In the past, we have almost always had to wait for a table when we arrived during peak times, especially on weekends. This last time though, we were pleased to get a table outside right away. Nonetheless, it’s typical for there to be a wait and it is definitely worth it. Progress Ridge has quite a few other shops to walk around and check out if you desire, or you could go take in the sights of the lake. There are some shops around the Orenco location as well though not as many.
They update their menu regularly so some items may not always be available. That said, there are certainly some staples that never leave … they’re just that good!
Here are a few of our favorite menu items …
- French Onion Soupe – It’s all there in the name. Leave it to a French bistro to deliver a perfect version of this dish.
- Corned Beef Hash – This is my go-to brunch dish. The corned beef falls apart when you look at it and the horseradish sauce … yum.
- Monte Cristo – this battered sandwich is not good for your diet. It’s good for your soul tho
- Eggs Benedict – there are no benedicts on the menu currently and we’re hoping they return 🙏
- Mimosas – any kind – fresh-squeezed juice, need I say more?
- Wild Northwest Salmon Hash– ok, yes, another hash. They’re just so good though!!
We are happy to be able to go out and eat a meal at a restaurant after all the closures and La Provence was one of our first sit-down meals after restrictions began to lift. If you’re looking for a nice restaurant that has something for everyone, La Provence is a great choice!
Have you eaten at La Provence? Comment below with your favorite dishes.
