Bluehour

{{Other uses|The Blue Hour (disambiguation){{!}}Blue hour (disambiguation)}}{{Short description|Defunct restaurant and bar in Portland, Oregon, U.S.}}{{Infobox restaurant

| embed =

| name = Bluehour

| title =

| logo = Bluehour (Portland, Oregon) logo.jpg

| logo_width =

| logo_alt = Logo with the text "Bluehour" in circular fashion

| image = File:Bluehour, Portland, Oregon (2020) - 1.jpg

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| image_alt = Photograph of a building's exterior

| image_caption = The restaurant's exterior in August 2020, after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic

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| established = {{Start date|2000|09}}

| closed = {{End date|2020|06}}

| current-owner = {{Flatlist|

Bruce Carey
Kenny Giambalvo
Joe Rogers

}}

| previous-owner =

| head-chef =

| chef = {{Flatlist|

Kenny Giambalvo
Thomas Boyce (2011–2013)
Dolan Lane

}}

| pastry-chef =

| food-type = Mediterranean

| dress-code =

| rating =

| street-address = 250 Northwest 13th Avenue

| city = Portland

| county = Multnomah

| state = Oregon

| zip = 97209

| country = United States

| coordinates = {{coord|45.5248719|-122.6862279|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

| mapframe = yes

| mapframe-zoom = 13

| seating-capacity =

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}}

Bluehour (sometimes erroneously called Blue Hour){{cite web |last=Al |first=Catherine |url=https://www.axs.com/best-restaurants-open-on-thanksgiving-in-portland-oregon-29392 |title=Best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Portland, Oregon |publisher=AXS |date=2014-11-21 |access-date=2016-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912062245/http://www.axs.com/best-restaurants-open-on-thanksgiving-in-portland-oregon-29392 |archive-date=2016-09-12 |url-status=live }} was a Mediterranean restaurant and bar located in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon, United States.{{cite web |date=2010-06-24 |title=Singles Bars in Portland |url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/singles-bars-portland-15044.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917095544/http://traveltips.usatoday.com/singles-bars-portland-15044.html |archive-date=2016-09-17 |access-date=2016-09-10 |work=USA Today |publisher=Gannett |issn=0734-7456}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-18078-restaurant-guide-2011-listing-a-z.html |title=Restaurant Guide 2011: Listing A-Z |work=Willamette Week |date=2011-10-18 |access-date=2016-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924060450/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-18078-restaurant-guide-2011-listing-a-z.html |archive-date=2016-09-24 |url-status=live }} The business began operating in September 2000. Bruce Carey and Joe Rogers co-owned the business with Kenny Giambalvo, who also served as an executive chef until 2011.

The changing menu included French and Italian cuisine, as well as food with Asian and Latin-American influences. Bluehour garnered a positive reception; Michael J. Rosen described it as "nationally acclaimed". The restaurant was considered a place "to see and be seen", and was recommended in many regional guide books. Bluehour hosted many notable people and was included in CNN's 2015 list of the "best places to eat with celebrities" in the United States. The restaurant closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Description

