Quick Bites PDX- EaT: An Oyster Bar; and Ristretto Roasters

They had me at hello. Either that or this frosty cold mug of Lagunitas IPA. This was a fine intro to the semi-new EaT: An Oyster Bar, in the slightly less semi-new HUB building on N. Williams Avenue (home to Lincoln Restaurant, Ristretto Roasters, and others, and former home of the short lived vegan restaurant Nutshell. I know, I agree...."short lived" and "vegan restaurant" is a redundancy!) EaT is named after partners Ethan Powell and Tobias Hogan (the E and T of the name). We wandered in a couple of Sundays ago on a beautifully sunny fall afternoon when we were in desperate need of sustenance. The word was that E and T were providing it by serving up New Orleans style grub in various forms of po' boys, gumbo, and oysters.

We wandered up to the bar, with the garage style doors wide open letting in copious amounts of light. They serve their beers out of old fridges behind the bar and in some freezing cold 10 ounce mugs (hey, you want a pint? Order two!). So cold that you can see the beer that spilled out frozen on the outside of the mug. Literally and figuratively very cool! After that, we had to have some fresh shucked oysters that must be the best deal in town: around $8 for a half-dozen and $15 for a full dozen. Prices will vary according to what's available. We loved our fresh, briny Willapa Bays. Up next were an equally satisfying bowl of seafood gumbo for w that was nicely spicy, rich, and with plenty of shrimp, oysters, crab and okra; and their catfish po' boy for me which was nicely and lightly fried, and it came with a side of very credible, hand cut fries. All in all a most saisfying Sunday stop and a place we both will be back to. This is what comfortbale neighborhood places are supposed to be like!
The dispensers of malted happiness above, and a shot of the interior below looking out to N. Williams Av.

ADD HUB: We also stopped into Ristretto Roasters (left, from the outside looking in)before our EaT visit. A comfy modern-cool space, mid century-ish, with very able baristas turning out some high quality shots. My cappucino was delicious although the foam could have been lighter (I still prefer the perfection that is the Caffé Umbria version). With it's wide open doors and expansive patio out front, plus that damn fine coffee, if I lived in the 'hood, I'd be there regularly!

Jade Teahouse and Patisserie...forgive me for I must indulge!

A little piece of Paris, mixed with a healthy dose of old Vietnam, has come to my Sellwood neighborhood here in Portland with the opening this week of Jade Teahouse and Patisserie. I've been watching, and anticipating its opening for months. And especially since owner April Eklund stopped by the wine shack a couple of weeks ago to introduce herself and clue me in to what is already one of my favorite places in town.

It seems that for years April (at right with her mom Lucy) has wanted to open her own place, to satisfy her love of the world's great teas and her desire to share her knowledge. But what is tea without something to nibble, so she talked her mom Lucy out of retirement. Lucy owned Beau Thai restaurant here in Portland a few years ago. After she sold that, Lucy decided she wanted to go to Paris and learn to make great patisserie and bake bread, so off she went, found several jobs apprenticing in different bakeries, and thankfully brought that experience and what is apparently a crazy set of skills to Portland. Now, to accompany April's very impressive tea selection, you can indulge in some incredible sweet treats, equal to if not better than anything I've had in town. Jade is a calm, warm, light-filled space that will have you dreaming of sitting in a Parisian café, nibbling happily while sipping a delicious, perfectly brewed cup of hot tea. Lucy also has come up with a selection Vietnamese style sandwiches on her house baked baguette. I've had them two days in a row. I'm hooked.

Both women are incredibly nice, and Lucy showed me around her kitchen and bakery area. How someone who is maybe five feet tall and weighs basically nothing does so much I have no idea. I only wish I could work as hard. Everything is made from scratch here. When we were downstairs, Lucy had me grab a container off the shelf that was FULL of her own candied ginger. Out of this world....puts anything you buy at the store to shame! She was telling me that she has been putting in 18 hour days, getting there early to start the bread, then moving on to the days pastry selection. April has already put together approximately 40 different teas (some samples of which are displayed lower right) with more to come. Today she made me a cup of the Iron Goddess oolong tea to take back to work along with my Vietnamese Meatball Sandwich (above right). I am absolutely no tea expert, but this was a wonderfully sublime tea, with intoxicating aromas of flowers and spice. The meatball sandwich was also delicious, with a generous helping of Lucy's meatballs (make sure you have plenty of napkins) and lightly pickled daikon and carrots with a few sprigs of cilantro. I also tried their Drunken Chicken Sandwich (above left) and was equally impressed both with the quality and seasoning of the chicken and its generous size. Lucy's baguette is also the perfect vehicle...not too crusty, with a just right chew. All sandwiches are a more than reasonable $6, and they also offer a soup and a couple of starters.

