Noraneko is a new ramen focused jewel box by Gabe Rosen and Kina Voelez of the popular Portland restaurant Biwa. Expect the same quality and industrial cool meets cozy vibe, but in a street front rather than a basement setting. The space is divided into an atrium like area in the front, with long two-top tables and a counter overlooking large windows, while the back has a … [Read more...] about First Look: Noraneko Ramen in Portland
Our First Impressions of New Portland area Restaurants
We are as interested in the new places as everyone else, so there are times we will comment or give a "restaurant first impressions" rather than a regular full review.
Dining On a Budget in Portland – Downtown/Convention Center
This guide was originally written for the 2009 United States Barista Championship, but it got so much favorable press, I decided to adapt it to anyone dining on a budget. This is a quick guide to places that are very reasonably priced, and close to the Convention Center/Downtown core.If it's lunch or breakfast you are after, Portland abounds with great options. Lately two … [Read more...] about Dining On a Budget in Portland – Downtown/Convention Center
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 a good chance that 95% … [Read more...] about Review: Le Pigeon – Another View
Ristorante Roma
Walking past Ristorante Roma, one might summon up faded memories of family-run trattorie on Rome's back streets, set with starched white tablecloths and sturdy dishes, decorated with photographs of local monuments, where in the corner sits a swarthy man shoving spaghetti into his mouth with insouciant abandon and everything is immersed in the intoxicating aroma of tomato and … [Read more...] about Ristorante Roma
Review: Blossoming Lotus
Note: The Pearl District location has closed.To list the Blossoming Lotus as a breakfast place seems to demean it. Even calling it a place that serves breakfast doesn’t remotely do it justice. How about this? On its Web site, the Lotus calls itself “a vortex of positive and loving vibrations for all to experience.” Seriously.Portland’s Blossoming Lotus (there’s one on … [Read more...] about Review: Blossoming Lotus