Dig Into Dumplings and Martinis at Kachka Fabrika

"Start with a martini. You can't go wrong with the house From Kachka With Love, the horseradish martini, or the Raf Martini (a take on an espresso martini). The scallop crudo is a divisive, but nonetheless interesting bite. Thinly sliced scallops are salted and blanketed with a creamy foam, and then showered with buckwheat furikake. The foam varies with the seasons: In the summer, it was corn, and on a more recent visit, parsnip."

"The little gem salad features sour cherry vinaigrette - tart, fruity with little zip. Thinly sliced grapes come lightly pickled, and puffed buckwheat adds a delightful crunch, while a tangle of fennel and a handful of herbs rounds it out. Dumplings for the table is a Kachka requirement. All of the vareniki are served boiled and dressed with butter, vinegar, and smetana (sour cream) with a shower of herbs. I usually go for the tvorog vareniki (farmer's cheese) or vishnya vareniki (sour cherry)."

"With vodka stills gleaming in the background, warm white oak walls, and a hive of pendant lamps, the marble horseshoe bar radiates warmth and fosters conviviality. Chic mini table lamps add to the intimate atmosphere. Come here on a date or as a group of four in order to secure seating on the first floor. There is a loft with a lounge area and more tables, but in my opinion, the action usually happens near the bar."

Kachka Fabrika combines a bar and vodka distillery with a choose-your-own zakuski menu emphasizing classic small plates and adventurous bites. The martini offerings include the house From Kachka With Love, a horseradish martini, and a Raf Martini. Seasonal small plates include scallop crudo with creamy foam and buckwheat furikake, and a little gem salad with sour cherry vinaigrette, pickled grapes, puffed buckwheat, fennel, and herbs. Vareniki dumplings are served boiled with butter, vinegar, and smetana; popular fillings include tvorog and vishnya. Local oysters are inexpensive at happy hour. The marble horseshoe bar, warm wood walls, and intimate lighting create a convivial atmosphere.

Read at Eater Portland