File:Wieden + Kennedy, Portland, 2008.jpg

Bluehour operated in the Pearl District of Northwest Portland, Oregon; it was located in a five-story structure that was built in 1910 and known as the Ice House, and later as the Wieden+Kennedy Building because of tenant Wieden+Kennedy.{{Cite book |last1=Gottberg |first1=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ryVPBAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review&pg=PT272 |title=Best Places: Portland, 8th Edition |last2=Lopeman |first2=Elizabeth |date=2010-06-01 |publisher=Sasquatch Books |isbn=978-1-57061-699-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222191003/https://books.google.com/books?id=ryVPBAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT272&dq=%22Bluehour%22%20restaurant%20review&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite journal |last=Culverwell |first=Wendy |date=March 20, 2012 |title=Wieden+Kennedy Building sold for $65M |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2012/03/20/wieden-kennedy-building-sold-for-65m.html |journal=Portland Business Journal |quote=The six-story, 220,000-square-foot building also is home to Bluehour restaurant. |access-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201413/https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2012/03/20/wieden-kennedy-building-sold-for-65m.html |url-status=live }} The business had been described as a fine dining{{Cite web |last=Bakall |first=Samantha |date=2017-04-22 |title=21 great Portland restaurants that take reservations for brunch |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/04/21_portland_restaurants_that_t.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |publisher=Advance Publications |language=en |issn=8750-1317 |archive-date=2020-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014300/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/04/21_portland_restaurants_that_t.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |title=New restaurant FairWay is open at the Salem Golf Club |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/money/business/2017/07/27/new-restaurant-fairway-open-salem-golf-club/513561001/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Statesman Journal |publisher=Gannett |language=en-US |issn=0739-5507 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201419/https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/money/business/2017/07/27/new-restaurant-fairway-open-salem-golf-club/513561001/ |url-status=live }} and upscale{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2017-09-07 |title=Portland's 40 best restaurants |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-best-restaurants/2017/09/portlands_40_best_restaurants.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320065840/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-best-restaurants/2017/09/portlands_40_best_restaurants.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sarasohn |first=David |date=2011-06-18 |title=Bluehour -- Diner 2011 review |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2011/2011/06/bluehour.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201413/https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2011/2011/06/bluehour.html |url-status=live }} Mediterranean restaurant{{Cite web |title=Bluehour Review - Portland Oregon - Restaurant {{!}} Fodor's Travel |url=https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/oregon/portland/restaurants/reviews/bluehour-576349 |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Fodor's |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222142859/https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/oregon/portland/restaurants/reviews/bluehour-576349 |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P2wsAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22 |title=Food & Wine: The Guide to Good Taste |date=2000 |publisher=International Review of Food & Wine Associates |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185237/https://books.google.com/books?id=P2wsAQAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22%20%22bruce%20carey%22&q=%22Bluehour%22%20%22bruce%20carey%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} with dim lighting and "dramatic" curtains.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yXOHEIWr7b4C&dq=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22&pg=PA66 |title=Portland, Oregon: Including the Metro Area and Vancouver, Washington |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-0-7627-5580-6 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-24 |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224022030/https://books.google.com/books?id=yXOHEIWr7b4C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA66&dq=%22bluehour%22%20%22pearl%20district%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} The restaurant's event room L'Heure Bleue accommodated approximately 64 people.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Chad |date=2015-12-10 |title=Portland Restaurants with Private Dining Rooms for the Holidays |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2015/12/10/9866928/portland-restaurants-private-dining-room-rentals-holiday |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014221/https://pdx.eater.com/2015/12/10/9866928/portland-restaurants-private-dining-room-rentals-holiday |url-status=live }}

Food & Wine and Michael Russell of The Oregonian described Bluehour as "hip" and "swank", respectively.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YEwsAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review |title=Food & Wine: The Guide to Good Taste |date=2001 |publisher= |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222191426/https://books.google.com/books?id=YEwsAQAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review&q=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2012-01-05 |title=Former Bluehour chef Kenny Giambalvo returns with Morso, new concept from Mio Gelato founder Bob Lightman |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2012/01/former_bluehour_chef_kenny_gia.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222143557/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2012/01/former_bluehour_chef_kenny_gia.html |url-status=live }} Food writer Laurie Wolf called the restaurant "sophisticated".{{cite book |last1=Laurie |first1=Wolf |authorlink=Laurie Wolf |title=Portland, Oregon Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the City of Roses |date=2012 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=102 |isbn=9780762787111 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rRY8Uqjen8kC&dq=%22blue+hour%22+%22Portland%22+%22carey%22&pg=PA102 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223150044/https://books.google.com/books?id=rRY8Uqjen8kC&pg=PA102&lpg=PA102&dq=%22blue+hour%22+%22Portland%22+%22carey%22&source=bl&ots=gAjjY_pCCu&sig=ACfU3U3VGaDovf1FOrLPufjvzbZEorrRZg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwieqrXFgJD8AhVOIjQIHSqsB7Q4KBDoAXoECAIQAw |url-status=live }} Note: More text available [https://issuu.com/manoelramosdeoliveira/docs/chefs_table_portland_oregon_-_extra here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223150042/https://issuu.com/manoelramosdeoliveira/docs/chefs_table_portland_oregon_-_extra |date=2022-12-23 }}. Portland Monthly described Bluehour as "a Portland institution" and said its "loading-dock seats offer prime people-watching and a perch for one of Portland's best happy hours".{{Cite web |title=Bluehour |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/bluehour |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223153509/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/bluehour |url-status=live }} In Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA (2001), Andrew Collins said Bluehour offered a changing menu "to an arty and urbane crowd".{{Cite book |last=Collins |first=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FRktAQAAMAAJ&q=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22 |title=Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA |date=2001 |publisher=Fodor's Travel Publications |isbn=978-0-679-00310-6 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-24 |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224022510/https://books.google.com/books?id=FRktAQAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22&q=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} The restaurant sometimes hosted jazz on weekends.{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Grant |date=2020-06-30 |title=Bluehour, once the crown jewel of Pearl District dining, closes for good due to coronavirus |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/06/bluehour-one-of-the-crown-jewels-of-the-pearl-district-dining-scene-closes-for-good-due-to-coronavirus.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224013150/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/06/bluehour-one-of-the-crown-jewels-of-the-pearl-district-dining-scene-closes-for-good-due-to-coronavirus.html |url-status=live }}

