Portland's Best Eats, An Ongoing Discussion

On October 5th, 2007,the Portland Oregonian printed its annual restaurant guide. It called itself Portland A to Z and provided an extensive list of dishes and where to get them in the city. In the interest of objective information, the Chips family has been sampling these places and are now ready to begin our reports to Roadfood readers about our experiences. Pictures will be added to some of the places as they become available,

(1) Thien Hong-Salt and Pepper Squid
6747 N.E. Sandy
Portland (503)281-1247

This is located in the heart of the city's Asian restaurant row on Sandy Blvd.. My son Sam described this dish as eating aliens that looked like fear factor food but were crunchy and delicious. Onions, scallions and the crusty tentacles are fried expertly and they are crispy , not soggy when you bite into them and they are filled with a heady mix of salt and pepper.
Thien Hong is usually filled with Asian families from 8 to 80. it is noisy and boisterous. I love its ambience and its squid
(2) Dove Vivi-Zucotto Cake
2727 N.E. Glisan
Portland(503)-239-4444
Zucotto cake is a ridiculously rich combo of super high butterfat cream and melted bittersweet chocolate served over amaretto and brandy soaked ladyfingers. Slices are huge and filling, the tastes combining in your mouth for a rich and sweet treat.
(3) Tortilleria y Tienda de Leon- Tamales
16223 N.E. Glisan St
Gresham-(503)-255-4356
Tamales are an incredibly labor intensive food and are not always served on a daily basis in Mexican restaurants. This Mexican grocery on the outskirts of Portland serves them up every day. the sweetcorn masa meal mixed with shredded pork is Trudy's favorite but Sam and I prefer the spicier cheese version. The store is a real grocery and stocked with Jarritos and Penafiel sodas and Mexican and American pastries produced by the on-site bakery.

Further additions to the best of Portland list

(4) Pal"s Shanty-Steamer Clams
4630 N.E. Sandy
Portland(503)-288-9732

Pal's Shanty is first and foremost a neighborhood place. Pal's has been serving great seafood and cold beer for over 60 years in Portland's Hollywood district. Steamer clams are its simplest seafood, a bucket of clams,nectar, and butter available in small and large buckets.Grilled oysters(my favorite is the Cajun), fried clams, oyster stew that Trudy prefers to Dan and Louie's and an array of sanwiches are also available. The Marionberry pie is a fitting end to any meal. As is almost always the case in Portland, excellent microbrews are available.

(5)The Screen Door-Sweet Potato Waffles
2337 E. Burnside
Portland-(503)-452-0880

A breakfast spot on weekends and a nightly dinner spot. Two breakfasts worth noting are the sweet potato waffle and chicken breakfast and the Willapa Bay Oyster hash. Buttermilk chicken(5 0r 6 pieces)rolled in fiery spices and accompanied by a sweet potato waffle is a mix of flavors that entertain the palate and please the taste buds. Fresh Willapa bay oysters and flannel flash are another great combo. There are also nightly specials of fresh organic salads featuring locally grown produce.

(6)Por Que No?-Agua Fresca
3524 North Mississippi
Portland (503)467-4149

A gourmet taqueria(sic) in Portland's trendy North Mississippi neighborhood. The menu boasts of using only local ingredients and the tacos are bite -sized morsels. The Oregonian reviewers raved about the agua fresca featuring local cantelope, berries , and apples. My visit featured coconut and cucumber, a combination I like a lot better than i thought I would. Haitian rum is a recommended accompanyment to these drinks and i will give it a try on the next go round.

Further adventures:
(7) New Deal Cafe-Fried Egg Sandwich
5250 N.E. Halsey
Portland(503)-546-1833

This is a small place that exemplifies perfectly some of the most positive aspects of current Portland foody culture. It is a restaurant run by young chefs featuring American comfort food prepared well and made from the freshest local ingredients. This sandwich consists of local cheddar, local bacon, a fried egg served on rustic white bread. Basic food, great taste

(8) Ya Hala- Vegetarian Mezza
8005 S.E. Stark
Portland (503)-256-4484

Ya Hala serves the best mezza plate in Portland. If you are in Portland and want Lebanese food, this is the best of some good places. The baba ghahouj is very garlicky and has a smoky flavor I find appealing. The hummous is good and the pitas are baked in a wood oven and are huge and puffy. We added a cheese plate and were quite happy with our eats.

(9)Cafe Castagna-Burger
1758 S.E. Hawthorne
Portland-(503)-231=7373

This burger is the best burger in Portland. Hand-formed, cooked to order and served with homemade pickles, homemade mayo, fresh cut fries and a choice of cheeses(bleu cheese for me), the burger is a great mix of tastes. Also available are killer mac and cheese and good penne. Cafe Castagna is the kissin cousin to the more upscale(and more expensive ) Castagna restaurant that shares the building.