Now, about those pastries. I have bought a couple, and Lucy and April in their generous way have also plied me with several. Everything I have had, as I said above, has been superior. Lucy's Pandanis Green Cake (at left- $3) was one of those desserts that totally plays into my food-addictive tendencies. In between the layers of moist green pandanis leaf cake were crispy layers of pastry with a topping of not-too-sweet frosting. I've also tried her perfectly satisfying Red Velvet Cake cupcakes (right- $1.25), a tasty little Fudge Brownie with Matcha Green Tea Frosting (3/$1!), and a lovely little frosted lemon cookie. Oh, and a gluten-free macaroon that was, well, just about perfect. I'm really not that easy to please I promise, and I haven't tried everything, but based on my initial visits I'd highly suggest you check it out.

So, in two days I've gained about five pounds thanks to the talents of April and Lucy. Unfortunately, with it being right around the corner from VINO, and so damn good, the future doesn't bode well for my waistline. Do me a favor, next time you see me don't mention the stretch waistband pants!

Jade Teahouse and Patisserie/7912 SE 13th Avenue/Portland, Or/503.477.8985
hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30-6:30/ closed Sunday

Can you keep a Secret?

It used to be that while waiting for a coveted table at the still über-hot Toro Bravo restaurant here in Portland, the only option was to be crammed into that tiny elongated closet off to the side, packed liked sardines around the tables in the front, or waiting outside. Now, for all of us who want to go to TB but hate to wait, relief is a short walk upstairs, where for the price of a well-made cocktail you can join The Secret Society. The owner of the building that houses Toro Bravo, Matt Johnson, used to have his office in a room that looked out over the sidewalk in front of Toro Bravo. Night after night he'd see crowds of desperate, hungry, and probably thirsty diners waiting...and waiting. Being a smart boy who knows opportunity when it rears its profitable head, he transformed his office into a cozy, darkly lit den of adult refreshment with the titillating name The Secret Society. With its high ceiling, dark red walls, and very inviting bar with ice water dispensers for proper absinthe making on the bar, it reeks of retro cocktail cool (and you can see w looking very of-the-moment at the bar above). Various snacks are available to soak up the well thought out list of libations being offered. Absolutely not just a place to go while waiting for a Toro table, this charming, romantic bar should be on any cocktailistas list!
*** *** ***
Oh, and how as dinner at Toro Bravo? As always it was outstanding. Highlights for me were the always addictive salt cod fritters with aioli (that's an armada of them steaming across a sea of aioli at left) and the squid ink pasta with an hazelnuts and an egg yolk attractively positioned on top. I am always impressed at how consistent this place is considering the crowds. Owner John Gorham really has it working, and at an always reasonable price.

Living the food dream!

My favorite brunch place in Portland was open last Sunday. It's an all-you-can-eat of the absolute best specialty foods from around the world. Table after table of European chocolate, salumi, artisan cheeses, aged balsamic vinegars....it goes on and on. Sadly it is only open for a few hours, every other year. Oh, it also helps to have a wholesale account. Talk about a tough ticket! The event was the biennial Provvista Specialty Foods trade show. A pretty incredible array of fabulously tasty edibles. All fo the above, plus Tastebud pizza throwing out their amazing pizza, gelato, a giant pan of paella, beer, wine from Grochau Cellars and Boedecker Cellar, espresso to wake you up so can can jump back in. Crazy, fabulous, a foodies dream day. Don't worry, I enjoyed for all of you! Here's some highlights....









So, a little bit of Cowgirl Creamery cheese, followed by some amazing lox, smoked trout and salmon....

Hmmm, do I want the 3, 6, 12, or 18 month Manchego?







After all that cheese, some of Paul Bertolli's incredible Fra Mani salumi should help me regain some much needed equilibrium.



















