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?

By Bruce Bauer 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 better time to drink well on the cheap. Two good things have come … [Read more...] about What Do We Want Out of Wine?

Review: Yakuza Restaurant

By Bruce Bauer Last Update November 29, 2017 20 Comments

By Bruce BauerThere 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 having their burger for dessert. After my rave to w about … [Read more...] about Review: Yakuza Restaurant

Restaurant Wine Lists: Getting the Most for Your Dollar

By Bruce Bauer Last Update November 26, 2017 52 Comments

How to maximize your restaurant wine buying dollars. By Bruce BauerI 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 ten ways to get the most drink for your dollar. It was … [Read more...] about Restaurant Wine Lists: Getting the Most for Your Dollar

Review: Le Pigeon – Another View

By Bruce Bauer 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 happens to catch Gabriel's eye, there's a good chance that 95% … [Read more...] about Review: Le Pigeon – Another View

Review: Mai Thai Restaurant

By Bruce Bauer Last Update July 24, 2021 10 Comments

Bruce Bauer from WineGuyWorld.com has a look at a Thai restaurant I hadn't heard of before.I have seen the future of Thai food happiness in Portland, and by lucky coincidence, it is about a five-minute drive from our house! A newish place called Mai Thai (a shocking play on words, I know!) opened a couple of months ago down on 31st and SE Belmont. Both w and I are huge Thai … [Read more...] about Review: Mai Thai Restaurant