By Charley MichaelsGod, I love and hate eating out in Portland. Would hate to run a restaurant even more. A Yelp review (names withheld): Upon entering the ambience was warm welcoming, and lively, but once we were seated it was evident that the noise level was too loud for comfort. Next set back: service was slow. Finally we ordered our wine, and then sat for quite a while … [Read more...] about A Classic Portland Tale of Yelp Reviews
Taste of 2007? Nutmeg
I'm not sure how it happened, but 2007 marked the Nutmeg Renaissance. [By "Salty Cod" - Note: this article is fictional. A joke. Not serious. We thought it would be obvious, but we were wrong. Thus, this disclaimer. Proceed with caution. Read with care.]No one knows precisely why, but nutmeg became the hot ingredient last year, a triumph it hasn't enjoyed for several … [Read more...] about Taste of 2007? Nutmeg
Review: Spella Caffe
By guest writer Axel BenjaminCoffee Roaster Andrea Spella tells me over my morning cappuccino that he developed his love for coffee when he was just a kid. [Updated: Spella Caffe now has a brick and mortar location at 520 SW 5TH Ave. You'll find a new review of Spella here.]Growing up in a second-story apartment above a bakery in Chicago, Spella's Italian-American … [Read more...] about Review: Spella Caffe
Those Annoying People with Food Allergies: A Guide
Having paid my dues in the trenches of restaurant work, I confess to more than mild irritation when faced with diners with food allergies. "I can't have soy," says the old lady. "No peanuts!" yowls the red-haired boy. Now, as karmic retribution would have it, I have my very own resume of food allergies: wheat, soy, dairy, sulfites, and eggs. It ain't easy bein' me-I feel sorry … [Read more...] about Those Annoying People with Food Allergies: A Guide
Why Are Domestic Wines So Expensive?
["PDXMan" saw the comment below, and decided to fill me in. I thought his response was so good, it deserved publishing. I appreciate the time he took crafting his response.] "Many times imports are a much better bargain then domestics. It drives me crazy that heavy bottles can be shipped half way across the world and still be cheaper then local wines." Food Dude, October 25, … [Read more...] about Why Are Domestic Wines So Expensive?