There are shops that sell chocolate and then there are the Cacao chocolate shops in Portland. The latter can inspire even the most hardened and cynical among us. When we first heard about the Cacao chocolate shops, it clearly sounded like it was worth our attention. Serious enough to warrant not one, but two reporters … [Read more...] about Cacao Chocolate Shop in Portland Oregon
Open-Sunday
Review: American Local
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
Review: Hot Pot City
Completely updated/rewritten 11/2012 Welcome to cold season in Portland. Hot Pot City is a constant for many of us, especially in the chilly, gray winter months in Portland. It's warm, it's soothing, it's steamy – perfect medicine for the colds and stuffed sinuses that our climate seems to … [Read more...] about Review: Hot Pot City
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: Ned Ludd
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
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: Back to Ringside Steakhouse
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 would be a safe bet. Going inside was like stepping into a steakhouse circa 1960. It was … [Read more...] about Review: Back to Ringside Steakhouse