The Luddites were 19th-century English textile artisans, who violently protested against the machinery introduced during the Industrial Revolution. Chef Jason French pays homage to their mascot, Ned Ludd, for whom the movement was named, and cooks everything from a wood-fired oven. No other source of heat is used; it's … [Read more...] about Review: Ned Ludd
NE-Portland
Review: Ox Restaurant
OX restaurant is a temple to “the wood-fired grilling tradition of Argentina, and with it, the culinary heritage of Spain, France, and Italy”. Opened in early 2012 by Quiñónez and Greg Denton, Ox has shot to the top of Portland's “must visit” restaurants, and placed number one on my 2012 Best New Restaurant … [Read more...] about Review: Ox Restaurant
Review: Podnah’s Pit Barbecue
Updated 7/17 I'm indulging myself in the beginning of this review by taking a walk down memory lane. Click here if you'd like to jump to review section. When I was growing up, I spent many summers on a big cattle ranch just down the road from the booming metropolis of Maypearl Texas, population less than 300. We had … [Read more...] about Review: Podnah’s Pit Barbecue
Review: Aviary Restaurant in Portland
Redolent of the sea, oysters at Aviary restaurant come five to a plate on a sparkling bed of ice. They hit the tongue like silk, sliding back, the tiny summer tang of tomato granite, building to the barest hint of horseradish, and then as they go down, a whisper of salty ocean air, like you are standing on a beach in a … [Read more...] about Review: Aviary Restaurant in Portland
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: Toro Bravo Restaurant
To understand Spanish food, it helps to have a little understanding of the culture behind it Spain tugs at something deep in my soul. Maybe it is because taste, music, and memory are so closely intertwined, but every time I hear flamenco, I flash back to a time 25 years ago. I was living in Healdsburg in the Sonoma … [Read more...] about Review: Toro Bravo Restaurant
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: Koji Osakaya
[Koji's now has over 6 locations in the Portland area and an outpost in Seattle. This review only refers to the downtown Portland location on SW Broadway, and the NE 15th and Weidler location near Lloyd Center] Although Koji's was never what I'd call grade ‘A' Japanese food, for many years it was one of my old … [Read more...] about Review: Koji Osakaya