[updated 2017] Ringside Steakhouse was been closed, extensively remodeled and has reopened. I thought it was time to go back and take another look.In the early 90's, I had my first dinner at Ringside, yet I remember the night like it was yesterday. It was a cool, crisp winter evening. I wanted to impress a date, and knowing nothing about the Portland food scene, was told it … [Read more...] about Review: Ringside Steakhouse Portland
Happy Hour
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. According to Wikipedia, Morton’s is the world’s largest owner … [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 Caesar salads, the darkness punctuated by an occasional burst of … [Read more...] about Review: El Gaucho Steakhouse
Review: Miss Delta and the Boiled Chicken Death March
A review of Miss Delta in Portland If you'd like to skip memories of my childhood, just scroll down - the review section is clearly marked.I've written before about the time I spent growing up in Maypearl Texas, but I never mentioned the boiled chicken death march, and my plot to get even.In the '50s, dinner in the South was a family, sit-down supper. Grace was … [Read more...] about Review: Miss Delta and the Boiled Chicken Death March
Review: Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
July 2007. The mixed drink scene has changed quite a bit since this was written, but my overall feel about Teardrop Cocktail Lounge is unchanged.As I was doing research for this review in my father's old bar notebook, I came across a list of ingredients labeled "always have on hand". What especially interested me were incidentals like falernum, cassis, five types of … [Read more...] about Review: Teardrop Cocktail Lounge