Sarah Pliner, one of Portland's best chefs, and one of the founders of Aviary Restaurant was killed in a bicycle accident yesterday. The news this morning via local food writer Michael Zusman's Facebook, was like a gut punch. I met Sarah several times over the years, but can't claim to have had deep insights into her personality. But over the years I've heard many good things … [Read more...] about Famed Portland Chef Sarah Pliner Dies
Sarah Pliner
2016 James Beard Foundation Semifinalists Announced
The James Beard Foundation has announced the 2016 restaurant and chef award semifinalists. As usual, a bunch of Portland places made the list. Of course there will only be a few winners by the time this shakes out, but what the heck, I'll list them all, bolding the Oregon nominations.For those of you who only care about the local stuff, here are the nominees:Best new … [Read more...] about 2016 James Beard Foundation Semifinalists Announced
Vote for Food & Wine People’s Best New Chef
Food & Wine magazine is asking for votes for "People's Best New Chef: Northwest & Pacific". Portland has a good selection of contenders - Greg Denton & Gabrielle Quiñonez Denton from OX, Joshua McFadden of Ava Gene's and Roman Candle, Sarah Pliner of Aviary, Scott Snyder of Levant, Smallwares Joanna Ware, and Justin Woodward of Castagna. Seattle's selections pale in … [Read more...] about Vote for Food & Wine People’s Best New Chef
Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef” Nominations
Another day, another "Best New Chef" contest. At least this time, we, the lowly public gets to vote.The newest nominees are by Food & Wine magazine - At F&W, we name America’s 10 most brilliant up-and-coming chefs every year. Now we want to know who you think is the most talented new chef in America. F&W has made it easy for us, but reducing the possibilities … [Read more...] about Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef” Nominations
Review: Aviary Restaurant in Portland
Note: Aviary closed in 2020. Redolent of the sea, oysters at Aviary restaurant come five to a plate on a sparkling bed of ice. They hit the tongue like silk, sliding back, the tiny summer tang of tomato granite, building to the barest hint of horseradish, and then as they go down, a whisper of salty ocean air, like you are standing on a beach in a warm breeze.When you … [Read more...] about Review: Aviary Restaurant in Portland