Throwing Ourselves On The Grenade of Bad Food to Save You

Review: Thistle

September 8, 2010 by Roger Porter  
Filed under Other Reviews

I promised myself I wouldn’t allude in this review to Eric Bechard’s incident this spring involving a defiant defense of local animals, a stance provoked by a rival chef who, in his eyes, had heretically championed a Midwest over an Oregon pig. The great porcine passion probably put Bechard’s name on wider public notice than did his successful stint at
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Review: Andina – Restaurant of the Year 2009

July 13, 2010 by Food Dude  
Filed under Other Reviews

With the myriad of restaurants opening in Portland every year, it is easy to forget some of the older ones, which often are better than the latest gastronomic trend-setters. In my opinion, Andina is one of these, a restaurant that rarely disappoints, always intrigues and provides a great introduction to one of the world’s great cuisines.

Yakuza

June 11, 2010 by Bruce Bauer  
Filed under Other Reviews

There are times when I’ve gone to a restaurant and had an incredible experience, but for various reasons I didn’t make it back. Such was the case with Yakuza Lounge on Portland’s northeast side. I had my first experience with my friend DOR last October. It was such an-out-of-control meal we ended up having their burger for dessert. After my
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Grüner

May 30, 2010 by Food Dude  
Filed under Other Reviews

Grüner isn’t a “German” restaurant, nor does it bill itself as such; rather it is Alpine. This is a vast region that includes pieces of France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, and even a bit of Balkan and Mediterranean influences. All of this is alongside the distinct regional cuisines of Germany. Like billing a restaurant “Italian”, most of us know
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Echo Restaurant

May 5, 2010 by Food Dude  
Filed under Other Reviews

Echo opened in 2006, and was quickly popular after a lot of positive reviews. After a long series of chefs and more hills and valleys than a roller coaster, a new owner is in place, and though the menu has stayed close to the original fare, the quality is much improved and seems consistently prepared. Sometimes you just want to
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Review: Tasty n Sons

March 19, 2010 by Food Dude  
Filed under Other Reviews

I normally wouldn’t write a first impressions piece on a restaurant in its first week of business, but I have gotten lots of emails asking for information. Since I found Tasty & Sons is pretty good, I decided to go ahead and tell you what I think about this new venture. Owned by John Gorham of Toro Bravo, Tasty &
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Review: Toro Bravo

March 14, 2010 by Food Dude  
Filed under Other Reviews

Note: this post is a complete re-write of the 2007 review – an extra 1500 words. I’m going to stray off the topic of Toro Bravo for a bit, but to understand Spanish food, it helps to have a little understanding of the culture behind the food. Spain tugs at something deep in my soul. Maybe it is because taste,
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