Note: 1/2016 - This restaurant is now closed.When I was growing up, my mother used to make jambalaya regularly. It was one of my favorite dishes, and I still make it now and then using her old recipe from the 40's. With fond memories of that dish and New Orleans cuisine in general, I was excited to be reviewing Acadia. Though I hadn't been for several years, the cooking at … [Read more...] about Review: Acadia Restaurant
Review: Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
September 2025. The mixed drink scene has changed quite a bit since this was written, but my overall feeling about Teardrop Cocktail Lounge is unchanged.As I was doing research for this review in my father's old bar notebook, I came across a list of ingredients labeled "always have on hand". What especially interested me were incidentals like falernum, cassis, five types of … [Read more...] about Review: Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
Review: Pok Pok Portland
(Pok Pok closed in 2020)With many people distracted by the deluge of new restaurants opening in Portland, I think it is important not to forget other notable destinations. For that reason, I find myself at Pok Pok on a regular basis.To understand what Andy Ricker is trying to achieve at the restaurant, it helps to have a bit of background in the culture of Thailand. All … [Read more...] about Review: Pok Pok Portland
Beast to Open in Portland and more!
It's the Alberta Street Restaurant Gold Rush Just a few of the new restaurants going in on Northeast Alberta Street:"The Local Beet" is opening on NE 24th in the little "Quonset Hut" building. It was supposed to be a non-smoking bar, but has turned into a full-blown restaurant, owned by the same people from the Cup and Saucer.And finally, Lolo, the NE 30th and Alberta … [Read more...] about Beast to Open in Portland and more!
Quoth the Food Dude, “Nevermore!” – How to Make Tonic Water from Scratch
How to Make Tonic Water from Scratch, Part II This recipe was updated on 11/44/25. You should note that the effects of drinking quinine, an ingredient found in all tonic water, is subject to debate in medical circles - read about it here or elsewhere before you decide to make your tonic. I'm not a doctor, but I will point out that if you drink enough gin & tonics to make … [Read more...] about Quoth the Food Dude, “Nevermore!” – How to Make Tonic Water from Scratch