It is a hot Saturday night, but Chef Marco Shaw looks cool and composed. From my seat at the counter I am literally three feet from the cooks; the heat from the stoves is enough that I move my wine bottle to the side to keep it from getting too warm. For 90 minutes I sit and watch how Marco runs his restaurant, and can’t help but be impressed, for while he is making sure the … [Read more...] about Review: Fife – An American Place
Burger Wars! Wildwood vrs. Cafe Castagna
With all the hamburger controversy that has been going on, I thought I would give my .02 cents. Over at ExtraMSG’s site, he has been going through and reviewing many Portland area burgers. It is very thorough, you can read it here: ExtraMSG.com. He likes the Wildwood burger, and since I stopped going to the restaurant a few years ago when I think it took a downturn, I went back … [Read more...] about Burger Wars! Wildwood vrs. Cafe Castagna
Review: Wong’s King Seafood (Chinese)
Note: This review has been updated. You can find the new one here.Here is another in my endless string of confessions to you, my 25,000 closest friends: I hate Portland Chinese. I have a lot of Asian friends. When it comes to food, they know I’m always up for Thai or Japanese, but when they suggest Chinese, I always seem to be busy that night. The problem is, I’d had … [Read more...] about Review: Wong’s King Seafood (Chinese)
Does the Oregonian Have an Agenda to Promote Certain Restaurants
Am I the only one that thought all the free publicity Gotham got in Friday's Oregonian was no more than gushing drivel? One restaurant got seven pages plus the cover of A&E? You'd think it was the annual food issue and Hebberoy and company had won. Want to bet who will be the next Oregonian restaurant of the year? If, as I have heard, it takes two pages of advertising to … [Read more...] about Does the Oregonian Have an Agenda to Promote Certain Restaurants
Review: Basta’s Trattoria
Refreshed 4.08Bastas on NW 21st used to be a Tastee-Freeze, but if it weren’t for the steep angular roof you’d never know it. A huge salt water aquarium greets you just inside the front door. The walls are painted in earth tones and large heavy drapes soften the space. There is a small outdoor area for alfresco dining. A warm comfortable feel permeates the … [Read more...] about Review: Basta’s Trattoria