Let's see....insanely sensuous triple creme cheeses from France or Tastebud Pizza's über-seasonal peach pizza? Can you believe I had both? Hahahahahaha!!!!
OMG!! How much Cypress Grove Chevre can one man take? Apparently lots!


I did have to draw the line at the Salami of Mass Destruction that was the four foot long mortadella on the way out. I can only take so much. Now you know the "why" of the swordfish post yesterday!

Wings, man!

For all fortunate Portland eaters, if you are driving through the Sellwood neighborhood today or tomorrow and feeling a bit peckish, then my pal Kevin at the Garden State food cart on the corner of SE 13th Avenue and SE Lexington has just dropped off a sampling of his weekend special, which are some awesome fried chicken wings with a lemon aioli. A perfect snack to nibble while you wait for that meatball hero. I just wolfed mine down....delicious! As always, I share because I care!!

Carnitas and huevos and chilaquiles, oh my!!

Get set for the biggest, most important Portland restaurant opening of the year this Thursday on upper SE Hawthorne Boulevard, as the long awaited, much anticipated Por Que No Taqueria “Dos” opens. Okay, maybe it’s not the biggest opening. And probably the importance is more personal that universal, but when I can stroll down the street to 4635 SE Hawthorne and get my share of the best carnitas tacos on the planet, then I’m so in. And that Sunday brunch with plates of huevos and chilquiles (pic below right) is a mere four minute walk from our front door (yeah, I timed it!). No more driving to north Portland to PQN "uno" to get our fix….life is so freaking good sometimes!!!

w and I were walking the Chops around the ‘hood Sunday morning and stopped by PQN and were checking out the backyard, peering in the window. Owner Bryan Steelman and his wife Claire were inside and they asked if we wanted to come in and take a look around. Just the fact that they were there alone, getting it ready together was very cool. They are so involved with their spaces, infusing so much personal, positive energy and you can feel their excitement. The space is awesome, much bigger than their N. Mississippi shoebox, but with that same incredible vibe. Their eyes were just sparkling as they showed us around, bragged about their big new walk-in cooler, the new kitchen, the big wall benches that were recycled from an old Masonic temple . I mentioned to Bryan that isn't it cool when your vision turns out even better than you thought, and he said it's so amazing that sometimes he feels the hair on his arms standing up he's so excited! Big roll up garage door-style windows really open up the space to the street. Plus they have a fantastic backyard that promises to be one the most fun places to hang in the city. I can’t wait and am totally down with what Bryan and Claire have accomplished. These two run their restaurants the right way, support their employees and their neighborhoods. All you need to know to know about the PQN ethic can be fond by clicking on the website link above and then clicking the "mythology" tab. It says it all.

Ginned up!

Not only is Portland the home to the greatest number of craft breweries in the world, but to metaphorically put the olive in the martini, we lucky denizens of this thirst ridden city are also fortunate enough to have a growing number of craft distillers whose vodkas, gins, whiskies, and other intoxicants are gaining nation-wide recognition. Stephen McCarthy and his legendary Clear Creek Distillery started the boom years ago. Now labels like Medoyeff, Aviation, New Deal, Ransom, and others are putting smiles on faces in bars across the country. We even have our own and the nation's first craft distillers guild. Being somewhat of a gin freak, when word of a new bottling of this most botanical of beverages comes my way, I have this uncontrollable urge to visit my nearest liquor store (which I always get a probably unhealthy pleasure out of going to in a grownup kid-in-an-adult-candy-store way. Even after all these years there is still a kind of illicit thrill to viewing those shelves of demon alcohol!) in search of my next martini mixer.

My latest find is the newly released gin from Integrity Sprits called 12 Bridges. As they say on their very nicely put together website, 12 Bridges is "aptly named for the number of bridges in our city, and for the 12 botanicals in its recipe". It ran a little over $25 an attractively packaged bottle, and it was with great anticipation I took it home to mix that first gin-and-tonic on a sweltering evening. I (along with my co-palate in pleasure w) first took a sniff and a sip straight up to get a feel for it. Definite floral, citrus, cucumber notes were very apparent, along with the usual juniper botanicals, on the nose and in the mouth. I know, it's kind of dorky to sniff your gin, but what can I say, I'm obsessed. Mixed with the tonic really brought out the cucumber flavors. It reminded me a lot of Hendrick's Gin with those same kinds of sensations. Like Hendrick's, I'm sure it would make a killer gimlet. Tonight I'll try a 12 Bridges martini, because I would hate to skimp on my research. I'm not sure about national distribution, but if you see it, it is definitely worthy of ice and tonic. Cheers!!