Bluehour employed a fromager using a rolling cheese cart, and served brunch on weekends until 2011.{{Cite book |last=Kasanicky |first=Lisa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pB56LH5oyeYC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PA55 |title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to Girlfriend Getaways |date=2009 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-1-59257-821-4 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201430/https://books.google.com/books?id=pB56LH5oyeYC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA55&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Notes on our Restaurant Guide |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-27760-notes-on-our-restaurant-guide.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=October 19, 2011 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224020155/https://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-27760-notes-on-our-restaurant-guide.html |url-status=live }}

= Menu =

The French and Italian menu{{Cite book |last1=Samson |first1=Karl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aauAMYXZqZMC&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22 |title=Frommer's Oregon |last2=Aukshunas |first2=Jane |date=2002-03-15 |publisher=Wiley |isbn=978-0-7645-6555-7 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185238/https://books.google.com/books?id=aauAMYXZqZMC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} offered fare "as American as European", including gnocchi with black truffles,{{Cite web |title=Restaurant Guide 2010: Listings A-to-Z |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-16352-restaurant-guide-2010-listings-a-to-z.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Willamette Week |date=January 20, 2011 |language=en |archive-date=2017-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420234302/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-16352-restaurant-guide-2010-listings-a-to-z.html |url-status=live }} octopus terrine,{{Cite web |last=Sarasohn |first=David |date=2012-06-19 |title=Diner 2012: Bluehour is Back in the Spotlight |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2012/2012/06/back_in_the_spotlight_thomas_b.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185615/https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2012/2012/06/back_in_the_spotlight_thomas_b.html |url-status=live }} risotto with sturgeon, red peppers, and basil; as well as sea scallops with bacon.{{Cite book |last1=Gottberg |first1=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ryVPBAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&pg=PT115 |title=Best Places: Portland, 8th Edition |last2=Lopeman |first2=Elizabeth |date=2010-06-01 |publisher=Sasquatch Books |isbn=978-1-57061-699-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185235/https://books.google.com/books?id=ryVPBAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT115&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Perry |first=Sara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LGqB6wsia9IC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&pg=PT81 |title=Everything Tastes Better with Bacon: 70 Fabulous Recipes for Every Meal of the Day |date=2002 |publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-0-8118-3239-7 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201430/https://books.google.com/books?id=LGqB6wsia9IC&pg=PT81&lpg=PT81&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&source=bl&ots=iXDxyXnZaR&sig=ACfU3U2gxbWiQxxyy7_fx47YaSExrF90yg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHh-SBro78AhWBITQIHUHABhY4KBDoAXoECAQQAw |url-status=live }} The restaurant also served charcuteries, pasta, duck breast with root vegetables and huckleberries,{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Grant |title=Bluehour restaurant closes permanently |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/galleries/5NJSYMRGNJCPVJX5T3TO4GF4PQ/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201411/https://www.oregonlive.com/galleries/5NJSYMRGNJCPVJX5T3TO4GF4PQ/ |url-status=live }} salmon tartare, a Caesar salad, veal sweetbreads, caramel pot de crème, and options with "Asian and Latin influences".{{Cite web |last=Sarasohn |first=David |date=2012-06-09 |title=Bluehour -- Diner 2012 review |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2012/2012/06/bluehour.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222193125/https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2012/2012/06/bluehour.html |url-status=live }}

The happy hour menu included fried picholine olives, Italian white bean purée, pork belly sliders,{{Cite web |title=Restaurant Guide 2011: Listings By Cuisine |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-18092-restaurant-guide-2011-listings-by-cuisine.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Willamette Week |date=October 19, 2011 |language=en |archive-date=2012-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725073318/http://wweek.com/portland/article-18092-restaurant-guide-2011-listings-by-cuisine.html |url-status=live }} bruschetta, a burger on ciabatta, and vegetable sandwiches.{{Cite book |last1=Moore |first1=Sherry L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qd9dmjnfmCYC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PA37 |title=Explorer's Guide Oregon Wine Country: A Great Destination (Explorer's Great Destinations) |last2=Welsch |first2=Jeff |date=2011-10-01 |publisher=The Countryman Press |isbn=978-1-58157-833-1 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201431/https://books.google.com/books?id=Qd9dmjnfmCYC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA37&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} On the drink menu, the Bluehour Breeze cocktail had grapefruit-infused vodka with cranberry,{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iD697Hzr2A4C&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PA79 |title=Fodor's Pacific Northwest: With Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver |date=2011 |publisher=Fodor's Travel |isbn=978-1-4000-0512-3 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201445/https://books.google.com/books?id=iD697Hzr2A4C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA79&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} and the Chocolate Chai Old Fashioned had chai-infused whiskey, simple syrup, and chocolate bitters with an orange twist.{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Colin |date=2015-11-27 |title=15 holiday drinks to make you jolly: The Cocktail Hour |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2015/11/15_holiday_drinks_to_make_you.html |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225203401/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2015/11/15_holiday_drinks_to_make_you.html |url-status=live }} The dessert menu included hazelnut buttermilk cake with peaches, served with candied hazelnuts, apricot gelée and milk sherbet.

