By Charley Michaels God, 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. … [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 … [Read more...] about Taste of 2007? Nutmeg
Review: Spella Caffe
By guest writer Axel Benjamin Coffee 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 … [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, … [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 … [Read more...] about Why Are Domestic Wines So Expensive?
Coffee Guide: Coffehouse NW
That Coffeehouse NW has become a destination for coffee fans citywide is a miracle. The pedestrian-hostile, auto-drenched corridor of Burnside Street is anything but cute—not so much resembling the two-lane, café-lined Eastside connectors like Belmont and Mississippi. And while Coffeehouse NW was trying to build its … [Read more...] about Coffee Guide: Coffehouse NW
Review: Bar Dué
Note: Bar Due has now closed Fratelli's Bar Dué Happy Hour in Portland Hi, PFDers! Hap here. Did you miss me? I've been traveling. I don't know about you, but I find it's always best to visit the state parks during the week before or after Memorial Day weekend, because the weather is good and most kids are still … [Read more...] about Review: Bar Dué
Review: Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter
Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter Knopf 2006, $27.95 ISBN 0-307-26496-3 Book Review by Hungry Soul Often memorable moments in life are marked by a meal. Graduation dinners at fancy restaurants. Family recipes used only during the holidays. In my family, vacations are centered … [Read more...] about Review: Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter