Sheldon's Cafe at the Grant House

The Grant House was constructed in 1849 (or so) as an officer’s residence on the grounds of Fort Vancouver. Fort Vancouver is the oldest European settlement in the Pacific Northwest with origins dating to 1825. The house is named for Ulyssess S. Grant who served as Quartermaster at the Fort from 1852-1853 but never actually resided in the home.

The setting for the Grant House is spectacular as the grounds on officer’s row are impeccably maintained. The restaurant overlooks the National Park Site, the Columbia River and across to Portland, OR. The interior is well decorated with a subtle elegance and yet with a very historic feel. The kitchen is purported to be haunted by a soldier named “Sulley”. My wife and I have not been accosted by any spirits in any of our three visits to the restaurant.

The Grant House menu is not particularly deep but offers a variety of entrees with enough range to provide a satisfying plate for most people. On my last visit, I had the Kobe Beef entree and as one would expect from Kobe, the beef was delicious and in this case, beautifully prepared by the chef. The beef was actually served over fries which I thought was a bit strange but according to the manager this is a customary serving of the dish. The fries were tasty but it seemed like an odd companion for such a succulent meat dish.

Dinner is served with a la carte entrees. This does tend to drive the price up a touch if you are looking for the multi course experience.

I have always placed a high value on service and ambiance at any restaurant. I am a fairly good cook and frankly good food is not hard to find across virtually any price range. When I dine out at a “fine” restaurant, I expect an experience, not just a good plate of chow. This is where The Grant House shines like the summer sun. From the moment you enter the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site you are bathed in history. As you drive down officer’s row, the gorgeous manicured grounds provide a setting like that of an old English Lord’s Estate. Grace and beauty permeate the landscape. The Grant House itself is inviting and most of the staff is warm and courteous. Looking out any window or over the upper veranda provides a stunning panorama of elegance and class. They could serve you a twenty dollar hot dog and you could say it was a value.

So how is the food? I would say the food rates 4 stars. The staff rates 5 stars and the overall service rates 4 stars. It is the intangibles that drive my rating to a five star overall.