Featured Business
Grape Vine Restaurant & Lounge
by Virginia Bruce

When you’re in the mood for a good meal, or a place to hang out with friends after work, some dancing or entertainment, or even a late-night snack, you don’t have to go far. Ever since Irene Pavlatos took over the former Marika’s building (on the south side of Barnes just west of Cedar Hills Boulevard), Cedar Mill has had another great option for food and entertainment.

Friendly patrons enjoy Happy Hour in the lounge

The restaurant was built in 1969 by George Choban (see the May 2009 issue for the Choban family story). His whole family worked to make Marika’s a favorite spot until they retired in 1989. It was then leased to another family that operated it under several different names, and it ended up with a pretty bad reputation—bad food, dirty conditions, and unsavory clientele.

When that tenant left, George and Susie Choban approached Irene and her father, Andy Pavlatos, who runs the Greek Village on Murray Road, about taking over the space. After some deliberation, Irene decided to give it a try.

Irene says, “The location was perfect for me because I live in the Cedar Mill area. I also liked that it had easy freeway access, lots of parking, and quite a few beautiful Douglas firs standing in front of the building. But what tipped the scale on my decision was the Chobans themselves. You couldn't meet nicer people. They have been more of a blessing than I could have ever imagined, and not just as landlords. They have become like family!”

It took about four months of hard work to get the place in shape. Structural upgrades and repairs were needed, and everything had to be thoroughly cleaned and then decorated. The main dining area has several intimate spaces, including the “cottage,” which is perfect for small groups that want a little privacy. The patio in front of the building has outdoor seating next to the big lawn and tall firs, perfect for families with kids (and kids eat free on Mondays!).

Chef Chris LaMora has recently revamped the dinner and Happy Hour menus while adding a Seasonal Special menu and creating all of their delicious house-made desserts. Irene explains that, “We currently buy all of our breads from Edesia Bakery, a local small business, and our meats from Ponderosa Provisioners, which is also a long-time local family business. All of our lettuce and celery come freshly cut from the Chobans very large garden, so it is always fresh and there are never any chemicals used whatsoever.”

Cuisine includes Greek and Italian along with an array of steaks (smoked NY steak anyone?), burgers, sandwiches, and salads. A large selection of appetizers, along with decadent dessert items, means you’re sure to find something you will love.

Chef Chris makes almost everything from scratch. “We have very little freezer space because we don't need it, says Irene. “He makes all of our pasta sauces, breads our chicken wings per order, and even makes all of our salad dressings, soups, and stocks on-site. Our food is unique, fresh, and very delicious! Our menu can be viewed on our website at www.grapevineportland.com. But there are a few secret items you won't find written anywhere. For those, you have to come in and find out for yourself.”

There’s also a spacious lounge with big-screen sports, lottery games, and a well-stocked bar. Happy Hour runs from 3-7 pm daily with great prices on beer, wine, and spirits, and food items like Chef Chris' Mac-n-Cheese ($4), Tomato & Bell Pepper Bruschetta ($3), Bourbon Chicken-n-Slaw ($4), Grilled Prawn Skewer with Sweet Cajun Cream Sauce ($5), and your choice of freshly breaded, buffalo, or garlic herb chicken wings ($3).

Chef LaMora adds the finishing touches to a grilled chicken with pasta dish.

Irene adds, “We serve our entire dinner and dessert menus until 1:30 am every day, along with our Happy Hour Food Specials again at 10 pm. Have you ever had a hankering for a juicy Filet Mignon with all the sides at 1am? Now you know where to go.”

The “Vineyard Room” at the back serves as a Karaoke and live-music venue, a banquet room, and a game room for their popular Texas Holdem’ tournaments on Sunday afternoons. It is available for parties and events with a very flexible catering menu. “We strive to tailor our catering to your needs,” says Irene. “Because we’re not part of a chain, we can offer a lot of options and work with your budget.” The room can be set up to hold up to 100 guests with either buffet or sit-down service.

In addition, the Vineyard Room hosts classes in ballroom, salsa, swing and other dance styles. The classes are offered through PCC by the Dance With Us team. They also offer small group and “get ready for the wedding” dance classes. See the website (grapevineportland.com) for schedule and other details.

Live bands appear on Saturdays during most of the year, but they’re taking a break from the weekly live music this summer. Later this month, The Loafers will play on August 17 and Kool Breeze will be there on August 25. Irene books the bands, which are “upbeat, fun and danceable.”

Irene Pavlatos grew up in the restaurant business. She recalls that her father “would bring my brother and me to the Greek Village and let us play pool (our own version) or pinball and have all the soda and chips we could stomach. It was awesome! At that age, neither of us understood the business, but it sure seemed like fun. When I got older, and began working with my father, I found out that it actually was fun.”

After working away from the family business for several years, Irene had the first of her four children and decided that the family tavern business would offer her the flexibility that she needed.  So in 1988 she came to work with her father at the Greek Village and Flat Iron Taverns.  Then in 1994 she helped her father open the Happy Greek International Deli, (now West Union Sports Pub), and the adjacent convenience store Greek Villa (now Mind Bomb Tattoo), located on 185th and West Union Rd. She says, “I learned a great deal from that experience. The "Wu," as it is known by patrons today, is a thriving business.”

“This has been a long road for my family and me,” she says. “If you've ever owned a restaurant—or even just owned your own business—you know what I mean. Fortunately, I have been very lucky to have my family by my side the entire time. Currently, my two younger daughters, Amalia and Angelica, work here with me. My eldest daughter, Jessica, is helping to "hold down the fort" at the Greek Village. My son, Collin, has also helped out quite a bit here as well. I couldn't even begin to list all that my father has done for me through the past 20 months. He has been a huge supporter from day one, for which I am immensely grateful. It has taken our entire family working together to help make the Grape Vine what it is today.”

She continues, “My goal is to provide the Cedar Mill community with a hub to meet their neighbors for positive and fun activities. It’s an environment where families can come to enjoy a meal or celebration, a couple can enjoy some relaxed conversation or a dance class, a local company can hold an event, or someone could just get out of their house and find a friendly face to chat with or even play a board game.”

Stop in at the Grape Vine any day from 3 pm to 1:30 am to see what Irene and her family have created for us. Keep them in mind for your next event – for catering and for space rental. Visit them on the web at www.grapevineportland.com or call 503-597-0133 for more information.

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