OH, That Portland. Chow Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jimeats

OH, That Portland. Chow Jim

The roadfood eastern bias strikes again. There is life West of the Mississippi,Jim. You know, the growing. scenic and vibrant part of the country

Some more places

(10) and (11) Grand Central Bakery-Turkey Sandwich and Chutney &Bacon and Egg Bolo
2320 S.S. Hawthorne
Portland-(503)445-1600

Grand Central Bakery has 8 locations(6 in Portland,2 in Seattle). It is an artisan bakery that produces some very fine sandwiches The turkey features roasted turkey, havarti cheese with cranberries,apples, garlic and onion mixed together in a chutney sauce. You also get a fresh cookie. Tasty and the bread is sensational
The Bacon egg bolo is a classier Egg McMuffin. it is a bolo roll with pepper bacon and an egg with a runny yolk It is served with tomato relish. Simple food, well made. 

(12) Gustav's-Fondue
1705 S.E. 164th
Vancouver,Wa (360)-883-0222

Every 70's wedding I attended always featured somebody who gave the bride and groom a fondue set. i got 3 at my wedding. Since then I have had trouble taking fondue seriously as a food. Gustav's 5 locations in the Portland area are a treat if you are in the mood for fondue. I liked the sausage and rye bread dipped in biercheese fondue and Trudy liked a pesto fondue served with toasted bread. Don't go out of your way for this place(Pal's Shanty is only 4 blocks from the Portland location) but if you are looking for a place to eat at Portland's airport, Gustav's is your best choice

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

Further additions to the best of Portland list

(4) Pal"s Shanty-Steamer Clams
4630 N.E. Sandy
Portland(503)-288-9732

Pal's Shanty is first and foremost a neighborhood place. Pal's has been serving great seafood and cold beer for over 60 years in portland's Hollywood district. Steamer clams are its simplest seafood, a bucket of clams,nectar, and butter available in small and large buckets.Grilled oysters(my favorite is the Cajun), fried clams, oyster stew that trudy prefers to Dan and Louie's and an array of sanwiches are also available. The Marionberry pie is a fitting end to any meal. As is almost always the case, excellent microbrews are available.

I visited Portland this past fall and mr chips and Trudy took me to Pal's Shanty. When he did, he was almost embarrassed that it may not live up to "true Roadfood" standards. Let me tell you - I have never been anywhere that was more authentically Roadfood than Pal's. I hope that mr chips gets that camera up and working and starts posting reviews, because this is a place that people should know about when visiting the PDX.

While I have said this before, it bears repeating....mr chips is one of this forum's true treasures. His soul is Roadfood - and very few people have the passion for their own hometown as he does. He is a welcoming host and is on my list of the Top 5 reasons to visit Portland (right behind the cute hot chocolate chick!). This thread is the most appropriate for him to create - as he soaks up Portland like no one else. I am sure that after he gets done with the Oregonian's list, he can add a few that they "left out!"

What does the chips family suggest for good Italian in Portland?

quote:

Originally posted by stricken_detective

What does the chips family suggest for good Italian in Portland?

(playing the role of WJ):
Why would you want to eat Italian in Portland?

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

...if you are looking for a place to eat at Portland's airport, Gustav's is your best choice

This is so very timely that you wrote the above today as only yesterday I did just that -- dine at...



...Gustav's Pub while awaiting my departing flight out of Portland (of which I will soon post more and all laced with much gratitude to the "Prince of Portland," mr chips). The interesting things are that: (a) we had breakfast there yesterday morning including my son ordering the (only-in-Germany [or Portland INTERNATIONAL Airport]) French Toast & Bratwurst; (b) and that the food was very good.

I, too, would recommend. Wunderbar!

quote:

Originally posted by bill voss
(playing the role of WJ):
Why would you want to eat Italian in Portland?

I have some friends that just moved there & they have been complaining that there is no good Italian in Portland. I wanted to make sure they weren't missing out on some great place.

In old school Red sauce checked tablecloth places, they are right. Refer them to occasional Rf poster extramsg's forum:
http://www.portlandfood.org

and of course, Mr. Chips

A few more places:

(13) Pastaworks-Little Betty's Chocolate Cake
3735 S.E. Hawthorne
Portland-(503)-232-1010

This chocolate cake is an upscale Hostess Ho-Ho. Chocolate cake, whipped vanilla and chocolate covering, basically presented without the preservatives of the mass produced variety. Chocolate lovers will like. others might want to give it a pass.

(14) Nostrana-Pizza Margharita
1401 S.E. Morrison
Portland-(503)-234-2427

I have never eaten east coast pizza so I am a neutral on the roadfood pizza debates. That said, this pizza is supposed to be Naples style and it very much appealed to my palate. It is a red, white and geen concoction, served uncut, mimicing the colors of the Italian flag,(named after a 19th century queen of Savoy). There is a thin crust with a light dusting of tomato sauce, a dose of mozarella, and a liberal sprinkling of basil leaves. Trudy topped hers with Italian sausage, sam with mozarella, and I sprang for cheese made with water buffalo milk. All were lightly charred. Not local but very tasty.

(15) Stacato Gelato- Doughnuts
The doughnuts here are freshmade and available only on weekends. My favorite is the triple ginger but the powdered and chocolate are equally good. But you really ought to get the fresh fruit gelato.

Further notes on Portland explorations:

(16) A Taste of Europe-Cevapi Sandwiches
1739 S.E. Hawthorne
Portland-(5030-238-3693

Until 4 months ago, I was unaware of Bosnian food. Since December, I have eaten Bosnian food on a regular basis at this place and the equally marvelous Two Brother's Cafe. A Taste of Europe is a grocery store featuring European items, mineral water from France, chocolates from Switzerland, Belgium and france, obscure wines, rosehip jam and soda. The attraction for foodies is the cevapi sandwich, a combination of fresh ground beef and lamb sausage served on Lepina bread with kajmak, a cream like substance. Sides of onions and a marvelous red sauce also accompany the sanwich. I got it to go but the wise counterman reminded me that I should not hurry and i should take 5 or 10 minutes to enjoy good food and relax. So I did. And he was right.

(17) St. Honore Boulangerie-Tarte Citron
2335 N.W. Thurman
Portland-(503)-445-4250

A perfect lemon tart. Sweet, rich,, very good.

(18) Puerto Marquez- Camarones Ahogados
1721 S.E. 122nd
Portland(503)-253-6842
One of the greatest benefits of the large-scale Mexican immigration into Portland has been the expansion of the types of Mexican cuisine available. While you can get Mexican standards, any roadfooder who comes to this place must try seafood.. The bright murals depict mexican coastal cities and fishing activities.
Camarones Ahogados resemble ceviche. Raw shrimp are marinated in jalapeno, lime juice, and onion. They are served with cucumber to mitigate a bit of the spice. It is a great mix with the added benefit of leaving a spicy liquid residue in which you can dip tortilla chips if you are as unclassy as me.

More places:

(19)
Bijou Cafe-Omlette
132 S.W. 3rd
Portland-(503)-232-3187

If there is a platonic ideal of an omlette, I think it would be the Bijou's. The omlettes are light, fluffy and never overcooked. They are omlette royalty. My favorite is the Netarts Bay Oyster and bacon omlette but the goat cheese and green onions is also a winner

(20) Binh Min- Bahn Mi sandwiches
7821 S.E. Powell
Portland- (503)-777-2245

Vietnamese delis are to Portland what Jewish delis are to new York, a joyous celebration of an ethnic food that makes you want to dance. These sandwiches are dirt cheap. Bahn Mi are mini-loaves of French bread filled with meat, cilantro, julienne carrots and a dose of mayo. Tjey resemble subs except they are a little smaller and the bread is fresher. I like the pork meatball the best but i have never had a bad one. And in a multi-cultural only in America twist the store now offers a jalepeno as an optional accompaniement. The marvelous vietnamese delis found throughout portland tell me that Stern-style Roadfood is changing as the population changes but is still as tasty as ever.

(21) La Petite Provence- Papillon
4830 S.E. Division
Portland(503)-253-1121

The pappillon is a butterfly shaped pastry; it is made with croissant dough and filled with pastry cream and fruit. I had marionberry and cranberry filled pastries and had a tasty, sensual experience, There was a large variety of fruit pastries.

Whew, it's a good thing you were not on a diet this past winter Mr. Chips. Portland sounds like a RF's delight, thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by John A

Whew, it's a good thing you were not on a diet this past winter Mr. Chips. Portland sounds like a RF's delight, thanks.

On the Roadfood tour bus last year, Michael Stern was kind enough to say that Portland was one of the best eating cities in the U.S. The New York Times said it in print. Since we could not travel much this winter, it as been a pleasure to discover so many places close to home.

Further news:

(22) Tin Shed Garden Cafe-Biscuits and Rosemary Mushroom Gravy
1418 N.E. Alberta St
Portland(503)-288-6966


I work with 3 vegans. Finding a place that meets their dietary needs and my taste bud needs can sometimes be a little tricky. The biscuits and gravy at The Tin Shed are the answer to our mutual needs. The biscuits here are flaky and tasty, the gravy a heady mix of wild mushrooms and chopped up rosemary. The effect on the mouth is divine. Sides of potato pancakes(served with a dollop of sour cream obviuosly rejected by my vegan friends) or cheese grits are also delicious. There is an applewood smoked bacon version that my very carnivore wife and son prefer but I find the vegan version much tastier(perhaps the only time in my life I will type these words).

(23) Lovely Hula Hands- Sex on the Bus
4057 N. Mississippi
Portland (503)-445-9910

In my outings with my MRDD clients, I am forever looking for ways to spice their lives without endangering body or soul. This provacatively named non-alcoholic cocktail is one of the greater pleasures I have found. The mocktail combines orange juice, soda, cranberry juice and peach syrup. it is a a great combo and not as sweet as you might imagine. It gives you a kick and is very bracing. You get all the pleasures of a cocktail without the booze

(24) Francis Restaurant-Grits
2338 N.E. Alberta
Potland (503)-288-8299

These grits are the best I have ever eaten(and I have lived and travelled over a geat deal of the south). The grits are fried and have a crisp, crunchy edge. They are served smothered in poblano chiles with cumin and coriander in what owner Chistopher Pearce told me was a mole sauce. Grilled onions and cheddar cheese are also in the topping. These are not the pasty cream of wheat like grits I have usually eaten, they are a dark and rich and filling start to the day.