DOC: we're all in this (one room) together!

What I like best about DOC Portland's new Micah Camden-owned Killingsworth Street outpost (along with Beast and Yakuza Lounge): it's the first time I've never entered a restaurant through the kitchen, at left) to get to my seat in the dining room (right). But that is exactly what you do when you walk through the front door in this tiny jewel-box space, and it's a pretty cool, and unique, experience. DOC refers to the Italian wine appellations, which is the focus of Camden's menu and floor manager Austin Bridges well put together wine list.

I was invited to a multi-course media dinner there recently, where they get to show off their stuff and hope we all rave about it to others. Yeah it's free, but for myself and hopefully others there, it doesn't mean some built in obligation to say good things because, well, it's free. It also doesn't mean you're going to have the same experience. In the good ways, I hope you do. On the dish that missed, hopefully not.

Overall it was a really well done meal. It started with an anitpasta of purslane, torpedo onions, beef and bing cherry sugo. Very fresh and original, and paired perfectly with, and a first for me, a merlot based prosecco that was delicious. Next up was a gnocchi (left) with beets, corn, and chives. Not only delicious, but this was really pretty to look at, the gnocchi colored by the beets, perfectly pillowy and light. Excellent with the brilliantly fresh and crisp 2007 Branko Tocai Friulano.

Then came my favorite plate, a brilliantly executed piece of albacore (right) with paper thin slices of lardo laid across it, softly melting into the fish. All on top of a peach and padron pepper purée. Tuna and pork fat together. Of course....it's like the ultimate surf and turf. Really, really good!

Then came the dish that just didn't quite click for me. A shared platter of slow cooked hen-of-the-woods mushrooms (good) with grilled Italian artichokes (not so good) and sliced cherry tomatoes (underripe with green stem ends, surprisingly since they are everywhere...and ripe...at the markets). The stewed mushrooms with caramelized onions worked, but the artichokes were tough and hard to eat (and yes, I've had them nay times and know how to work my way though them). Also the tomatoes weren't near sweet enough, and the whole dish was a mish mash of contrasting flavors.

Luckily, our two finishing courses made up for it, as the kitchen rolled out a cheese plate, always an underappreciated thing at the end of a meal, as well as perfectly prepared cannoli with blueberries. This is the way to send people out, and the cannoli echoed the whole vibe of DOC. It was very comfortable, the servers were spot on, you get a chance to interact with the kitchen since you're literally all in one not-so-big room which adds to its homey..and yet in a way edgy...concept. There's a lot of promise at DOC, and I would definitely go back to see how things develop.

Eating America at 50 Plates

As any self-respecting, self-indulgent food blogger would hope, after some time a few perks trickle in. Locally here in Portland, granted they aren't that many, but somehow I've found myself on the list of a few publicists in town who send me invites to new restaurant pre-openings. Besides being shakedown runs for the kitchen, they also hope that if they ply you with enough free grub and drinks that you'll forget any bad things that happen and focus, and report, on the good (free) things. Being someone who- A) LOVES to eat; and B) loves to eat for free, I go when I can. But I also tell those who invite me that- A) I'll call it like I see it, good or bad; and B) Thanks!

So with that disclaimer in place for any skeptics out there, last week I went to a media/pre-opening dinner for a new restaurant in Portland's Pearl District called 50 Plates. The guys who opened it from Jopa Hospitality Group have a couple of lower profile ventures, and this is their first big stretch. The 50 Plates name references their American regional theme, where they're doing takes on various dishes from around the country. To me, kind of a risky move, almost trying to "be all things to all people". But on the other hand, after the dinner I went to, I have to admit that executive chef Randal St Clair seems to have this Americana shit figured out, because this whole night was pretty rocking. I know I said that I'd say something critical if deserved, but I was really impressed. From the opening drink selections (and great to see former Castagna bar pro Suzanne dishing drinks), through the appetizers, entrée samplings, and really nicely done desserts, there wasn't a whole lot not to like. Some highlights....

