A review of Bar Avignon in SE Portland Oregon From the moment you walk into Bar Avignon, the atmosphere wraps its arms around you. A long bar stretches the length of the restaurant, an easy place to feel comfortable if you are dining alone. In the front, a small group of tables holds about 20, and a few raised booths … [Read more...] about Review: Bar Avignon
Comfort-Food
Review: Yakuza Restaurant
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
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: Morton’s The Steakhouse
I hadn’t been to Morton’s in at least eight years when I pulled up to the valet a few weeks ago. The last time my experience had been pretty good. On this warm Thursday evening, I was expecting a meal that would be close to the quality of El Gaucho. Morton’s was founded in 1978 by Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch. … [Read more...] about Review: Morton’s The Steakhouse
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: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse the best in Portland? We take a look Ruth’s Chris is the largest steakhouse chain in the United States. As such, it was the first major restaurant of that type to give the Portland institution Ringside Steakhouse any real competition. When it opened I used to go now and then to experience … [Read more...] about Review: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse