THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED Ken’s is one of those places you can drive by many times without noticing. I still might not have seen it if I hadn’t had trouble parking for Castagna and walked past one day. The restaurant reminds me of a diner. Three booths are scattered around the outside walls, a community table that seats ten runs down the middle, there are a few scattered … [Read more...] about Review: Ken’s Place
A Legacy of Taste – How I Learned To Enjoy Food
"Herb Caen once noted that the Blue Fox served radicchio salad 35 years before it became trendy" When I was very young, my parents took the family to The Blue Fox restaurant in San Francisco. It's long gone, but at the time it was considered one of the better restaurants in the United States. Looking back, I can’t imagine what they were thinking about taking children to a … [Read more...] about A Legacy of Taste – How I Learned To Enjoy Food
Coffee Guide: Albina Press
I am sitting here with a perfect cup of coffee. That is why I love Starbucks. Do I have your attention?For most people these days, their first exposure to coffee comes from one of the mass-market chains such as Starbucks. Starbucks gives them that first addiction, the 'need' to get coffee every day. Then one day they are exposed to a better brew. Maybe a friend drags them … [Read more...] about Coffee Guide: Albina Press
Review: Echo Restaurant
This review has been replaced by a newer one. You will find it here.At one time, Echo was one of those restaurants I really liked. An 1890's building that once housed a brothel was completely renovated. Large windows spill light into the room from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. There is a nice bar area where you can sit, if there is a wait for a table. The owner, Tim … [Read more...] about Review: Echo Restaurant
Review: Madena of the Pearl
Now closedYou know when you are near Madena because the air becomes redolent with spices. Unfortunately, the promise in the air doesn't always reflect in the food that comes to your table.Portland has several good Lebanese restaurants, but now Madena brings this cuisine to the Pearl District. How does this Pearl location compare?Located in the Gregory Building, it … [Read more...] about Review: Madena of the Pearl