Of the starters, I didn't take a picture since it was a stand up appetizer reception and I not surprisingly found my hands full with food and drink, but their Dirty Rice Beignets, kind of a New Orleans take on arancini, were addictively good. Rice balls stuffed with andouille and vegetables with a Creole dipping sauce. A nice choice to wash down those pre-dinner martinis. The fresh oysters with a soy mignonette were well presented also. What didn't really work for me were the Castroville Artichoke Rolls and the Fried Green Tomato Toasts, merely acceptable and nothing to get excited by.

After the stand up app hour it was time to sit down in their comfortable mid-century-ish feeling dining room and let the kitchen roll out the goods. They sampled three salads: the Victory Salad, the R and R Chopped Salad (left), and an Heirloom Tomato Salad. These were very nice...not too fussy or overly dressed, well composed, nicely balanced. Across the board winners.

Entrées came next. Fish and meat coming out in rapid succession, three courses of each (by the way, each plate was shared by four people. It wasn't total overload). Big fish: Pan Roasted Sablefish on a Clam Chowder Mash, as crazy as it sounds, was awesome. Rich, but not too, silky smooth, the flavors of fish, potatoes, and clam bits matching perfectly. The Grilled Swordfish (right) in Summer Succotash Bouillon was also spot on as well, and really hit it for me. Seasonal beans and veggies with a perfectly cooked piece of fish on top. Who would complain? The "Clambake" was impressive to look at, the lobster and clams were certainly good, but nothing that wowed me. I know, silly to complain about lobster, but I thought the whole dish could've used a little more punch, and I find the "reward to money spent" on dishes like this to be a little out of whack.

For meaty temptations, they pretty much nailed all three selections. The BBQ Beef Shortrib (left) was as tender and succulent as you would hope for, with a nice tangy molasses 'que sauce and a good, bitey horseradish slaw on the side. I also really liked the Carpetbagger Stack, a nice surf 'n turf take with panfried oysters and filet medallions wit a warm "steak sauce", which actually, and thankfully, hit it off with both the oysters and beef. They also dished out their Steakhouse Trifecta, kind of a deconstructed twist on the classic, with a small piece of Kobe steak, crisp potato with bacon, and a small Caesar wedge rather artfully arranged across a plate. Also quite tasty.

All that, with wine flowing, and then they had to throw down three desserts so pastry chef could satisfy our childhood memories with S'More Fondue (left), a coolly modern looking treat; Blushing Betty & Strawberry Ice Cream; Citrus Chiffon Cake; and my new favorite post-dinner bite, a stellar, near perfect slice of Devil's Food Chocolate Cake (below) with Brown Sugar Ice Cream. I say near perfect, because I adore a good chocolate layer cake, and this was one of the best I've ever had, but just in case there actually is a perfect one out there, I don't want to be proven wrong about this Devilish slice of heaven. In the meantime, this one will do just fine.

So not a bad evening. Knowing how hard it is to put out that much food for forty or so people and have it all looking and tasting good, I have to say that Chef St. Clair seems to be running a tight kitchen. Hopefully it will carry over to regular service (which begins this Friday the 24th for dinner only, with the restaurant gradually expanding to lunches and light breakfast fare) because this kind of well done American comfort food would be a welcome addition to our local food scene. From the menu samples available, it looks quite reasonably priced, with appetizers running in the $7.50-$12.50 range, salads $6.50-$10.50, and entrées $10.50-$$25.50 (with the lobster dish at $28.50 or $48.50).

Eating an icon: Nostrana's Radicchio Caesar!!

There are lots of things I have out at restaurants that I only wish I had the ability...and the recipe...to recreate at home. A few years ago a new restaurant opened here in PDX and absolutely took off. Nostrana was the embodiment of two couples dreams of what an Italian restaurant that used only the best ingredients, most sourced locally, could be. And it was, and remains, really good. I think it was on my first visit where I had their version of a Caesar salad, which seemingly every restaurant does, but few do well. The Nostrana version, which has become an iconic menu item for local foodies, gets huge points for creativity in a dish that doesn't usually reward any sort of exploration, uses radicchio instead of the traditional romaine. I was kind of skeptical the first time. But one bite in I was hooked, and it became a must have dish on every visit. The dressing was perfectly pungent, the radicchio was fresh, crisp, and unusually for this particular cabbage relative, not at all bitter. How they accomplished that I had no idea, until.....

