http://www.chow.com/boards/64 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:55:39 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849481#7342237 This will be my first visit to the pacific NW and I'll be in Portland for just one night. Been reading the boards, the blogs, the reviewers and instead of narrowing it down to just a handful of places to pick from I've become paralyzed with all the wonderful choices. So, all knowing chowhounds, if you could have just one dinner, just the one, where would you go? Oh, and this one night is a Monday, so I'm guessing that will eliminate a couple of places right from the start. Also, my SO loves cask conditioned beer so if you could recommend some places that we should check out before or after dinner, that'd be wicked awesome (yup we are coming in from Boston). misspickypants Wed, 16 May 2012 11:47:52 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849481#7342237 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849467#7342014 I need a good ole' fashioned crab/shellfish smashing meal. You know the kind where you hold a rock, where a big and pound the delicious flesh out of some delicious crustaceans, but where can I find that?!?! HELP! Rachael5000 Wed, 16 May 2012 04:44:01 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849467#7342014 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849452#7341846 My family is convening in Portland this weekend for a graduation and we could use a recommendation for dinner on Saturday night. We will be a party of 5-6 adults and 1 very active toddler; the group includes one vegetarian and one gluten-free eater. Location is key (preferably close to the Residence Inn Downtown/RiverPlace - near the Marquam Bridge - the graduation is at OCAC on the far SW side). We need a place that can pace things for an impatient toddler (1.5 max). But we'd like to have some good food. Price point is probably not more than $40 per person. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. elglads Wed, 16 May 2012 02:58:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849452#7341846 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849443#7341692 We'll be visiting Portland with two 5 year olds, and we are looking for places with great food where we can take them. We have a sitter so we can go to Le Pigeon and Ned Ludd, but would love suggestions particularly for lunch and trucks. Keen on finding places that have interesting food but also something that kids will eat- these are pretty ok eaters, will have veggies, new stuff etc but we need places where, for example, not EVERYTHING is spicy. Does that eliminate Pok Pok? What truck / pod would you recommend? And what about donuts? Thanks! adamandeve Wed, 16 May 2012 01:53:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849443#7341692 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846961#7341363 Thanks, that is most helpful. Though I'm hoping to hit Olympic Provisions, it's good to have options. The SO is quite keen on dark choc and his current fave is Choklat from Calgary. Thought Woodblock might be similar. Is it that the texture is too grainy? Deffo going to try to nab some Alma and Sahagun. Adding Cacao, DePaula and The Meadow to the list. I'll be heading back to NW Sweets for some more of their peanut caramels. I normally dislike nuts in candy but those rock. grayelf Tue, 15 May 2012 23:06:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846961#7341363 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849386#7341331 OX looks amazing, I lived in Argentina for a while so this is like an upscale version of all my favorites! Laurelhurst always looks awesome Rachael5000 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:46:31 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849386#7341331 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847435#7338277 I would stay at The Allison Inn & Spa where Jory is. We have stayed there twice, it is a beautiful property with large, spacous rooms and beautiful soaking tubs. We like the rooms on the bottom floor that open out to the patio. We have had very good experiences with Jory, I have ordered their room service also which was nice. One of our favorites in this area is Red Hills Provencial Dining. The food is garden fresh and the space is cozy and comfortable. We also like Dundee Bistro where you can sample Ponzi wines. They have a tasting room adjacent to the restaurant, so you may want to plan your meal for when that is open. :) syrahgirl Mon, 14 May 2012 18:04:10 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847435#7338277 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848559#7338116 Yeah, I love Laurelhurst Market too. You will just have to plan another trip, crsin! ;o) JillO Mon, 14 May 2012 17:09:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848559#7338116 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848760#7337388 Thanks Chalmers! It's good to have an alternative point of you. Just interested, why would you say Aviary is not quite as 'Portland'? I guess I'm still trying to figure out what that means! belma79 Mon, 14 May 2012 08:10:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848760#7337388 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844561#7335128 Hey there, SF hound currently visiting Portland. I'm guessing you've already finished your trip, but, for what it's worth, my thoughts: You can skip Kenny and Zuke's for your bagel. I just had one; it's the same sort of non-bagel you can get in San Francisco, and which New Yorkers always whine about. I mean it's not unpleasant, but you definitely should not make some detour to get one. I have to say, I thought St. Jack's was a nice meal, but not somewhere a San Franciscan needs to visit. If I lived nearby, I would happily eat there regularly, but as a tourist... there are many similar such places in San Francisco, some of which, dare I say, are superior. I liked that they had epoisse, though. That made me happy. dunstable Sat, 12 May 2012 17:10:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844561#7335128 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848104#7331796 Awesome response...Thanks for all your help. I'm eager to try the Sweet Briar Farms bacon, too! I'll check out the Portlandfood.org's boards--see you there! btw, the class went