As the Pythons used to say, “…and now for something completely different.” There is traditional American cuisine – featuring the usual roll call of comfort food classics – and Modern American, blending hyperlocal and global ingredients with whiz-bang tricks from the 21st century world of food science and … [Read more...] about Review: American Local
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Review: Ringside Fish House
In 2011, the Ringside Fish House opened downtown, on the second floor of the Fox Tower. The space had previously housed Ringside Steakhouse during their extensive remodel. It overlooks Director’s Park, and in the evening when the shades go up, it’s fun to watch the lights dance through the glass canopy, occasionally … [Read more...] about Review: Ringside Fish House
Review: Biwa
Reader Survey Best Restaurants in Portland 2012 #16. New review 10/15/12 A lot has changed about Portland since my review of Biwa in 2008. Sure, Portland still isn't much of a sushi town as compared to Seattle, Vancouver BC, or San Francisco. Yet good ramen and izakaya style dining were still a rarity in Portland in … [Read more...] about Review: Biwa
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: 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: 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: 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