Portland Food and Drink

News and Information For Portland Oregon Area Restaurants and Bars

General Food Writing Archive

More general food writing from your hosts about their lives, growing up, what food means to them, etc. Brace yourself for trips down memory lane from a variety of authors, some silly, some sentimental.

The Winners of Our 2010 Food Writing Contest!

By Last Update December 19, 2017 6 Comments

Every few years we hold a food writing contest. These are the results from 2010. Thank you to everyone who entered! I really enjoyed reading your memories.

First Prize – by Super Dave

In the fall 1997 I had planned on throwing a big party to celebrate the five-year remission of my cancer.… Read the rest

How to Make Sangria

By Last Update June 5, 2020 12 Comments

sangria Long before I moved to Portland, I was known for my sangria recipe. I always suspected I was invited to many parties just because they knew I would bring a batch of my easy-drinking wine punch. One year my friend Patrick invited me to his birthday party in Healdsburg, California. It was going to be outdoors, looked to be hot, and

Of an Untimely Death, and a Ham Sandwich

By Last Update April 20, 2018 4 Comments

It's hot, lots of people are grumpy, and I thought I'd re-post this old story from 2005, four years from the original publish date . It's all true, and might just make you smile and forget the heat for a moment.

It was a perfect ham sandwich that brought me to the brink of an untimely death. Somehow, that all seems appropriate for me. I suppose I’d better tell you the rest of the story.

52 Fords, Fallout Shelters and the Steakhouse Review Summary

By Last Update June 9, 2020 33 Comments

On a recent warm night, I stuck my head out the window and smelled summer; the odor of fresh cut grass and brush drying, triggering memories of long ago.

I’ve talked many times about my summers on the family ranch in Texas. I’ll never forget one of my last trips as a kid of about 16. My grandmother was getting old, and we knew she wouldn’t be able to stay there alone much longer. My visit was as much to say goodbye to the ranch as it was for anything else, as I knew I probably wouldn’t be back again.

My Spider Phobia Interferes with a Thai Dinner

By Last Update April 20, 2018 18 Comments

Back in 2004, I wrote considerably more creative pieces than I do now. Since I have family in town this week, I’m way behind, so I thought I’d bring back a favorite. It is interesting seeing how much my life has changed since those days. If you’ve read this before, my apologies. The story is absolutely true.

The Best Laid Plans

I have a confession to make. This is sure