First Impressions: Full Plate

Temporarily closed – 6/15 I’ve been watching Marco Shaw’s new takeout place on NE Fremont and 42nd moving ever so slowly towards completion. It finally opened on the 9th, and since I was in the area, I dropped by to take a look. If you can’t picture the location, it is right next to Tuk Tuk Thai, just passed 42nd, and around the corner from Ristretto... [Read more]

Ristorante Roma

Walking past Ristorante Roma, one might summon up faded memories of family-run trattorie on Rome’s back streets, set with starched white tablecloths and sturdy dishes, decorated with photographs of local monuments, where in the corner sits a swarthy man shoving spaghetti into his mouth with insouciant abandon and everything is immersed in the intoxicating aroma of tomato... [Read more]

More Italy: If it’s Tuesday, This Must be Ferrara

I am fortunate to be staying with such wonderful people, as the Euro is worth something like $1.45 to the dollar. Compared to other trips I have made in the past, hotels, restaurants, and everything else are incredibly expensive. It is really easy to spend $20 US for a basic breakfast, especially in the area of Parma, which is a bit more expensive than much of the country.... [Read more]

People, Produce, Politics and a Little Bit of Food Poisoning

City of Portland Begins Study of Farmers Markets The Farmers Markets have just about wrapped up for the season. With record crowds this year (frankly it was sometimes beyond painful at the often overcrowded PSU market), and a number of new markets spread out through the neighborhoods, the City of Portland has decided to take notice. Armed with $100k, the Office of Sustainable... [Read more]

Giving Thanks at the Coffeehouse

Dear Coffeehouse Northwest, Words can not express my thanks to you today. Many local businesses give so much to their customers and to their communities throughout the year, and to charities during the holiday season. Yet today, you went way above and beyond the call of duty, and I want you to know that your generosity has not gone unnoticed. I personally have so many things... [Read more]

More Italy: My Stupor

I can’t begin to tell you what a great experience this has been. This entire family has taken me under their wing just because I had a conversation with their son. I’m not sure what he told them (he was a bit of a mama’s boy – but then I am beginning to realize that lots of Italian men are that way), but you would have thought I was a long-lost relative.... [Read more]

This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano

I’ve only been gone for a few days, yet I am having an amazing trip. Through the magic of unsecured wireless I will write about my adventures as I go along. It won’t necessarily be about food, but I have a feeling both food and wine will be involved. I am sitting in Parma, Italy, not far from Bologna. It has been a cold afternoon, only about 40 degrees, but therein... [Read more]

First Impressions: Five-O-Three

By Laurel Barton On a recent visit to Five-O-Three, it scored a hit in creativity, service, atmosphere, and most of all in seasonal food prepared and presented impeccably. This eatery in a newly renovated strip-mall-cum-life-style-center delivered a dining experience seldom found in the suburbs. Settling into a cozy booth, our foursome selected an Oregon wine from a respectable... [Read more]

We Have a Winner!

Ladies and Gents, as Food Dude announced about a week ago, the person that comments closest to our 2 millionth visitor to the site wins a gift certificate. It happened yesterday afternoon and since Food Dude is on vacation he wanted me to pass along the info. Coincidentally, it was long time reader mczlaw. Congratulations MCZ! Now on to 3 million…and thanks everyone... [Read more]

Happy Birthday Bundt Cake!

Did you know that today is the 60th anniversary of the Bundt cake pan? Ah, where would we be without this classic cake, popular at just about every bake sale, church coffee social and old fashioned pot luck I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend. I’m especially fond of my Aunt’s excellent, and quite popular in the 1970’s, Harvey Wallbanger bundt cake. The... [Read more]

Circling the Drain?

Some changes at Rocket. The “matrix” menu has been dropped in favor of a more traditional menu. Also missing are most of the once hyped items like the tongue hotdog and scrapple. Unfortunately, if anything the food has gotten worse. I can’t find a single good entree on the menu. Even more interesting is the changes in the crowd. For the short time Rocket has... [Read more]

Food and Wine Magazine Features Portland Restaurant Dish

Like they needed any more attention. Like we needed to wait even longer to get in. I’m beginning to think the only way to eat at Pok Pok is to break in and cook for myself. Anyway, Food & Wine Magazine’s December issue lists their “10 most extraordinary food discoveries” or “Best Restaurant Dishes of 2007″ High on this list is Ike’s... [Read more]

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