More:

(25) Roots Restaurant & Bar-Burger with cheese and grilled onions
19215 S.E. 34th St
Camas, Wa(360)-260-3001

Roots represents 3 of the trends that makes Portland area dining so exciting:

(1) Portland area chefs are starting neighborhood gathering place type restaurants all over the map. Chef Brad Root has a lot of local fame but this place is in the middle of nowhere, a minimall at the edge of Camas, a suburb of Vancouver more famous for its smelly paper mill than fine cuisine.
(2) There are really two places to eat here,; a fine dining restaurant with meals from $75.00 to $125.00 a pop and a bar menu with great food at far more reasonable prices. The bar menu has proven so popular that the seating area there has expanded

(3) The menu features American standards made well. The root's burger is top sirloin with seasonings and the cheese choices are bleu, gruyere or Tillamook cheddar The fries are fresh cut but i prefer the onion rings, very thin sliced and coated with buttermilk.

(26) The Country Cat Dinnerhouse and Bar-Onion rings
7931 S.E. Stark
Portland(503)-408 1414

The Country Cat is another of Portland's chef places, this one in the outlying Montavilla neighborhood. Interesting drinks, southern influenced side dishes, onion rings and salads. I had a poached pear and bleu cheese salad that was a divine combination of the sweet and salty. But what lingers are the onion rings. A huge platter, served with buttermilk coating and homemade catsup, was a treat any roadfooder would enjoy.

(27) Wayne's Chcago Style Red Hots- Hot Dogs
3901 N.E. Martin Luther King
Portland

This where you go if you absolutely have to get a Chicago style dog in Portland. Decorated with Chicago sports memorabilia and with lots of photos of famous Chicagoans, you almost think you are in Chicago. Vienna Dogs, Old Style beer, lower prices for dogs and beer during White Sox, Cubs and Bears games Nothing is missing except the accents and bad weather. The dogs are good and cheaper than a flight to the windy city.

Mas

(28)
Detour Cafe-Mimosa
3035 S.E. Division
Portland (503)-234-7499

The Detour Cafe's weekend Mimosas are interesting concoctions. I had a blood orange-lime mixed with Crisalino mimosa which had the sweet taste and light buzz that I hope to garner when I drink a mimosa. organic fruit juices are always available as are seasonal berry juices and mojito mimosas. Available for breakfasts are good potato skillets, granola and frittatas.

(29)Random Order Coffeehouse-Homemade Pie
1800 N.E. Alberta
Portland(503)-331-1420
These are pies like your grandma made. Mine was a strawberry-rhubarb with a sweetness that was heavenly. A nut cream pie was a winner as was a cranberry breakfast pie. Agent Cooper would never have gone to Twin Peaks if these pies had been available

(30) The Florida Room- Pickled Liver Bloody Mary
435 N. Killingsworth
Portland(503)-287-5658

Every Sunday the Florida Room convenes the church of the Bloody Mary. Savvy worshipers order Pickled Liver Bloody Mary,garnished with a marinated string bean, cocktail onion and lime. There are two shots of vodka and a spicy mix that takes no prisoners. An excellent way to deal with your hangover or to have a very tasty drink.

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips
Further additions to the best of Portland list
(4) Pal"s Shanty-Steamer Clams
Pal's... has been serving great seafood and cold beer for over 60 years... excellent microbrews are available.

Mr. Chips,
You make me wish to turn back the clock just enough to venture to Portland to have some food there circa 1978, and wash it down with draughts of Cartwright Ale and Porter. -- Do you remember that brewery? It was located at 617 S/E Main Street, and was the very first micro established outside of California. It was run by Mr. & Mrs. Coury, who had previously been in the wine business.
I know it's a slight amount off this (most enjoyable) topic, but can you, will you, elucidate me on any of your Cartwright memories (if any)? Remember, without them Blitz-Weinhard might not have brewed Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve (now THERE was a gooooood beer! We could buy it here in Georgia!) and their other Weinhard's brews, nor might the microbrewery revolution happened as rapidly as it did in Portland. I hereby assign them a toast of thanks!
Or have I asked you this before?
Hystorically, Ort. Carlton in Amazing Athens, Georgia.
P. S. Athens was the home of the late, lamented Blind Man Ales. Imagine someone having the audacity to brew Real Ale in Georgia in the mid-1990's! Well, they did it, and their India Brown Ale and Espresso Stout are still periodically brewed at Copper Creek Brewing by Blind Man's assistant brewer who now brews there; they are comsumed with much gusto during their all-too-short-and-infrequent stay on the menu board. Aaah!

Mr. Chips,
Retrospectively... I forgot to thank you for a job excellently done here! You make me want to visit Oregon something fierce.
Are there any old mom-and-pop diner-type places worthy of a mention? I really like those....
Salem, Salem Over The Bounding Main, Ort. Carlton in Seven Hills Worth Of Athens, Georgia.
P. S. Or was that Rome? Gee, Rome, Georgia is built upon seven hills, as is Athens....

