By Bruce Bauer 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 … [Read more...] about Review: Yakuza Restaurant
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Review: Tasty n Sons
Updated 10/17 - Tasty & Sons is a new concept by John Gorham of Toro Bravo, branching out from Spanish food. This cuisine is more "Americana", but there are lots of interesting foreign dishes as well, so be adventurous and explore the menu. One thing to keep in mind: the food is generally served "family-style". … [Read more...] about Review: Tasty n Sons
Review: Higgins Restaurant
On the way home from dinner at Nel Centro one evening, I was bemoaning the fact that I hadn’t had a good meal since I reviewed Tabla. At that moment, we drove past Higgins Restaurant, which looked completely full. It had been at least five years since my last dinner there, but it used to be one of my favorite … [Read more...] about Review: Higgins Restaurant
Review: 23Hoyt
A review of 23Hoyt Restaurant in Portland Since it was first built by Bruce Carey Restaurants, the 23Hoyt space has gone through multiple incarnations. The first was a short-lived Italian restaurant named Balvo, the second, 23Hoyt, managed by the well-known chef Chris Israel. Chris has now moved on to open his own … [Read more...] about Review: 23Hoyt
Review: El Gaucho Steakhouse
To many, El Gaucho epitomizes what a steakhouse should be. It feels sophisticated. The atmosphere is formal, the lighting dim and romantic, and lots of dark wood provides a backdrop to tinkling stemware and white linens. Live jazz wafts from the background as tuxedo-clad waiters scurry by with carts for tableside … [Read more...] about Review: El Gaucho Steakhouse
Review: Noble Rot 2.0
Noble Rot has a somewhat confusing pedigree. As I understand, it was originally started by chef Leather Storrs, and received positive reviews, including from me. I liked the warm, comforting atmosphere and the limited but mostly well-executed menu. In 2007, Leather left and opened another restaurant on East Burnside … [Read more...] about Review: Noble Rot 2.0
Review: Country Cat
Updated 7/23/19 - The Country Cat is now closed. It's been just over a year since Country Cat opened, and I thought it was time to go back and take a second look. Ever since it opened, Country Cat has been a subject of heated debate. Should the fried chicken be boneless? Should it be drizzled with maple syrup? If … [Read more...] about Review: Country Cat
Review: Clyde Common
Many restaurants are emblematic of certain eras in the cities they inhabit. Think of the well known Brasserie Lipp in Paris in the 1920's, when artists and writers milled about, drinking cheap red wine and eating hearty sausages and stews, while Ernest Hemingway jotted it all down on paper for posterity. Or the … [Read more...] about Review: Clyde Common