Protestors picketed outside Bluehour because the restaurant served foie gras.{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2021-12-10 |title=Portland City Council May Consider a Foie Gras Ban This Spring |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2021/12/10/22826838/foie-gras-ban-oregon-chuckanut-opening-best-new-restaurants |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224020154/https://pdx.eater.com/2021/12/10/22826838/foie-gras-ban-oregon-chuckanut-opening-best-new-restaurants |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Patrick Alan |title=Foie Gras Protests Resume in Portland |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/articles/2008/05/22/780764/foie-gras-protests-resume-in-portland |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=Portland Mercury |language=en}}

History

File:At Bluehour, course three of five.jpg

Bluehour opened in September 2000.{{cite journal |last1=Goldfield |first1=Robert |date=September 10, 2000 |title=Hungry for The Pearl? Zefiro begets Bluehour |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2000/09/11/story6.html |url-status=live |journal=Portland Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915132538/http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2000/09/11/story6.html |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016}} Bruce Carey and Joe Rogers were co-owners with Kenny Giambalvo, who also served as executive chef.{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Giselle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_qMqpR9ULogC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&pg=PA9 |title=Best Places Northwest: The Locals' Guide to the Best Restaurants, Lodgings, Sights, Shopping, and More! |date=2004 |publisher=Sasquatch Books |isbn=978-1-57061-417-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222143213/https://books.google.com/books?id=_qMqpR9ULogC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA9&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Faubion |first=William |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XDEuKnHbTfYC&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22bruce+carey%22 |title=Treasures of Western Oregon |date=2005 |publisher=Morgan & Chase Pub. |isbn=978-0-9754162-1-1 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185235/https://books.google.com/books?id=XDEuKnHbTfYC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22%20%22bruce%20carey%22&q=%22Bluehour%22%20%22bruce%20carey%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Chef Thomas Boyce Leaves Bluehour |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2013/01/chef-thomas-boyce-leaves-bluehour-january-2013 |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |issn=1546-2765 |archive-date=2022-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127090010/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2013/01/chef-thomas-boyce-leaves-bluehour-january-2013 |url-status=live }} The architect was Brad Cloepfil, whose first restaurant project was Bluehour.{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=An Architect Designed a Calmer Restaurant. It Was Very Stressful.|author=James Barron|date=October 8, 2017|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/08/nyregion/an-architect-designed-a-calmer-restaurant-it-was-very-stressful.html|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224200356/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/08/nyregion/an-architect-designed-a-calmer-restaurant-it-was-very-stressful.html|url-status=live}}

In 2004, Bluehour hosted the first Chef's Invitational Dinner, which Willamette Week described as "a cooking-school contest à la Donald Trump's TV hit" with menus submitted by 38 Western Culinary Institute students.{{Cite web |title=You're Fried! |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3123-youre-fried.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Willamette Week |date=April 21, 2004 |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201419/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3123-youre-fried.html |url-status=live }}

