Bruce Bauer

About Bruce Bauer

Bruce Bauer has been helping fulfill people's need for reasonably priced grape-based beverages at his wine store VINO (previously in the Sellwood neighborhood and now at 137 SE 28th Avenue) for the past 11+ years. He has been involved in all aspects of wine enabling including wholesaling and wine list consulting. He also hosts weekly tastings Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at VINO. In previous existences he has also co-owned two successful restaurants in Portland. He writes the popular wineguyworld blog, as well as ranting regularly on twitter about all manner of things. He has traveled extensively around the U.S. and various world destinations looking for new and exciting ways to satisfy his various appetites. He currently lives in SE Portland with his lovely, indulgent, and very understanding wife and his young son C-boy. You can read about his store here.

What Do We Want Out of Wine?

Last Update April 19, 2019 3 Comments

So what is it we want out of wine? That it tastes good, right? Oh, and if it doesn't empty our wallets that is certainly a nice bonus. This is especially true for yours truly, since the "stock option" plan for VINO employees consists of drinking leftover wine from weekend tastings. Luckily, there has never been a … [Read more...] about What Do We Want Out of Wine?

Review: Yakuza Restaurant

Last Update November 29, 2017 20 Comments

By Bruce Bauer There are times when I've gone to a restaurant and had an incredible experience, but for various reasons, I didn't make it back. Such was the case with Yakuza Lounge on Portland's northeast side. I had my first experience with my friend DOR last October. It was such an-out-of-control meal we ended up … [Read more...] about Review: Yakuza Restaurant

Restaurant Wine Lists: Getting the Most for Your Dollar

Last Update November 26, 2017 52 Comments

How to maximize your restaurant wine buying dollars. By Bruce Bauer I have been meaning to put my thoughts about how to maximize your restaurant wine buying dollars to print for a long time. I was finally motivated by a similar article in the Wall Street Journal (the link is now invalid) where they listed their top … [Read more...] about Restaurant Wine Lists: Getting the Most for Your Dollar

Review: Le Pigeon – Another View

Last Update May 14, 2017 7 Comments

"Foie Gras"...."Lamb Belly"...."Foot and Tail Croquette"..."Beef Cheek Bourguignon". Gee, where am I, in heaven? Nah, just Le Pigeon here in PDX, where the accolades have always come fast and furious for chef/owner Gabriel Rucker's charnel house cuisine. Talk about respect for your raw material. If you're a pig who … [Read more...] about Review: Le Pigeon – Another View

Review: Mai Thai Restaurant

Last Update May 20, 2016 10 Comments

Bruce Bauer from WineGuyWorld.com has a look at a Thai restaurant I hadn't heard of before. I dropped by with some friends, and had a large selection of dishes. Based on my meal, I think this is a pretty accurate impression. Food Dude] I have seen the future of Thai food happiness in Portland, and by lucky … [Read more...] about Review: Mai Thai Restaurant

Tabla – Another Look

Last Update May 13, 2017 6 Comments

[It has been a while since we reviewed Tabla. Since then, it has gone through a few changes. Bruce Bauer over at wineguyworld sent me his impressions from a recent visit. I thought you might find it interesting] Getting value out of any one dish when you eat out isn't too difficult. Here in Portland a plate of the … [Read more...] about Tabla – Another Look