A review of Gilda's Italian Restaurant in Portland Oregon by Roger PorterYou hear all the time that one of the lamentable gaps in Portland’s culinary scene is the absence of great Chinese restaurants. Understandably there is little here to compare with the Chinese food palaces of San Francisco or Vancouver, B.C., but sadly we fall down in that department relative to … [Read more...] about Review: Gilda’s Italian Restaurant
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Review: Toro Bravo Restaurant
Note: Toro Bravo closed in 2020.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 Valley, where I … [Read more...] about Review: Toro Bravo Restaurant
Review: Bistro Maison
Review of Bistro Maison in McMinnville OregonBistro Maison opened over seven years ago and is now a McMinnville institution. It sits at the end of NE 3rd street in the picturesque old downtown area next to an even older train station. Parking is easy. The restaurant is casual and cozy. On a nice day, you’ll have a choice of dining inside or out, especially if you have … [Read more...] about Review: Bistro Maison
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