A few more places:

(31)Jake's Famous Crawfish-Banana Cream pie(sic)
401 S.W.12th
Portland(503)-226-1419

I thought it was a joke when i read this entry. Jake's is Portland's oldest restaurant and it is world famous for its seafood. And I never have enough room for dessert after I finish a meal. But it a'int no joke.
The pie is served on a full dinner plate and a slice fills the plate. The pie is cream custard piled high filled with long slices of banana. Caramel sauce is drizzled over the pie and over the dish and there is plentiful whipped cream. It is a great dessert and actually woth eating here if you eat nothing else.

(32) Pambiche-Cuban Sandwich
2811 N.E. Glisan
Portland (503)=233-0511

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Cuban breakfast, Cuban dinners, Cuban sandwiches, Cuban beverages. I feel I'm in Miami when I eat here. We even ate outside in a rainstorm, though there were overhead heaters to make it warm enough to eat outside instead of Miami's natural warmth,
The Cuban sandwich is served on a roll with ham, pork, cheese and pickle. It is served with a side of tostones(which I kept calling testostorones to my server and wife's delight). The only way the sandwich could be any better is if I had been eating it in Miami or Havana and going to a baseball game afterward.

(33) Broders-aableskivers
2508 S.E. Clinton
Portland(503)-736-3333

I have written of Broder's before. The aableskivers are small round pancakes served with lemon curd, lingonberry jam and syrup, sprinkeld with sugar. A taste delight, they make me want to fly to Copenhagen(or visit Solvaang, Ca.)

A few additions to the Portland list:

(34) Nuvei Fine Cakes and Pastry- Chocolate Chewy Cookie
404 N.W. 10th
Portland-(503)-546-3032

Gooey and chewy, this postage stamp size bakery makes the best cookie in Portland. No butter, no flour, just a marvelous combination of chocolate and walnut, a bit like a combo of brownie and maccaroon. Yum!

(35) Cafe Be Van- Bubble Tea
6846 N.E. Sandy
Portland-(503)-287-1418

Bubble tea has become a Portland favorite over the last couple years Cafe Be Van has a wide variety of flavors, including Jackfruit, avocado, taro, guava and others. It is a wonderful experience gnawing the tapioca pieces and enjoying the flavors. Cafe Be Van also bills itself as the deli of the future and serves excellent Bahn Mi sandwiches( the pork bar-b Q is probably the best).

(36) Pine State Biscuits-Biscuits
3642 S. E. Belmont
portland

This is the first place I've written about that was not in the original article. It would have been had it been open. Three North Carolina natives have started a hole in the wall that serves light. fluffy and delicious southern style biscuits. I had mine as a bacon and egg sandwich, Trudy had hers with honey butter and strawberry jam. Made me remember meals in the south. The place also serves Cheerwine, so far the only place I've found in portland that has it.

mr chips-
As a huge fan of banana cream pie and having eaten at Jake's Famous Crawfish twice before, I am really disappointed that I missed out on this. But then, both times I was so stuffed from the excellent seafood, that I couldn't even imagine eating dessert.

Keep up the great work on this.....I am really enjoying it!

We spent the Winter in Dallas. It snowed once - three whole inches! Of course they cancelled school, but the snow was gone by noon. We ate a lot of Q and grilled out often.

quote:

Originally posted by MetroplexJim

We spent the Winter in Dallas. It snowed once - three whole inches! Of course they cancelled school, but the snow was gone by noon. We ate a lot of Q and grilled out often.

thanks for a great review- im 1 eastener _miami guy -who appreciates Portland and the whole Willamette valley Mt Hood area. I have always wanted to own a home w/in 2-3 hours of Portland on the coast- there is such an abundance of resources- fruit, wine cheese seafood etc and used so well by the locals. its a great vacation city- i do miss blitz weinhardt private reserve, mm good beer

quote:

Originally posted by stricken_detective

What does the chips family suggest for good Italian in Portland?

Portland isn't a great city for Italian food, but two places I would frequent when I lived in the area (Lake Oswego) were Ernesto's and Nonna Emilia. Ernestos is in the West Side, south of downtown with Nonna Emilia in the town of Beaverton. Both are casual with very generous portions, The calzones at Nonna Emilia are enornmous. The red sauce at Ernestos is thick and very savory.

Today's theme is classics made better by higher quality:

(37)
Teardrop Lounge-Mai Tai
1015 N.W. Everett
Portland- (503-)445-8109

This is an unusual place in Portland. No microbrews, no Red Bull. Cocktails in a modernistic place mixed by expert bartenders Daniel Shoemaker and Ted Gharak. The Mai Tai here is not on the menu but will be made on request. Fruity flavors, a hint of mint insure that this is quite different from the supersweet concoctions remembered from youthful indescretions. It is an adult drink made by a master.

(38) Pearl Bakery-Sicilian Fig Cookie
102 N.W. 9th
Portland-(503)-827-0910

Just a couple doors down from Portland best Mai Tai is the Pearl Bakery's Fig cookies. It is the grown up cousin of a fig newton with figs, almonds, dries fruit and a little chocolate. It is rich and sweet with a lot of different flavors mixing in your mouth at one time. Worth a stop while wandering the Pearl District.

