The gang's all here.

The Veritable Quandary's former chef and general manager are putting the finishing touches on Q Restaurant, a new space with a classic design four blocks north of the soon-to-be-demolished VQ.

The new restaurant, which opens Nov. 21, has hired nearly 60 former VQ employees between the kitchen, dining room and bar, including longtime chef Annie Cuggino, manager Erin Hokland and sous chefs Natalie Gullish, who spent time at Chez Panisse, and Victor Martinez, who started as a VQ dishwasher 18 years ago and will run the new restaurant's brunch.

Denny King, who opened the VQ in 1971, sold the restaurant's cramped, century-old building in January to Multnomah County, which plans to demolish the structure and build a new courthouse. The new restaurant is backed by a pair of King's old regulars, Mazen and Katherine Hariri, who had their first date at the restaurant 20 years ago.

The new space, designed by Andee Hess of Osmose Design (Ava Gene's), is both a reflection of, and a reaction to, the old. As they did at the VQ, customers will enter the restaurant through the bar, but instead of a crowded host stand near the back, Q Restaurant has a spacious waiting area. The bar has a classic look, with a rosewood-paneled ceiling, small booths and stained glass sconces, while the dining room has a few modern touches, including an open kitchen. The restaurant and bar have a combined 96 seats, including a seven-seat chef's counter.

Before taking over the VQ's kitchen 22 years ago, Cuggino built up an impressive resume, with time spent at the Union Square Cafe in New York and Emeril's in New Orleans. Q Restaurant's menu (below) will feature a few of the her most popular VQ dishes, including the signature osso bucco.

Q Menu

To Begin...

Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Date, chevre, black pepper, marcona almond, marsala

Warm Pearl Bakery Pugliese Bread, sweet butter or extra virgin olive oil, maldon sea salt

House Made Rabbit Pate, prune jam, two mustards, house pickles, toasted brioche

Seared Alaskan Sea Scallop, celeriac cream, Asian pear, crispy shiitake, miso

House Smoked Duck Breast, dried cherry mostarda, whipped ricotta, grilled baguette

Burrata and Roasted Pumpkin, high desert honey, aged balsamic, spiced pepitas, crispy zoe's coppa

Artisan Cheese Plate, seasonal fruits and accompaniments, nuts, bruschetta



Veggies, Sides & Smaller Plates

Roasted Roots, peppered chevre, smoked pecans, balsamic honey vinaigrette

Sweet Potatoes, fresh apple, finger lime, creme fraiche, red chile

Cider Braised Collards, house bacon, crunchy cornbread

Roasted Romesco, pistachio pesto, lemon, pecorino

Crispy Stuffed Prairie Creek Potato, taleggio, garlic butter, truffle salt

Grilled Oyster Mushrooms, miso, toasted sesame seeds, scallions



Soups and Salads

Victor's Green Chile Soup, pork, cilantro, toasted pepitas

Seafood Stew, mussels, clams, calamari, prawns, fish

Little Gem Greens, sherry vinaigrette, fresh pomegranate

Rain Shadow Farm Poached Egg & House Bacon, butter lettuce, cornbread, pickled onions, buttermilk white cheddar dressing, fresh chive

Fresh Apple & Pear, Roasted Hazelnuts, warm buche du lucay crostini, little gem greens, honey pepper vinaigrette

Roasted Wild Mushrooms & Baby Spinach, buttermilk blue cheese, pancetta vinaigrette

Caesar Salad, ciabatta croutons, lemon, pecorino



Tonight's Entrees

Blackened Hawaiian Opah, roasted sweet potatoes, apple, finger lime, creme fraiche, mint, red chile

Grilled Hanger Steak, red wine, garlic & herb marinade, creamy smoked parsnip puree, oyster mushrooms, Stacy's baby mustard greens

Pan Fried Rain Shadow Farm Buttermilk Chicken, cider braised collards, house bacon, maple glazed pumpkin

Roasted Roots, Crispy Brussels and Kasha, peppered chevre, smoked pecans, crispy sage, balsamic honey vinaigrette

Cattail Creek Rack of Lamb Chops, roasted butternut squash, crispy kale, fresh pomegranate, pistachios, feta, sumac, tahini

Lobster, Wild Prawn & Scallop filled Ravioli, crushed pink peppercorns, fresh herbs, lemon, butter, Stacey's artic pea tips

Osso Bucco, wine braised veal shank, garlic, rosemary, basil, parmigiano risotto, gremolata

Q Restaurant will open at 828 S.W. Second Ave. on Nov. 21. For more information, visit q-portland.com.

-- Michael Russell