This neighborhood French restaurant is tucked into an out-of-the-way corner of Northwest Portland, and its walls are so covered with ivy that it's easy to miss. With a menu split between economical bistro dishes and more expensive entrees, Café des Amis serves some reliable French fare in an unpretentious atmosphere. In business for many years, the cafe has developed a loyal following for such well-prepared dishes as tender duck with blackberry sauce and excellent beef filet with Port wine and garlic sauce. The dining room is small, quiet, and sedate (no hustle-bustle here) and frequented by an older, conservative crowd that has come for the dining experience, not to be part of a scene.