(39) Ten-01- Bacon Shallot taters
1001 N.W. Couch
Portland(503)-226-3463

The humble tater tot gets its advanced degree at this upscale Pearl District hangout more well known for its wide selection of European beer. Mashed potatoes are mixed with bacon, shallots and creme fraiche, thrown in the deep fryer and served with ketchup. They are crunchy and flavorful. If you go, go during happy hour when the taters are half price.

We have enjoyed several BBQ dinners over the years at Busters BBQ in suburban Milwaukee (OR) on 99E just above the 205 interchange. Not top-of-the-line BBQ but very good, a convenient location, and moderate prices.

AND... While not in the City, We make a point out of visiting CAMP 18 on the road to the shore from The Portland metro area. We really like the CAMP 18 Breakfasts!

Man, I miss the west coast. Big time.

mr chips -

I don't want you to think that just because I don't swing by every time and tell you, that I am not reading this thread with interest. I am about to plan my travel out west, and I have made notes of a few places that I would like to hit on this next trip out your way. Keep all the reviews coming...can't wait to see you and the family again!

Oh, Portland Oregon! Not Portland Maine :(...

Why do people assume when they say Portland we should know it's Oregon?

In the first post, the original poster referred to the local paper as the "Portland Oregonian," so you couldn't have read too far before you knew it wasn't about Maine. Forget about the fact that Portland, OR is about ten times the size of Portland, ME - and the last thing most folks around here would claim is that there is a "west coast bias."

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen


We have enjoyed several BBQ dinners over the years at Busters BBQ in suburban Milwaukee (OR) on 99E just above the 205 interchange. Not top-of-the-line BBQ but very good, a convenient location, and moderate prices.

AND... While not in the City, We make a point out of visiting CAMP 18 on the road to the shore from The Portland metro area. We really like the CAMP 18 Breakfasts!

My son Sam especially loves Buster's. Al's description is accurate. Good and cheaper than flying to Texas. I like the brisket and smoked turkey.

quote:

Originally posted by PJinNH

Oh, Portland Oregon! Not Portland Maine :(...

Why do people assume when they say Portland we should know it's Oregon?

because the one in maine dosn't matter?

A few additions:

(40) Victory Cafe-Spaetzle
3652 S.E. Division
(503)-236-8755
Portland
These spaetzles are delightful. Small Dumplings serves with Gruyere cheese and a side of applesauce are the perfect accompaniment to the inventive cocktails and belgian beers sold at Victory Cafe
(41) Spella Caffe-Expresso
S.E. 9th and Alder
(503)-421-9723
Portland
This trailer serves the smoothest expresso I have drunk in Portland A nice frothy brew, strong , dark, flavorful A minutes worth of work produces a heavenly experience worth the wait. Always crowded, only open weekdays.
(42) Camelia Lounge- Dragon Chips
510 N.W. 11th Ave
(503)-221-2130
Portland
I feel almost scizophrenic when I come here. There is a lot of emphasis on tea and the health benefits of tea. Yet they brag a lot about their mixed alcoholic drinks featuring tea. And the most popular dish is dragon chips. homemade potato chips served wiht layers of monterey jack, blue cheese, green onions and ckicken breast with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing, Greasy, unhealthy and wonderful. Maybe the teas will restore health.

Some of my favorite places in Portland include:

APizza Scholls: Best pizza I've ever had, but I've never been to Chicago, NYC, New Haven or other pizza hotbeds.

Ringside steakhouse (original downtown location): I'd put their onion rings up against anyone's.

Kenny & Zuke's Deli: Pastrami heaven! Try the Pastrami Burger

I thought that Outlaw BBQ in Clackamas was pretty good when we tried it last year. I'll have to give Buster's a try sometime.

So who's got the best hot dog in PDX?
I heard Nick's Coney Island has reopened...as good as before?
Wayne's Chicago Red Hots?
Super Dog?
Zach's Shack?
Otto's?

quote:

Originally posted by Goobzilla

Some of my favorite places in Portland include:

APizza Scholls: Best pizza I've ever had, but I've never been to Chicago, NYC, New Haven or other pizza hotbeds.

Ringside steakhouse (original downtown location): I'd put their onion rings up against anyone's.

Kenny & Zuke's Deli: Pastrami heaven! Try the Pastrami Burger

I thought that Outlaw BBQ in Clackamas was pretty good when we tried it last year. I'll have to give Buster's a try sometime.

So who's got the best hot dog in PDX?
I heard Nick's Coney Island has reopened...as good as before?
Wayne's Chicago Red Hots?
Super Dog?
Zach's Shack?
Otto's?

Otto's is probaly the best hot dog place with its outdoor grill and superb dogs. Wayne's Hot Dogs would pass muster in Chicago and it is a kick to see all the Chicago sports memorabilia. Zack's is good and open late

We often are in Portland since it is only an hour and a half from beautiful downtown Tillamook on the coast. Thanks, mr chips, for the list of many fine places to try. I've been to some and will second the choice for pizza by mentioning Apizza Scholls again and adding Esparza's Tex Mex Cafe on 28th & Ankeny off SE Burnside. I haven't been there in a while but shall return soon. Bye the way, for a nice relaxing place to eat on the coast try Pirate's Cove, just north of Garibaldi,for some good seafood and the best view.

