![\"Restaurant-May15\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Restaurant-May15.jpg\")
<\/a>Snappy new Isa boasts original metal ceilings, gorgeous wainscoting, and classic black and white mosaic tile floors. Thirsty for a deal as well as an intimate bottle of wine, we choose the Lechthaler Pinot Noir (Trentino, Italy, 2012, $8), a good medium-bodied red that quietly sets the evening in motion.<\/p>\nBraised local rabbit ($14) puts us on the hunt and hints of wonders to follow. Sweet, moist slices of tender meat bathe in a delectable olive salsa, with carrots and Appaloosa beans. This could be a main course it\u2019s so good. We also try terrific French green lentils ($6) lovingly cooked in pork fat and served over a bed of grilled kale.<\/p>\n
Add to this the Standard Baking sourdough bread and excellent olive oil for dipping\u2013who needs more?<\/p>\n
Foraging on in the eclectic, 20-item menu, we find a treat in Isa\u2019s unique bolognese ($16). It\u2019s served with delicious al dente tagliatelle, a splash of Maine Beer Company\u2019s Mean Old Tom, and topped with a festive crown of shaved fennel and pecorino.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re informed the pan-seared monkfish ($22) is sold out, but we take the loss in stride as we happily devour an incomparable bistro steak ($22). Intensely flavorful, thin slices of perfectly cooked medium-rare beef dazzle against a feisty green peppercorn sauce. Crispy fingerling potatoes sporting a dusting of pecorino and a refreshing salad of fresh greens and radishes make a perfect accompaniment.<\/p>\n
The best sweet ending is a small jar of homemade custard with blackberry topping. Leaving with a feeling of great satisfaction, we inquire about the name Isa. Co-owner Suzie St. Pierre informs us it\u2019s named for her husband, chef Isaul Perez.\u00a0 n<\/p>\n