Interview – Erica Landon, Sommellier Ten 01

Erica Landon of Ten 01 Not only is Erica Landon, Ten 01’s award winning sommelier, extremely well educated about the wines she recommends, but she continues to make the restaurant’s wine program one of the best in the state. She’s also quite nice. In a male dominated field with a reputation for snobbery, Landon gracefully keeps her own council. “When... [Read more]

Food Dude Hosts Wild Miracle Fruit Party!

Miracle Fruit On Plant I don’t have parties very often; it takes a major event in my life before I throw open the doors to more than a few people. That’s why a group of my foodie friends were surprised to get an invitation to a last minute gathering at my house a few weeks ago. Even more surprising, was what a strange party it became. I always try to be a good host... [Read more]

Pix Patisserie For Sale

After 7 years working to build an established, recognized, and successful business, Cheryl is moving ahead to take on new adventures and challenges. In order to do that, she has chosen to sell Pix Patisserie. It is her hope to find an individual that is passionate about food, business savvy, and creative in that “Portland” way to take the reins. Someone to continue to... [Read more]

How do you get a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence?

What would happen if someone created a fake restaurant website, with a fake menu, populated the wine list with less than stellar choices, and submitted everything (along with a $250 entry fee), for a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence? This is exactly what Robin Goldstein, author of The Wine Trials did. For his trouble, the fake restaurant won an Award of Excellence. Mr. Goldstein... [Read more]

O Post About Hired Help Potluck Stirs Up Firestorm

I have never received quite so many irate emails about an Oregonian article before. It seems the following post has offended many, many people: http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday The story is also burning up the blogs. Here are a few examples: Matt Davis says, Just when I begin to forget why I hate you so damned much, The Oregonian’s food writers run a story so horrible... [Read more]

Local Figs: A Love Letter to a Short Sweet Season

Republished from 2006. *Bonus Recipe Included* Portland Oregon is practically raining figs. There are big brown, black and green blobs on the sidewalks, on top of cars, and backyards are slippery landmine fields. It won’t last long though, because we are reaching the end of the local fig season. Fresh figs remind me, somewhat sadly, that summer has now peaked and I need to... [Read more]

Chris Israel Out at 23Hoyt

According to the Oregonian, “On Aug. 23, Christopher Israel will spend his last day as executive chef at 23Hoyt, which hit its peak this year, and Saucebox, where he has increasingly played a minor role.” I liked 23Hoyt when Chris was at the helm, but haven been impressed lately by Saucebox. Chris will be replaced by chef Aaron Barnett from Olea. Why is it that... [Read more]

Kinara Thai Bistro

Kinara Thai Bistro It seems like there are hundreds of Thai restaurants in Portland, with little to differentiate them. Pasty noodles, dried out meat, and curry paste from a jar seem to be the norm. When I stumble across one that is actually good, I am always surprised. Kinara Thai Bistro, next to the Lincoln High athletic field in the Goose Hollow area of Portland, is one... [Read more]