It's been a few months but it is time to resume discussion of the Portland, Oregon food scene:

(43) Podnah's Barbecue-Lamb spare ribs
       1469 N.E. Prescott
       Portland,Or 97211
       (503)-281-3700

         I've not had lamb spare-ribs before but this Texas style barbecue's crunchy version is an excellent way to start. Chewy and blackened, I like them a lot. The Frito pie here is  the real attraction.Beef brisket is included and its addition to the fritos and chile makes the dish.
(44) A Pizza Scholls- Caesar Salad
       4741 S.E. Hawthorne
      Portland, Or 97215
     (503)-233-1286

        This place was featured in an Anthony Boudain episode about Portland. It is locally famous for NY thin crust pizza and a memo that threatened to throw out parents with misbehaving children. it also closes whenever the pizza runs out.
       The Caesar salad may be the best thing on the menu. Lots of anchovies, a whole head of lettuce and generous portions of all the ingredients make it a filling and tasty side dish that goes well with what may be Portland's best pizza.

(45) BiPartisan Cafe-Pie
       7901 S.E. Stark
       Portland, Oregon 97215
      (503)-233-1051

      The pies here are some of Portland's best. Fresh fruit pies, cream pies, pecan pies to die for. Portland has lots of places to get good expresso but pies this good are rare. And the decor of political and civil rights photos is a lot of fun.

mrchips-
I certainly don't think of Portland as a pie city, but the Bipartisan Cafe sounds like my kind of place.  Is the pecan their best pie? 

The pecan is the best I've had so far. I'm partial to cream pies and love their banana cream.

mrchips-
I'm not a big pecan pie lover, but banana cream pie is my favorite!  When I make it out to Portland, we now have another place to go.

PJinNH


Oh, Portland Oregon! Not Portland Maine :(...

Why do people assume when they say Portland we should know it's Oregon?

Likewise, in GasBuddy PortlandGasPrices.com is for Oregon.  I wonder how many Mainers have accessed that site, thinking it's for the Pine Tree State and not the Beaver State?

there's a
Portland, Maine?

Some more:

(46) Barbur World Foods-wood fired pita bread
       9845 S.W. Barbur Blvd.
       Portland,Or
       (503)-244-0670

          This grocery featured wood-fired pita bread with a hearty smokey flavor. My favorite sandwiches were falafels and schwarmas of the lamb and beef varieties. The grocery also features middle eastern drinks such as yogurt soda and fruit drinks of rose hip, mulberry, and date juice. A great stop for any foodie.

(47) Dave LaFollete's Back to the Grind Expresso-Cincinnati style chile
        10903 S.E Powell
         Portland

       Portland has a veritable plethora of good expresso places that feature excellent coffee. What differentiates them is food options. Back to the Grind features Cincinnati native Joni Fox's quite authentic Cincinnati style chile. Ms. Fox makes the spaghetti fresh for each plate and the dish has a hint of chocolate and cumin. There is little local familiarity with the dish(Ms. Fox tells me some folks order a one way!) but I believe Ms. Fox's work would pass muster in the Queen City. While no one ought to come to Portland just to eat Cincinnati style chile, this place serves the real deal and I hope homesick Ohioans and curious locals will sample the fare here.

(48) Voodootoo Too-Donuts
       1501 N.E. Davis
       Portland

        After being featured on Man Vs. Food, Anthony Boudain's show , the latest Stern roadfood book, and this website, Voodoo Donuts does not need much help from me. The Bacon Maple bar, the Memphis mafia combo of peanut butter, chocolate and banana, and the strawberry filled eponymous voodoo donut remain taste destinations for any serious donut lover. The new location is off a major street and features a lot more parking. It does not have the grit of  the downtown location( I miss the homeless guys and the denizens of the low-rent hotel next to  the downtown store) but the menu is  the same and the parking is easier if you want a quick grab and go. But any serious roadfooder needs to stop here.

 Restaurant number 7 was called the Daily Cafe and Market but the owners have closed the market and the place is now solely a restaurant and has had a name change  it is now called the New Deal Cafe.

Mr. Chips - Have you checked out Christopher's Gourmet Grill on MLK yet? I've only been in once and had the Double Cheeseburger, but it was the best burger I've had in a long time! The meat was so tasty I could have eaten it plain, but all the toppings were great too. A friend had the Man Up Cheeseburger which included 2 8-oz patties, double cheese, great hot links, bacon & egg - too much to eat, but he managed by giving us all a taste. The fries were fresh and wonderful. They also have Philly's (recommended by friends), Jerk chicken, ribs, seafood baskets, wings, etc.
      The place looks a little rough, but the folks inside are really nice and the owner goes out of his way to make sure you enjoy your food. We've been dreaming about the burgers and want to go back today!!!

