Extra News

Under the title of Checkbook Journalism: Sad to see a magazine that had slowly risen from the depths of mediocrity plummet back the other direction. I learned yesterday that Camas Davis (along with seven other employees) has been laid off from Portland Monthly agazine. As you may know, there was a change in the editor a few months ago. Some editors are an insecure lot.  When... [Read more]

Restaurant of the Year for 2008: Ten 01

Note: this restaurant has changed chefs.  Your experience may vary from this review Fugue – Music: a composition based multiple themes, which are enunciated by several voices or parts in turn, and gradually built up into a complex form having somewhat distinct divisions or stages of development and a marked climax at the end. For those who have been reading my reviews... [Read more]

More food news (extra snarky!)

Grolla is trying to sell. From Craigslist “Restaurant for sale – $50000 (NE portland ). Great restaurant. Great lease. Turnkey. Ready to sell. Currently operating. Call 503-286-1738″ It does seem like a good location. I like Mark Bittman. He seems like a laid-back kind of guy I’d like to hang out with. Like everyone these days, he has a blog, and describes... [Read more]

A Piffle of Food News for 1.22.09

updated Thurs AM. Lots of bits and pieces of news; I’ll just throw them at you with a minimum of snide remarks: Morgan Brownlow: Pork Dealer? So says Patrick Coleman over at the Mercury. I hear there’s a new Mexican restaurant going into in the old Starbucks space on 20th and Hawthorne. It’s a local chain: sandovals La Palapa (thanks MSG). I’m sure... [Read more]

The State of The Portland Restaurant Economy 2009

Restaurant Apocalypse 2009!!! That’s what Willamette Week is calling this time, or something close anyway – I can never find anything on their website. With all the news and rumors floating about, I’ve been giving the subject quite a bit of thought. It seems to me, the “apocalypse” has failed to happen. Looking back through the news for the five... [Read more]

New Seasons Comes to Agreement with Whole Foods…

More and more twists in what has become a fascinating series of twists and turns in the merger between Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m always so impressed by the power of a united community. Because of all of the voices that chimed in from the Portland area and from all over the country, we’ve been able to bring the issue... [Read more]

McGinn’s Wine Merchants, R.I.P.

Jerry says it pretty well. I like McGinn’s, and will miss them. An Open Missive from McGinn’s To all of McGinn’s valued patrons and pals, It is with deep regret and a great sadness that I must  inform everyone that McGinn’s Russell Street Wine Merchants will be closing our doors come mid-February. Throughout our five plus year tenure on Russell St.... [Read more]

Jack Yoss to Leave Ten 01

Jack Yoss, the much-heralded chef of Ten01 restaurant is leaving Portland in March. Jack will be following a lifelong dream, spending most of his time traveling in Europe and Asia. He will be starting a blog chronicling his travels, at YossIsLost.com I think this is a huge blow to the Portland restaurant scene. Over the last year, Ten 01 has consistently been turning out some... [Read more]

Ibiza Closing?

From an email, Ibiza, a very untasty restaurant at near 2nd and Salmon SW, (915 SW 2nd) is currently being raided by the Portland police. There are paddy wagons outside and their bringing people out in handcuffs. Expect it to be closed starting now. Hmm.  Read More →

Pinocchio R.I.P.

Finally we have confirmation. Pinocchio, the Italian restaurant in the south park blocks, has closed. From it’s opening, it was critisized for the off-putting renderings of art which featured Pinocchio noses, and the overall, somewhat garish decorating. These things could have been overlooked, but the food never rose above average. Still, it is sad to see a restaurant... [Read more]

Top Food Trends for 2009?

Epicurious has listed their “Top Food Trends for 2009“.  Some of their predictions: Peruvian is the new Thai. Seems hokey to me; I just don’t see Peruvian food on every corner. Noodle Bars are the new Sushi Joints. Perfect for cold months, but when it’s summer, I’m all about sushi Ginger is the new Mint. Mint? Mint’s been “out”... [Read more]