So I'm sitting at the kitchen table one day about two years ago, and reading our local paper's woefully inadequate food section, flipping through the pages with growing disinterest, and there it was. I couldn't believe it! The Nostrana salad. All the secrets revealed!! Now I could have the same sublime pleasure at home without having to go out and search for it. Best of all, I could share with friends like I did at Denise's birthday dinner this last Sunday, where I got reactions like "Oh my god, is this the Nostrana salad?!" Yeah, it has a bit of a reputation. But the best part? I get to share the legend with all of you..............
*** *** ***
Lori di Mori's Nostrana Salad
makes 6-8 servings

note: Soaking the radicchio in ice water sweetens and crisps it, and takes out the bitterness. Nostrana chef Cathy Whims says that people who say they don't like radicchio love this salad.

ingredients:
2 large heads radicchio
Dressing:
2 cloves garlic
* salt
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons white wine
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 or 5 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 egg yolks
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Black pepper

Croutons:
3 cups cubed (3/4") focaccia or other open-textured rustic bread
1.4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (total) chopped fresh sage and rosemary

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

The dressing: garlic, anchovies, and more euphoria inducing ingredients!

method:
1-Break the radicchio into 1-1/2" pieces and soak in water with a few ice cubes for 2 hours

2-Make dressing: In a mortar and pestle grind the garlic with a pinch of salt; add to blender or food processor along with vinegar, white wine, mayonnaise, anchovies, and egg yolks. Begin processing, then drizzle in olive oil until the dressing is completely emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3- Make croutons: Preheat oven to 375*. Bake the bread cubes on a large baking sheet until toasted all over, about 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan, add the herbs, cook until fragrant. Turn off heat, Add croutons and toss well. Let cool.

4- Drain the radicchio, spin well in a salad spinner and place in a large salad bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat well, add croutons, then shower generously with grated cheese.

Three of my new favorite things...or: Why I love living in Portland!

As you all know I never hesitate to feed my food fixation. Self-indulgence and immediate gratification are two of my favorite things. Every now and then certain things just grab my mind, and I think about them probably too much. But they taste so good, and my will is weak. Three of my current favorite obsessions here in PDX.....

The brand new on the menu crispy calamari at Kevin Sandri's "Garden State" food cart on SE 13th and Lexington here in the wine shack neighborhood. He brought me over a sample today and they are PERFECT! Crisp, lightly battered, tender, with a lemony aioli that is the ultimate accompaniment. This is a great takeaway treat, as good as any you'll have at any restaurant in town, and you'd best be trying them while they're around!
*** *** ***

Just to show you how good my life can be, one of my other favorite lunch bites is from the cart right next door to Garden State (and hence right across the street from the wine shack!!) at The Chuck Wagon. Chuck's pulled pork sandwich absolutely rocks. Moist, tender, just-right-hot sauced shredded bbq pork topped with a delicious slaw, all piled on a white bread bun. This is down home eatin' at it's best!
*** *** ***
w and I hit Ten-01 for happy hour the other day and my man Anthony sent us out a plate of their Thai Style Pork Ribs that were fabulous. Addictively spicy, fall off the bone tender, and if I remember right about five bucks for a generous portion during Happy Hour from 3:30-6:00. Crazy good shit that I could eat way too much of. Also not to be missed on the HH menu is their fresh shucked oysters at a buck apiece!

"Double coney and an angioplasty, please!"

It's a good day for all Coney Islanders in Portland. Today at 5pm the much beloved Nick's Famous Coney Island at 3746 SE Hawthorne Boulevard is reopening under new owner Tyler Rogoway. After original owner Frank Nudo closed it down last year there was much lamenting among those who have artery clogging appetites....like me. But not too worry, because along with preserving and restoring Nick's original décor, the old favorites are back. The single and double coney's are rocking it, along with burgers and even though this may cause Frank to wonder what in the hell has happened to the world he thought he knew, Tyler is also offering a veggie-Coney! Something for everyone, all ready to be washed down with some cold, refreshing, malted beverages!

Bar Avignon: oui, c'est bien!