Giambalvo resigned as executive chef in 2011.{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Byron |author-link=Byron Beck (blogger) |date=2011-04-15 |title=Chef Kenny Giambalvo Departing From Bluehour |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2011/4/15/6686315/chef-kenny-giambalvo-departing-from-bluehour |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |publisher=Vox Media |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222142859/https://pdx.eater.com/2011/4/15/6686315/chef-kenny-giambalvo-departing-from-bluehour |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Chef Kenny Giambalvo Resigns from Bluehour |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2011/04/april-15-kenny-giambalvo-resigns |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201414/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2011/04/april-15-kenny-giambalvo-resigns |url-status=live }} He continued to serve as a member of the limited liability company (LLC) that owned the restaurant.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Aimee |date=2014-10-16 |title=Bluehour bartender burned badly when Everclear from vase ignites, seeks $688,000 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2014/10/bluehour_bartender_burned_badl.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222142901/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2014/10/bluehour_bartender_burned_badl.html |url-status=live }} The same year, Thomas Boyce became head chef,{{Cite web |last=Bamman |first=Mattie John |date=2017-07-26 |title=Thomas Boyce IN at Joey Harrington's Pearl Tavern |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2017/7/26/16047696/pearl-tavern-new-chef-thomas-boyce |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2021-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215155423/https://pdx.eater.com/2017/7/26/16047696/pearl-tavern-new-chef-thomas-boyce |url-status=live }} and Dolan Lane of Clarklewis replaced him in January 2013.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2013-01-16 |title=Chef Thomas Boyce talks Bluehour dismissal |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2013/01/chef_thomas_boyce_talks_blueho.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222091525/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2013/01/chef_thomas_boyce_talks_blueho.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-01-09 |title=Chef Thomas Boyce OUT at Bluehour; Dolan Lane In |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/1/9/6497081/chef-thomas-boyce-out-at-bluehour-dolan-lane-in |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222085109/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/1/9/6497081/chef-thomas-boyce-out-at-bluehour-dolan-lane-in |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Byron |date=2016-06-08 |title=Chef Dolan Lane Takes the Reins at Red Star Tavern |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2016/6/8/11886832/dolan-lane-new-chef-red-star-tavern |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521094841/https://pdx.eater.com/2016/6/8/11886832/dolan-lane-new-chef-red-star-tavern |url-status=live }} Chefs Kyo Koo and Manuel Lopez also worked at Bluehour.{{Cite web |title=Natural Selection to Close, Former Bluehour Chef Launches Chinese Food Pop-Up, and More PDX Food News |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2016/05/portland-food-news-to-chew-4 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Portland Monthly |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224020917/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2016/05/portland-food-news-to-chew-4 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-10-14 |title=Reviews for El Cubo de Cuba; Angel Food and Fun |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/14/6352765/reviews-for-el-cubo-de-cuba-angel-food-and-fun |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2014-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227170709/http://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/14/6352765/reviews-for-el-cubo-de-cuba-angel-food-and-fun |url-status=live }}

The restaurant served a morel-and-fromage blanc pizza during Eater Portland{{'s}} Pizza Week in 2013.{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2012-05-10 |title=Bluehour Chef Thomas Boyce Spins a Seasonal Pizza |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2012/5/10/6588843/bluehour-chef-thomas-boyce-spins-a-seasonal-pizza |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224013749/https://pdx.eater.com/2012/5/10/6588843/bluehour-chef-thomas-boyce-spins-a-seasonal-pizza |url-status=live }} The same year, a bartender suffered first-degree and second-degree burns while making a cocktail.{{Cite web |last=Terry |first=Lynne |date=2013-04-05 |title=Fire closes Bluehour for lunch Friday but Portland restaurant open for happy hour |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2013/04/bluehour_closed_for_lunch_frid.html |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201414/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2013/04/bluehour_closed_for_lunch_frid.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Portland bartender badly burned while making cocktail |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/portland-bartender-badly-burned-while-making-cocktail/283-71893981 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website= |date=April 5, 2013 |publisher=KGW |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223145807/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/portland-bartender-badly-burned-while-making-cocktail/283-71893981 |url-status=live }} Funds were raised to help pay for his recovery.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Clare |title=Special Drinks to Raise Funds for Scorched Bartender |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/drunk/2013/04/11/9013617/special-drinks-to-raise-funds-for-scorched-bartender |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Portland Mercury |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201418/https://www.portlandmercury.com/drunk/2013/04/11/9013617/special-drinks-to-raise-funds-for-scorched-bartender |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DeJesus |first=Erin |date=2013-04-11 |title=Bluehour Bartender Benefit; Burgerville to PDX Airport |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/4/11/6451805/bluehour-bartender-benefit-burgerville-to-pdx-airport |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201417/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/4/11/6451805/bluehour-bartender-benefit-burgerville-to-pdx-airport |url-status=live }} The bartender later sued Carey and Giambalvo, seeking $600,000 "for pain, permanent disfigurement despite skin-graft surgeries and physical limitations", according to The Oregonian.

