okay, what is going on?. well, nearly two months since my first review and the question is: "what is going on?" the food has become less exciting (bordering on "blah") and the service - from most of the staff - has become poor, inattentive, and slow.
just tonight, for example, the "petite entrees" (which consisted of 3 little tiny scallops, some brie with (burnt) garlic with stale dry toast, and soggy beef lettuce wraps (which fell apart) was just so-so. in fact, the dinner was such a disappointment that we decided not to order dessert and left. the last two experiences have been the same and that rave review i wrote may have to be deleted!
perhaps the love affair with laprovenceat progress ridge is over? i have changed this as a "favorite" to just "like" and - if the next experience proves to be as bad as tonight was - i will vote that i don't like it and delete that august review when everything was so perfect back then.
the 4/5 rating, as a "must come back" as changed over the last 4 meals (yes, i liked it so much the first time i kept coming back even though the food and service seems to have declined) and now i will only suggest a 3/5 rating which means "might come back."
perhaps the only saving grace are the desserts and the fact very few other places exist nearby that are any good. (seriously, look around murray hill and progress ridge and you will see there aren't that many "great" places to eat. yes, a few "good" restaurants but the "poor-to-bad" outnumber the good-to-great by a huge margin.)
-----17 aug, 2014-----
finally - a great place to dine at progress ridge!. i like panera bread - i like bread! but, laprovenceis an upscale panera that provides full table service. the menu has some spectacular selections for breakfast and lunch. our server, kelly, was exceptional with a professional demeanor and a great smile.
the food came out promptly and exactly as ordered. wow, great food. and, the breads, the desserts - yum! sitting along side the "lake" with a small vineyard alongside the patio also gave this place a nice charm about it.
i must say i don't like "chains" and, remarkably, i have not been to any of the other locations around the portland area; but, i like laprovenceat progress ridge and it is a "must come back" with a 4/5 rating.