great and we made tons of different bacon dishes and had a 'serious' bacon tasting, as well. Your support much appreciated! formerbarista Thu, 10 May 2012 18:12:17 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848104#7331796 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838779#7330004 Don't know about that either but they have really good dog bones at the meat counter of Sheridan Grocery (it's a great place if you've never been) and (I think) they'll give you a free one the next time if you send them a photo of your dog eating one of their bones. They have big old huge honkin' bones there too! oregonjim Wed, 09 May 2012 20:57:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838779#7330004 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/807507#7329797 Chalmers, Sorry I took so long to report back. The dinner with my family close to Christmas at DOC was really fantastic. They had never been to DOC and we were all impressed with the food, service, and unique setting of the restaurant. Not everything hit perfectly but that is to be expected when having so many dishes. The wine recommendations were also quite amazing and the server made sure to always recommend a couple things at different price points. The whole family was impressed. cbcpapa Wed, 09 May 2012 19:31:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/807507#7329797 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848324#7328115 I have only one night in Portland with my 20 year old son this Friday from Boston, and would like to find a place with great food , but fun. I read up on PokPok, but it sounds like it is not worth the wait given how little time we have. Any recommendations in the Hawthorne neighborhoods, or maybe Alberta Street or Mississippi Street? Also, does anyone know of some great places if driving from La Grande, no route planned as of yet? jundomania Wed, 09 May 2012 00:05:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848324#7328115 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/794741#7325294 Maybe means "City Market"? Does Martinottis sell good ricotta? formerbarista Mon, 07 May 2012 20:36:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/794741#7325294 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/484013#7324519 OM Seafood on 76th and Powell is good advice. Regularly had hundreds of live crab plus they carry lobster, steamers, escargot, and occasionally feature blue crab, crawfish, king crab, the occasional large ling cod, etc. If you want a BIG crab ask for that specifically, sometimes the tank in back has some jumbos. Once I picked up two crab which totaled over seven pounds. Yeah, they were huge, eight and eight and half inches across. Legal Oregon size is 5.75 inches. Dan Wedin Mon, 07 May 2012 15:15:24 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/484013#7324519 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847571#7322561 Neither Departure nor City Grill are open for brunch. I assume you're looking for somewhere downtownish, based on your two picks. The Heathman is a pretty classic brunch spot, Gracie's is a nice place and the food is ok. More importantly, you won't have to line up at either. Otherwise: Mother's and Veritable Quandry are both nice spots that take reservations. chalmers Sun, 06 May 2012 05:30:30 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847571#7322561 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843693#7318398 Sorry Leonardo, you are absolutely correct - it is west of downtown. I just automatically think North when going uphill! Not the greatest location of eating/drinking, but luckily everything is relatively close in Portland! ekc Thu, 03 May 2012 22:38:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843693#7318398 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/15602#7317623 Right smaki... adventurous explorations in the kitchen frontirs I love it... My next great adventure in Ramen is to make a great seafood version soup, I want to make a great fish stock with shell fish and a tuna head or some great saltwater carcass... and make a really clean and strained broth... cook to perfection various seafood and fresh water fish with veggies for a glorious ssssssslurp of "Surf Ramen" yeah that is what I will call it... Surf. In most of Japan and Asia the Pork Broth is all the rage, I am very partial to my rich dark Beef Broth with the smoky chuck steak slices... But I am going to attempt to make some real good pork ramen. Here are some other great mix ins I forgot to mention that I have added to my bowls: Fried tofu... yeah cut into 1/2" blocks fry and add them they are like crispy spongy croutons, and soak up broth in your mouth... Fresh tofu strips Fried salt pork.... Nom nom nom, omg yes... Fry some cubed salt pork and damn... Ham fresh, fried, you choose. Bacon... any sprouts... I LOVE MUSHROOMS ... slice or quartered sauteed and I love variety of different mushrooms especially wood ear and shitake, and enoki when they can be found. Try a huge 2-3 thin sliced prtabella for presentation yep one Portabella giant ought to be good for about 8 bowls sliced at about 3/16" 2 slices or 3 per bowl... Believe it or not tomato grapes are juicy surprises Basil Leaves... Fried chicken skin... are you kidding get out of town its the cock a doodle doo of bacon... Nori seaweed strips.. OH oh, oh, yopu gotta try a sous vide style poached egg Sirrachi or any favorite hot sauce, or a sweet sauce... How about WASABI Oh and please consider dropping in potstickers, dumplings, and or wontons... Fried pork skin Cheecharons... fried pork skin... fried pineapple, batter fried pineapple, uhhhh yeah I said it fried natures sugar, freaking insanely special... Yeah WE need some Huge bowls, right right... Brettley Thu, 03 May 2012 18:07:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/15602#7317623 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/11951#7309249 Ditto that. And USDA couldn't care less about fraud. All that matters to them is if it is called "beef" it is in fact beef. Leonardo Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:36:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/11951#7309249 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845578#7308976 That doesn't happen until late August. 