DOC is one of my favorite foodie spots in Portland so I invited myself and photographer, Lisa Warninger, to visit their kitchen on a chilly fall morning last month. This cozy little restaurant feels like eating in a friend's home. When you walk through the doors to be seated, you walk straight through a tiny farmhouse kitchen where chefs, Paul and Jobie, prepare farmer's market-inspired meals.
On the morning we visited, the guys had just finished making fifteen gallons of tomato sauce with the last harvest of garden tomatoes. They'll use them all winter in sauces and stews. And the cans will sit on those pretty window shelves which are an awesome use of space.
The menus at DOC are very intuitive and based on whatever the chefs happen to be inspired by that week at market. When we visited, the guys were really excited about these little kuri squash and they showed us how to cook them with saffron couscous. We (OK, I) gobbled it down that afternoon for lunch. If you are willing to forgo tradition, these would be lovely individual servings for Thanksgiving or even served as a side dish. Recipe, below. (Graphic design + lettering by Scout's Honor Co.)
Lisa snapped a few photos of the process. Paul taught us to square off the ends of the squash so they can easily sit on the pan when cooking.
Paul cleaning out the centers of the squash.
Adding tomatoes to the couscous.
A dramatic gingham curtain separates the kitchen from the dining area. I am impressed that they work in such a small space!
I love talking to people who are passionate about what they do and it's obvious that these guys love creating fresh, seasonal food and enjoy supporting our local farmers. Thanks, Paul and Jobie for letting us hang out in your kitchen!
Download the instructions to make Kuri Squash with Saffron Couscous Stuffing below in two recipe cards designed by Scout's Honor Co. Click here to download: Part I and Part II.
Photography by Lisa Warninger. Graphic design, hand-lettering and illustration by Scout's Honor Co. Recipe by DOC. Created for Frolic!
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Ahh! I've always loved the look of that place, but I've not yet gone. Thanks so much for the peek inside because now I HAVE to go! The squash sounds super delicious.
Posted by: Connie @ Daydream In Color | November 22, 2011 at 08:13 AM
What a fantastic place! The shelves are gorgeous and what beautiful light! I'm so glad you shared this.
Posted by: Ladomestique | November 22, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Great post, Chelsea! This place goes on my list for my next visit to Portland.
Posted by: Rhea | November 22, 2011 at 10:28 AM
awesome post. i love the photos, the details, the "take-away." all the reasons why i love your space on the internet.
Posted by: erin | November 22, 2011 at 11:10 AM
What a divine adventure, I really enjoyed reading this post ;)
Posted by: simone leblanc | November 22, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Looks amazing!
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | November 22, 2011 at 12:52 PM
My husband would be all over this! )Talk about dreaaaaam job and dream restaurant). Fabulous simple design in their space, too!
Posted by: Kristina Gulino | November 22, 2011 at 04:05 PM
This place looks fantastic! I love the red and white check fabric in the windows.
Posted by: mary | November 23, 2011 at 07:24 AM
HOW have I never heard of this place??? I can't wait to try it out!
Kacie
Posted by: Kacie @ A Collection of Passions | November 23, 2011 at 09:45 AM
What a cute place! Walking through the kitchen is such a creative touch.
Posted by: Allison {Taylor Moseley} | November 23, 2011 at 06:50 PM
I love seeing the canning displayed. I grew up with pickles, relish, jams, jellies and fruit all home canned. To this day my sweet dad will ask what my mom wants for dessert and then head to the cold room for a little jar of pears or cherries.
Posted by: Mo | November 23, 2011 at 08:23 PM
this looks like such an amzing shop. I really hope to move to Portland some day. I will definitley try to go here:)
Posted by: celia | December 07, 2011 at 07:08 PM