Notable people who dined at Bluehour include Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, John Kitzhaber, Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and Gus Van Sant, according to CNN's Jordan Burchette, who included Bluehour in a 2015 list of the "best places to eat with celebrities" in the United States.{{Cite web |last=Burchette |first=Jordan |title=Best places to eat with celebrities in the U.S. |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/celeb-dining-usa/index.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=CNN |date=16 December 2014 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222142857/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/celeb-dining-usa/index.html |url-status=live }} John Legend hosted an after-party at Bluehour in 2005.{{Cite web |title=GOSSIP FOR LOCALS & WANNABES |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-4761-gossip-for-locals-wannabes.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=August 31, 2005 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014442/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-4761-gossip-for-locals-wannabes.html |url-status=live }} In 2016, Bluehour was ranked thirteenth in The Oregonian{{'s}} list of Portland's most expensive restaurants.{{Cite web |last=Harbarger |first=Molly |date=2016-05-05 |title=Portland's most expensive restaurants, ranked |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2016/05/portlands_most_expensive_resta.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Oregonian |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201418/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2016/05/portlands_most_expensive_resta.html |url-status=live }}

=COVID-19 pandemic and closure=

In March 2020, after many restaurants were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Bluehour staff received letters from Carey's restaurant group stating 25 percent of their final paycheck would be deferred. Jenny Smith, communication director for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, said, "Paying only part of what workers are owed when they are laid off is a violation of Oregon law".{{Cite web |title=Former Employees Say a Portland Restaurateur Withheld Wages on Their Final Checks |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/03/26/former-employees-say-a-portland-restaurateur-withheld-wages-on-their-final-check/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Willamette Week |date=March 27, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201424/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/03/26/former-employees-say-a-portland-restaurateur-withheld-wages-on-their-final-check/ |url-status=live }}

File:Portland, Oregon, January 2023 - 16.jpg (pictured in 2023), which is housed in the space previously occupied by Bluehour]]

Bluehour permanently closed in June 2020.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Molly J. |date=2021-03-16 |title=One Year In: The Places We Lost |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2021/3/16/22321696/coronavirus-covid-closings-restaurants-bars-cafes |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727225652/https://pdx.eater.com/2021/3/16/22321696/coronavirus-covid-closings-restaurants-bars-cafes |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2020-06-30 |title=Restaurateur Bruce Carey's Celebration Spot Bluehour Will Not Reopen After Almost 20 Years in the Pearl District |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/6/30/21308624/bluehour-closing |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222142857/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/6/30/21308624/bluehour-closing |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-06-29 |title=Bluehour Restaurant in the Pearl District closing after 20 years |url=https://www.kptv.com/news/bluehour-restaurant-in-the-pearl-district-closing-after-20-years/article_686348ae-ba8c-11ea-b685-a7cc62cea27c.html |website= |publisher=KPTV |access-date=2020-06-30 |archive-date=2020-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703002557/https://www.kptv.com/news/bluehour-restaurant-in-the-pearl-district-closing-after-20-years/article_686348ae-ba8c-11ea-b685-a7cc62cea27c.html |url-status=dead }} On social media, Carey thanked patrons and staff, and wrote: "With great sadness and regret, I must announce today that Bluehour will not reopen. The prospects for a profitable relaunch have dimmed considerably in the context of a far-off, post-COVID future where casual service, social-distancing, to-go service and delivery are all key to any viable restaurant business plan."

A new restaurant named Janken began operating in the space in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2022-11-21 |title=Inside Janken, the Stylish, Star-Studded New Celebration Restaurant in Northwest Portland |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2022/11/21/23471930/janken-eater-inside-rodrigo-ochoa-restaurant-opening |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222143124/https://pdx.eater.com/2022/11/21/23471930/janken-eater-inside-rodrigo-ochoa-restaurant-opening |url-status=live }}

