Note: Ciao Vito closed in 2020Every so often I sit down to do a review and just don’t quite know what to say. That is why it takes me a while to get these out; sometimes, they have to percolate in my mind or else require an extra visit. This was the case with Ciao Vito. I had so many mixed experiences there, I ended up going four times before I could write this review. … [Read more...] about Review: Ciao Vito
Saucebox Restaurant Chef to “Spend more time with family.”
Beleaguered Saucebox Restaurant Chef Adam Kekahuna is out. From Johnathan Nicholas column in the Oregonian today (you didn't think I'd miss this did you?), comes news that Chris Israel is now the permanent chef at Saucebox Restaurant, taking place of chef Adam Kekahuna who is leaving to "spend more time with his family".I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit sad. Adam was … [Read more...] about Saucebox Restaurant Chef to “Spend more time with family.”
Review: Zaytoon Bar
Note: this restaurant is now closedZaytoon, an Arabic term for the olive, is mainly a bar, but has a few Middle Eastern style dishes, mostly meza style. The design is rather nice if you are into that sort of thing: think industrial modern. It is a huge soaring space in a new building. Lots of nice earth tones, concrete floors, large metal brackets, modern lighting, … [Read more...] about Review: Zaytoon Bar
Review: D.F. in the Pearl
NOTE: THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSEDD.F. in the Pearl has revamped their menu and refocused. Are they making progress? I’ve had three more meals and have completely rewritten my previous review. Opened by the same people responsible for Taqueria Nueve, this new place at Northrop and NW 11th in the Pearl attempts to bring Mexico City cooking to downtown Portland. D.F. … [Read more...] about Review: D.F. in the Pearl
Restaurant ads made to look like reviews for restaurants – that buy ad-space
A SF Examiner restaurant reporter’s job is to bring in ads. On the surface, this may not seem like too bad an idea. The problem is the Examiner was trading good reviews for the ads: From ‘Grade the News’ George Habit’s food columns are presented as news, but they’re really ad solicitations, reports John McManus. Habit tells him: “Yes, I use the column as an initiative to get … [Read more...] about Restaurant ads made to look like reviews for restaurants – that buy ad-space