In November and December 2016, I visited many restaurant websites while looking for holiday information. As in previous years, I muttered and complained my way through the process. Why are restaurant websites so bad, and what can be done to fix them?To be sure, some things have improved since 2010 when I wrote my first version of this list, and in 2013 when I brought up the … [Read more...] about Why are Restaurant Websites so Bad?
Heathman Restaurant Closing, to Open as New Paley’s Venture
The Heathman Restaurant closing at the end of March. Though the restaurant was once home base to accomplished chefs Greg Higgins and Philippe Boulot, and was on many "must visit" lists in the 80's, this is not what I'd call a big loss to the community. The restaurant has been on a downward slope since the early 2000's, and the purchase of McCormick & Schmick's in 2012 … [Read more...] about Heathman Restaurant Closing, to Open as New Paley’s Venture
Two Tarts Call it Quits, Palace Cakes Sold
I heard rumors of this yesterday and was really surprised. Two Tarts Bakery bakery is calling it quits, and Palace Cakes has been sold. It will now be called Little Red's Bakeshop.In a 2008 review of Two Tarts I wrote, "I don't want to love you, you wicked temptress! You are my Delilah, weakening me with your gooey chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with sea salt; cookies … [Read more...] about Two Tarts Call it Quits, Palace Cakes Sold
2016 James Beard Foundation Semifinalists Announced
The James Beard Foundation has announced the 2016 restaurant and chef award semifinalists. As usual, a bunch of Portland places made the list. Of course there will only be a few winners by the time this shakes out, but what the heck, I'll list them all, bolding the Oregon nominations.For those of you who only care about the local stuff, here are the nominees:Best new … [Read more...] about 2016 James Beard Foundation Semifinalists Announced
11 New Buildings for Downtown will Displace Food Carts
Local news media are in an uproar today, after plans were announced by the Goodman family to develop 11 new buildings in a $1.5 billion dollar project for downtown Portland.The Goodman family made a fortune in real estate and parking, much of which holds food cart pods. Now they want to leverage that property in anticipation of zoning changes that will allow … [Read more...] about 11 New Buildings for Downtown will Displace Food Carts