2225 E Burnside. Leonardo Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:59:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845578#7308976 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842679#7307636 Agree 100% about reading the placards carefully. I didn't notice till I had massively overordered at Tabor that you can get half a schnitzelwich. Would have stopped me wasting a ton of food :-(. grayelf Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:05:08 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842679#7307636 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842087#7291611 La Provence Bistro in Lake Oswego is good. Prices are very reasonable and the food is very good. It is not far from Bridgeport Village. jpc8015 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:20:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842087#7291611 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833223#7286381 JillO, do you have these on a save string? if not, you should! Or the Portland board should. I'm a Portland newbie but I've noticed the constant and repetitive inquiries about places to go here ... and I'm a big fan of Chiang Mai as well. In fact, I probably went there on your recommendation, and their khao soi is my dream dish. melissa511 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:30:45 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833223#7286381 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838010#7285483 In wine country Jory at The Allison Hotel has the biggest list by a mile. Beautiful hotel and grounds. On a simpler note Recipe in downtown Newberg has terrific high end comfort food and an extremely good and very well thought out wine list. Sort of my favorite place in the area right now. oregonjim Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:47:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838010#7285483 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838555#7269788 So glad you enjoyed your dining in Portland! :) syrahgirl Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:31:46 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838555#7269788 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842257#7256174 Yes, I do that for some whole spices that store well too, like peppercorns, etc. And almost every time, what you get from Penzey's is fresher than what you can get at the grocery store. I am a big fan too! ;o) JillO Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:38:37 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842257#7256174 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840808#7255955 Perfect jpc8015 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:14:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840808#7255955 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841048#7251711 Oven & Shaker has a nice long bar and excellent food. Ping is another good choice and you can see some of the kitchen from the bar also. I think both Oba and Paragon are good for drinks but not for food. ekc Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:12:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841048#7251711 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841418#7246914 thanks, it's going on the list. iamjberube Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:50:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841418#7246914 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841320#7246801 I like Clem's Cream on Nitro, but I haven't found a single thing I like at Burnside Brewing, and I find their food to be hit or miss. Hophouse has better food for sure. When I think Gastropub, though, I think Spints. JillO Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:59:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841320#7246801 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841495#7245671 Thank you for the report!!! Glad you enjoyed it all!! cheeseisheaven Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:20:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841495#7245671 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841339#7243214 Hello, I plan on doing some baking soon. Can anyone tell me where I can purchase baker's jam and nut paste (almond and walnut)? Any help would greatly appreciated. Thanks, HM hamburgermaster Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:00:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841339#7243214 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836284#7241854 Excellent! Thanks for reporting back. I'm really happy that it all worked out so well. Big groups like that can be very tricky for all involved. RelishPDX Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:08:59 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836284#7241854 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/835992#7238705 Wow!!!! drooling....that sounds amayzing....thank you...now I really have to go there! cheeseisheaven Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:28:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/835992#7238705 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/828491#7228650 I went a few weeks ago with a asian food meetup group. I didn't do the ordering so I cant list the dishes but I thought it was the first really good Chinese meal I've had since leaving the San Francisco area. Lots of spice, lots of variety in flavors. Only dish I wasn't impressed with was cold noodles. Can't wait to get back wdwyer Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:56:02 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/828491#7228650 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840135#7228443 i'm going to the Winterhawks game with my cousins. They are "Knives and Forks" people. I love them dearly and want to show them a good time. Any ideas within a few miles? i love protein , but one does and one doesn't heilp me. Mikey jmikey Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:47:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840135#7228443 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838708#7227213 Check out Mijune's post on St. Honore ...... LotusRapper Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:32:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838708#7227213 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837552#7227129 Sounds like