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 – Read more…
Review: Yakuza
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 having their – Read more…
First Impressions: Beaker & Flask
When is a bar not a bar? That thought wandered across my mind as w and I were sitting in Beaker & Flask a couple of nights ago in the midst of what was turning into one of the most satisfying dinners we’d had in a long time. The reason for that musing was when B&F was getting started, the buzz around town was that bartending savant Kevin Ludwig was finally fulfilling his dream of opening his own place,and won’t it be a cool place to grab
Restaurant Wine Lists: Getting the most for your dollar
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 that just came out where they listed their top ten ways to get the most drink for your dollar. It was pretty informative, but from being in the wine biz for almost…ack…20 years
Review: Le Pigeon – Another View
“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 – Read more…
Review: Mai Thai Restaurant
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 – Read more…
Tabla – Another Look
[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 – Read more…