It's nice when two peoples dream comes true. It even nicer when it coincides with my dreams and desires. Take Nancy Hunt and Randy Goodman, two fixtures on the local food and drink scene for years and two of the nicest people you could ever hope to give your money to. They've been dreaming and scheming for years to open up their own place, a casual spot with an old school Euro-feel where good wine at great prices exist alongside properly made cocktails and well chosen beers. A place with unpretentious and delicious food sourced as much as possible from their numerous local farm connections. Mostly small plates designed to be washed down by myriad refreshing adult beverages. A place where the windows open out to a sidewalk sure to be lined with tables of happy indulgers.


Now do you see why it's my dream too? We went to Bar Avignon's pre-opening party last Sunday and all of us were knocked out by the place (that's a view up and down the bar at left). Warm colors, nice lighting, comfy seats and booths. A long bar with stools and stand-up areas with a well stocked backbar loaded with temptation. Plus the snacks that chef Chad was throwing down were delicious, and if this is a peek into the future I am so there! Bar Avignon opens this Friday, so make your plans to check out one of my new favorite places. As seems to proven more and more lately, Portland's eastside rules!

Portland bites and bits!

A few of my favorite local enjoyments, plus a bit of PDX food news....
*** *** ***
Still one of the best dining deals in town is the three course for $24 dinner at Tabla. We went a few weeks ago and loved it. Went again with friends last week and it was still stellar. For your money you get a great app, a primi of pasta or in my case a delicious preparation of De Puy lentils (if these are still on the menu, grab 'em!), and a choice of entrées. All of ours were spot on, and my duck confit leg (left) nailed it. Plus they don't skimp on their portions, and with a bargain like this you'll have plenty of dough left to spring for one of their desserts. If you're going to burn through some $4+ gas going out, you've gotta save your hard earned dollars where you can!
*** *** ***
Also had another great experience at my favorite Thai restaurant in PDX, Mai Thai. Once again w and I were really impressed with the quality and obvious care that goes into ach dish. Everything was perfectly cooked, and plated with an obvious nod to the "you eat with your eyes first" theory. The special daikon fritter appetizer (left) and the Fantastic Tofu entrée were particularly satisfying.
*** *** ***
One of my newest Monday day off traditions (a.k.a. addictions) has been to head down to Caffé Umbria in the Pearl District to have the best cappuccino in town. And what's better than walking into this outpost of Italian authenticity at 11am and having a good percentage of Portland's Italian contingent sitting in Umbria's side room watching an Italian soccer match on TV, yelling, moaning, clapping along with the action. Awesome!
*** *** ***
Another spot I hadn't been to for months is Justa Pasta in NW. My last vist to JP w and I really enjoyed the casual ambience and quality pasta choices. Justa Pasta is a Portland fresh pasta producer who supply many local restaurants. A few years ago they opened the restaurant, and have been satisfying savvy, budget-minded diners ever since. It's really a great deal. You walk in, turn left, and grab one of their menus off the rack. After making your choice from their wide list of pastas (in small or large portions which is a nice touch) and salads, step up to the counter, place your order, choose your table and wait to be satisfied, because I know you will be! I went yesterday with mom for lunch as she lives nearby and hadn't been there. Mom picked their Three Cheese Ravioli with Alfredo (above left) and I had their Fettucine with Bolognese (right). We also shared their caesar, which was a pretty good rendition. Mom's alfredo wasn't too heavy, which is always a concern with this much abused pasta sauce. My bolognese was quite good as well, and I had ordered the very generous large portion, knowing I'd have some leftover for lunch today. At $6.95 for mom's not-so-small dish and $8.95 for my large bowl of bolognese, this is bargain eating at its best!
*** *** ***
Coming Attractions: I just received a press release that in the space previously occupied by the here-today-gone-tomorrow Terroir on NE Fremont and MLK, a new restaurant called Belly will be opening sometime in July. Besides loving the name, their menu looks inviting in that "lots of things look good" way, and quite reasonably priced. Being opened by locals Cameron and Linda Addy who have had experience at places like Gary Danko in SF, and locals Caprial's, Mint, Giorgio's, and Lucere among others, their plan is “to create a place where we would want to eat. Whether on a date, with our toddler in tow or meeting with friends, we wanted a place that met our everyday needs.“ With a nice lineup of starters a couple of pastas and pizzas, and mains that run from a burger, pan-roasted duck breast, halibut, or a culotte steak and fries, it looks promising. I'll keep you updated.