a short but tasty trip! Thanks for reporting back. Secret Society (the bar upstairs from Toro Bravo, which is not related to it at all) is fine for drinks, but as you found, the food isn't worth it...especially in regard to what awaits you downstairs. JillO Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:39:58 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837552#7227129 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839214#7225131 Thanks for the responses. Lean toward Asian but not exclusively. Think I'll drop Saucebox for Oven & Shaker. Looks like a great place! Excited to spend some time in your city, thanks for the advice. tmentzer Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:25:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839214#7225131 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839422#7219956 Yesenia's market on Powell maybe...altho I have never looked for them in particular... you might also want to post this question on portlandfood.org... cheeseisheaven Sun, 18 Mar 2012 01:55:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839422#7219956 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838952#7217543 Lots of great places downtown! Go to Little Bird Bistro, they have the most amazing mussells I've ever had. They also do trout really well here. Also in the downtown Portland is Departure @ The Nines. We recently spent 3 nights at The Nines and loved this place so much we took our daughter and boyfriend there when they were visiting. The food is delicious and there are views also. Urban Farmer is also wonderful @ The Nines. Pazzo for Italian, Saucebox and The Heathman are all wonderful. Let us know where you end up! :) syrahgirl Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:47:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838952#7217543 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837847#7211607 We love Le Pigeon (and Little Bird Bistro.) Single diners like to sit at the bar and watch the chef cook. The Beef Bourguignon there is the best I've ever found anywhere. The Foie Gras profiteroles are also pretty amazing. :) syrahgirl Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:08:01 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837847#7211607 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/825507#7208008 the recipe was in Bon Appetit's Top 100 dishes mag a couple of months ago (or maybe it was Saveur?) ekc Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:44:47 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/825507#7208008 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838328#7206075 Does anyone know of anywhere in the greater Portland area that sells Baja-style shrimp tacos? I've found other shrimp tacos, but not Baja-style. I've seen a few places w/Baja-style fish tacos- but I am looking for shrimp. To be what I am looking for, the taco should have: - Fried shrimp- not fajita-style or sauteed. - Topped with cabbage and white sauce (which is usually based on crema fresca or mayo- not tartar sauce)- not lettuce or cheese or mango salsa or anything like that. A salsa bar with things like grilled green onions, pickled red onions and cucumber slices would be a great bonus. - Corn tortillas (often two of them) I'm willing to travel if anyone knows somewhere that has good shrimp tacos! I have perused the menus of everywhere I can find, and even the mariscos joints like Puerto Marquez don't list shrimp tacos on their menus- just fish tacos. There's gotta be somewhere around here... crisw Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:31:02 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838328#7206075 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832656#7202025 The original store in Lake Oswego is called La Provence. The other three are called Petite Provence. jpc8015 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:02:10 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832656#7202025 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830268#7201209 It was a great trip, so much fun we were already planning our next foray halfway through! We definitely want to check out the summer farmers' market(s) among many other things. You will be sorry you asked when I post my looooong report. grayelf Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:07:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830268#7201209 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836614#7201162 Hi Melissa - A few recs for the 9th and Alder pod: Khao Man Gai, yes try that 808 Grinds does really nice Hawaiian plate lunches, one is enough for two people People's Pig: The porchetta. Frying Scotsman if you like fish and chips Altengartz does great brats and backyard-style burgers Samuari Bento: Takoyaki Mai Pho: I like her dumpling soup, best thing on a cold day Addy's Sandwiches, European-style baguette sandwiches, reminds me of Paris Huong's: 4 bucks for a tasty chicken banh mi Eurotrash is there as well... they have some interesting ideas but I've never really had anything there that wowed me... might just be me as plenty of others seem to really like it. I moved out of the neighborhood late last year, so there may be some new stars that have opened up recently, but those were my favorites of the bunch that's been there for a while... have fun exploring, - JO jonoropeza Fri, 09 Mar 2012 04:28:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836614#7201162 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837088#7198616 I second the Aviary recommendation. It's unique in Portland for creative Asian-French fusion dishes. And DOC is not to be missed. It's one of the best restaurants in Portland, without question. In addition to Aviary and DOC, my short list of restaurants with great food and thoughtful wine lists (from your long one) would include: Gruner Firehouse St. Jack Le Pigeon Navarre And do plan a visit to Kir wine bar on NE 7th & Couch. It's a tiny place with a phenomenal selection of obscure wines (mostly European) that would please any wine geek. My favorite place to drink wine in the city hands down! Regarding Tasty & Sons, do try it -- but stick to brunch. They can lose their way at dinnertime... Alba Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:47:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837088#7198616