Reception

In 2002, Gourmet said Bluehour is "the place for some to be seen and for others to eat seriously well".{{Cite book |last=Metzelthin |first=Pearl Violette Newfield |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kI7yAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22 |title=Gourmet |date=2002 |publisher=Condé Nast |language=en |issn=0017-2553 |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201438/https://books.google.com/books?id=kI7yAAAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} Out magazine recommend the "succulent" seafood at the "very gay, very hip Mediterranean eatery" in 2002.{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PGIEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PA104 |title=Essentials |date=March 2002 |work=Out |publisher=Here Publishing |language=en |issn=1062-7928 |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201443/https://books.google.com/books?id=PGIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA104&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmw77Du478AhUwGDQIHTymAJ44MhDoAXoECAIQAg |url-status=live }} Michael J. Rosen called the restaurant "nationally acclaimed" in his book "Baking from the Heart" (2004),{{Cite book |last=Rosen |first=Michael J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ADQ02sCHxtkC&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22 |title=Baking from the Heart: Our Nation's Best Bakers Share Cherished Recipes for the Great American Bake Sale |date=2004 |publisher=Broadway Books |isbn=978-0-7679-1639-4 |language=en |author-link=Michael J. Rosen |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201458/https://books.google.com/books?id=ADQ02sCHxtkC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} and public policy analyst Randal O'Toole called Bluehour the "ritziest" restaurant in the Pearl District in "The Best-Laid Plan" (2007).{{Cite book |last=O'Toole |first=Randal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=27qYztclSG8C&dq=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22&pg=PA152 |title=The Best-laid Plans: How Government Planning Harms Your Quality of Life, Your Pocketbook, and Your Future |date=2007 |publisher=Cato Institute |isbn=978-1-933995-07-6 |language=en |author-link=Randal O'Toole |access-date=2022-12-24 |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224021723/https://books.google.com/books?id=27qYztclSG8C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA152&dq=%22bluehour%22+%22pearl+district%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} In 2007, Laura Barton included the restaurant in The Guardian{{'s}} list of Portland's top-ten diners, saying it offered "one of the canniest ways" to enjoy happy hour,{{Cite web |last=Barton |first=Laura |date=2007-12-14 |title=Top 10 diners in Portland, Oregon |url=http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/dec/14/portlandusa.restaurants |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=The Guardian |language=en |oclc=60623878 |archive-date=2022-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225114630/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/dec/14/portlandusa.restaurants |url-status=live }} and Robert Sullivan of The New York Times Magazine called Bluehour "a bright star in the Portland food constellation".{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Robert |date=2007-10-07 |title=This Is Not a Bob Dylan Movie |language=en-US |work=The New York Times Magazine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/magazine/07Haynes.html |access-date=2022-12-25 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2021-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329182815/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/magazine/07Haynes.html |url-status=live }}

In 2004, Byron Beck of Willamette Week called Bluehour "one of the city's most beloved restaurants".{{Cite web |title=The Last Party |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3592-the-last-party.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=September 8, 2004 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014837/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3592-the-last-party.html |url-status=live }} Bluehour won the Best Restaurant to Take Advantage of Your Expense Account category of the newspaper's annual Best of Portland readers' poll in 2004.{{Cite web |title=Best of Portland READERS POLL 2004 |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3500-best-of-portland-readers-poll-2004.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=August 4, 2004 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224012915/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-3500-best-of-portland-readers-poll-2004.html |url-status=live }} In the 2007 poll, the restaurant tied in the category Best Restaurant for Blowing Someone Else's Dough and was a runner-up in the category Best Place to Rub Shoulders with the Beautiful People.{{Cite web |title=Readers Poll |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-7333-readers-poll.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=July 25, 2007 |language=en |archive-date=2020-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113044610/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-7333-readers-poll.html |url-status=live }} Willamette Week's Kevin Allman wrote in 2007: "Bluehour is still perfect for the pretty Pearl District: pretty décor, pretty dishes, pretty servers—and pretty expensive. Actually, it's two restaurants. By day it's a sunny power-lunch lair. By night, it's one of the few Portland settings where Paris (or Perez) Hilton would fit right in."{{Cite web |title=Restaurant Guide 2007 |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-12832-restaurant-guide-2007.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Willamette Week |date=October 17, 2007 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224015812/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-12832-restaurant-guide-2007.html |url-status=live }}

In 2015, Chad Walsh of Eater Portland recommended Bluehour's private event room, saying, "if you're looking to put a little bit of sexy L.A.-style zing into your holiday party". Janelle Lassalle included the restaurant in Thrillist's 2018 list of Portland's "most romantic restaurants right now".{{Cite web |title=Portland's Most Romantic Restaurants Right Now |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/portland/most-romantic-bar-and-restaurants-on-portland |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Thrillist |date=January 28, 2015 |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224020918/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/portland/most-romantic-bar-and-restaurants-on-portland |url-status=live }} In 2020, Suzette Smith of Portland Mercury described Bluehour as a "classy spot" and a "staple of NW Portland drinking and dining for almost 20 years".{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Suzette |title=The Week in Food News: Openings, Closings, and Music at Mississippi Pizza |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/food-and-drink/2020/07/10/28625112/the-week-in-food-news-openings-closings-and-music-at-mississippi-pizza |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Portland Mercury |language=en}}

