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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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.” … [Read more...] about Review: Blossoming Lotus
Review: Oaks Bottom Public House
First Impression, by Well Seasoned Everything seems to be just right in this small, welcoming pub in the heart of Sellwood. The owners (according to info I found on www.altportland.com) are Jim Parker, "former Oregon Brewers Guild director and general indicator of good beer" and Jerry Fechter "of the Lompoc empire." … [Read more...] about Review: Oaks Bottom Public House
Review: Pok Pok – Another View
If you have never heard Lou Reed sing "Heroin" ("Heroin, it’s my wife and it’s my life") on Velvet Undergound's first album, "Velvet Underground and Nico," you should have a listen. In protopunk style, Reed nails the junkie insanity of anticipating his fix then rushing through his run and falling back to earth … [Read more...] about Review: Pok Pok – Another View
Review: Broadway Grill and Brewery – First Impressions
I *want* to like Broadway Grill and Brewery. It's clear from the packed house on Day Two that others want to do the same thing. And the hordes of staff - from bussers to waitstaff to managers - are bound and determined, in a kind of 'grit your teeth and SMILE' way, to *make* you like them. BUT - the nickel and … [Read more...] about Review: Broadway Grill and Brewery – First Impressions