A Legacy of Taste

When I was very young, my parents took my whole family to The Blue Fox in San Francisco. Long gone now, but at the time it was considered one of the best restaurants in the United States. Looking back, I can’t imagine what they were thinking taking children to a restaurant like that, but some 30 odd years later I still remember the meal or at least the important details.... [Read more]

Albina Press

Updated August 2009 I am sitting here with a perfect cup of coffee. That is why I love Starbucks. Do I have your attention? For most people these days, their initial exposure to coffee comes from one of the mass-market chains such as Starbucks. Starbucks gives them that initial addiction, the ‘need’ to get coffee every day. Then one day they are exposed to a better... [Read more]

Echo Restaurant

This restaurant has improved markedly since being sold in mid-2009. Two meals there have brought it much closer to what it was when it first opened. I’ll keep returning, and will do a complete update soon. At one time, Echo was one of those restaurants I really liked. An 1890’s building that once housed a brothel was completely renovated. Large windows spill light... [Read more]

Madena of the Pearl

Updated 8/08 You know when you are near Madena because the air becomes redolent with spices. Unfortunately, the promise in the air doesn’t always reflect in the food that comes to your table. Portland has several good Lebanese restaurants, but now Madena brings this cuisine to the Pearl District. How does this Pearl location compare? Located in the Gregory Building, it... [Read more]

Queen of Sheba

Refreshed 12.08 The Queen of Sheba on Martin Luther King Blvd is home to what many consider the best Ethiopian food in Portland. The restaurant is located on the block between Echo and Russell St. BBQ in N.E. I have passed it many times on my daily runs, and the odor of spices in the air always urge me inside. Recently I made several visits. An old converted store, this is... [Read more]