= Guide books =

File:Bluehour, Portland, Oregon (2020) - 2.jpg

According to Insiders' Guide to Portland, Oregon (2003), Bluehour was "routinely noted as the place to see and be seen in Portland".{{Cite book |last1=Dresbeck |first1=Rachel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NKwfJ53Wq3gC&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22 |title=Insiders' Guide to Portland, Oregon: Including the Metro Area and Vancouver, Washington |last2=Johnson |first2=Dave |date=2003 |publisher=Globe Pequot Press |isbn=978-0-7627-2840-4 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201920/https://books.google.com/books?id=NKwfJ53Wq3gC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&q=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} The 2004 edition of Best Places Northwest (2004) awarded Bluehour its maximum rating of three stars.{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Giselle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_qMqpR9ULogC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&pg=PA9 |title=Best Places Northwest: The Locals' Guide to the Best Restaurants, Lodgings, Sights, Shopping, and More! |date=2004 |publisher=Sasquatch Books |isbn=978-1-57061-417-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111201920/https://books.google.com/books?id=_qMqpR9ULogC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA9&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} The 2010 edition of the book rates the restaurant four stars out of four.{{Cite book |last=Ostgarden |first=Jo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lilPBAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&pg=PT33 |title=Best Places Northwest, 17th Edition |date=2010-08-03 |publisher=Sasquatch Books |isbn=978-1-57061-735-5 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202451/https://books.google.com/books?id=lilPBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT33&lpg=PT33&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Kenny+Giambalvo%22&source=bl&ots=eL9bI3Q5qu&sig=ACfU3U1Qu9itumG1PtZpm_95tsnjdA7qpA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHh-SBro78AhWBITQIHUHABhY4KBDoAXoECAMQAw |url-status=live }}

Bluehour was called one of Portland's most romantic restaurants by Fodor's in 2010 and 2011.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6K9ycbEQLDwC&dq=%22Blue+Hour%22+POrtland+restaurant&pg=PA43 |title=Portland |date=2010 |publisher=Fodor's Travel Publications |isbn=978-1-4000-0454-6 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last=Moker |first=Molly |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0EbOfjOH0BoC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review&pg=PA65 |title=Fodor's Oregon |date=2011 |publisher=Fodor's Travel Publications |isbn=978-1-4000-0511-6 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-22 |archive-date=2022-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222191425/https://books.google.com/books?id=0EbOfjOH0BoC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA65&dq=%22Bluehour%22+restaurant+review&hl=en |url-status=live }} Fodor's Pacific Northwest (2015) and the 2017 edition of Fodor's Oregon said the restaurant was "especially notable for sipping and socializing".{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9pRoBAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PT196 |title=Fodor's Pacific Northwest: with Oregon, Washington & Vancouver |date=2015-04-28 |publisher=Fodor's Travel |isbn=978-1-101-87874-3 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202451/https://books.google.com/books?id=9pRoBAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT196&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n9qkDQAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PT109 |title=Fodor's Oregon |date=2017-06-13 |publisher=Fodor's Travel |isbn=978-0-14-754679-1 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202952/https://books.google.com/books?id=n9qkDQAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT109&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }} Moon Oregon (2004) says Bluehour:

has been Portland's restaurant of the moment for several years now, garnering raves from the national press, and with good reason. Though the prices pack a wallop, the Italian-by-Northwest cuisine here is equal parts inventive and traditional, which suits the tastes of the local Beautiful People who haunt this Pearl District ex-warehouse. On busy nights, the artfully spare dining room doubles as an echo chamber.{{Cite book |last1=Morris |first1=Elizabeth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xEA_1nkxcAC&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PA89 |title=Moon Oregon |last2=Morris |first2=Mark |last3=Jewell |first3=Judy |last4=McRae |first4=W. C. |date=2007-02-26 |publisher=Avalon Publishing |isbn=978-1-56691-930-2 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202952/https://books.google.com/books?id=-xEA_1nkxcAC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA89&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}

The 2020 edition of Moon Oregon says Bluehour:

is one of Portland's few really swanky restaurants. The cooking is nominally Italian, though the kitchen is fluent in many cuisines, resulting in sophisticated dishes that are flavor-focused, revelatory, and fun all at the same time. If you don't feel like getting dressed up for the dining room, the bar has its own menu and a more relaxed vibe.{{Cite book |last1=Jewell |first1=Judy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SHqnDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&pg=PT105 |title=Moon Oregon |last2=McRae |first2=W. C. |date=2020-06-16 |publisher=Avalon Publishing |isbn=978-1-64049-873-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-23 |archive-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202953/https://books.google.com/books?id=SHqnDwAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT105&dq=%22Bluehour%22+%22Portland%22&hl=en |url-status=live }}

Laurie Wolf recommended Bluehour for breakfast and brunch in "Food Lovers' Guide to Portland, Oregon" (2014).{{Cite book |last=Wolf |first=Laurie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BrOsAgAAQBAJ&dq=%22Blue+Hour%22+POrtland+restaurant&pg=PA240 |title=Food Lovers' Guide to Portland, Oregon: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings |date=2014-01-14 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4930-0670-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-24 |archive-date=2022-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224012338/https://books.google.com/books?id=BrOsAgAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA240&dq=%22Blue+Hour%22+POrtland+restaurant&hl=en |url-status=live }}