Whoops - sorry about the Christopher's post, I re-read the topic and then realized you were talking about Oregonian best of...
I'm more of a Willie Week Cheap Eats person right now. Isn't it about time for the new issue to come out?

Nancy, I'm trying to change the focus. Honestly I'm just writing up the places i like. Christopher's sounds like a great spot and I will try it. WW's cheap eats is  a great source of info and their recommendations are spot on.

A few more spots

(49)-Acadia-A New Orleans Bistro-French Quarter Martini
1303 N.E. Fremont
Portland,Or 97232
(503)-249-5001

   The name says it all. This is a bistro featuring excellent but pricey entrees that would pass muster in the crescent city. My favorite appetizer is the oyster shooter in jalapeno infused vodka which is a true sensual sensation. The french quarter martini is a shoot the moon beverage with pomegrante, infused vodka and vermouth. I tend to like sweet drinks and this is one of the best I've ever had
(50) El Burrito Loco-Chile Cheese Fries
        3126 N.E. 82nd
         Portland, Or
        (503)-252-1343

       This is a humble dish served with a spicy but not overwhelmingly hot sauce, just the right amount of cheese and fries. A delightful blue-collar food that goes down well. I also love the  special quesadilla, a cheese sandwich made with pastrami served in a tortilla that is an odd but endearing combination of tastes

Nancy Lynette's above post references Willamette Week's( a local weekly) cheap eats guide. It is a fantastic resource of good and cheap eats and i will be sampling as many as possible. I hope Nancy and others will chip in and talk about their favorite haunts. I will certainly do so . And for the record, I am no longer relying on the Oregonian's best of list.
(51)Dalo's Kitchen-Vegetarian Plate
      4134 N. Vancouver
      Portland-(503)-808-9604

        This may be the best meal deal in Portland. $4.99 buys you 4 vegetables(I had spicy lentils, spinach, collard greens) that are quite flavorful and all the enjera bread bread you can eat. Trudy has lamb and three sided. With a glass of Ethiopian honey wine, we had a substantial good meal for under $18.00. We went on a Friday and there was live music and a number of babies and toddlers that gave the place a real family feel.

(52)Seoul Solong Tang- Seoul Solong Tang
      8305 S.E. Powell
       Portland-(503)-775-1223
       It's easy to miss this place. The sign is in Korean and the main 
dish reads like an English typographical error but the food is no joke. The soup is a broth that you spice to taste with green onions and salt and pepper. A large side of kim chee comes with the meal. The chef speaks little english and is eager to have you sample her wares, asking if you like it. She was very proud of her Willamette Week review.My waitress was from L.A. 's Koreatown and was a helpful guide on proper etiquette as well as having a perfect valley girl accent. I know Korean may be the least known of the Asian foods but this place is a wonderful  introduction.

Another:

(53) La Calaca Comelona- Chapulines de Oaxaca
       2304 S.E. Belmont
      Portland-(503)-239-9675
    
    La Calaca  Comelona is a part of the rich and varied Portland mexican food scene. There is a detailed explanation on the menu on why burritos are not offered on the menu. The place's name means hungry skeleton in Spanish and its decor features many sculptures, prints and figurines of skeletons as well as the obligatory Frida Kahlo prints and photos.
    The food is Mexican regional. The most unusual item is Chapulines de Oaxaca or fried grasshopper. They are served with chile flakes and slathered in lime juice. Son Sam thought they were a little too limey but was satisfied with their satisfying crunch. I like them a great deal, especially mixed with  the flavorful red sauce.
      Sam and I had salads, Sam an avocado salad with a lot of onion, me a cactus salad that was flavorful and rich. Our desserts were dishes I have not seen on other menus. Sam had jericalla, a cinnamon flavored custard that was light and not too sweet. I  had capiroda, a bread pudding with raisins, cajila cheese and raw brown sugar that was a pleasant mix of tastes.
     La Calaca Comelada is not your father's Mexican restaurant. But for those willing to expand their horizons, it is a wondrous experience.

The latest:

(54)Casa De Tamales
      10605 S.E. Main
      Milwaukie(503)-654-4423

     Casa de Tamales is the restaurant outpost of the locally famous Canby Asparagus Farm, which has been serving locavore tamales at Portland's Saturday market for a few years. The tamales are made with local chicken, and beef, almost always accompanied by asparagus. The most notable dish is the Nacatamal, a Nicaraguan style tamale filled mashed potatoes, bell pepper,chicken,rice, olives, plum, raisins, and artichoke. It is the size of a large dumpling, served on a Nicaraguan banana leaf with sides of sour cream, beans and rice. A huge meal, very tasty.

  

Bump

Restaurant 52, Seoul Solong Tang has closed. Korean remains an ugly stepchild of Asian food in Portland. I like the cuisine but a lot of Portlanders(including my beloved trudyn) do not.

Time to renew my commitment to this thread. i will be posting new finds as i come across them in the future.

An update on previously mentioned places. "Lovely Hula Hands"(number 23) has closed, much to the regret of Portland foodies. Number 35" Cafe Be Van" has closed thoiugh Bubble tea is available at Vietnamese places all over Portland.