422 SE 80th Ave., Portland, 97215
*This is a Plain Jane favorite.*
I am by no means a connoisseur of sushi. I don't like most fish, much less raw fish. Don't like the idea of fish eggs or eel or many of the other traditional sushi ingredients. These squeamish tendencies kept me away from sushi for a long time, and when I finally tried it for the first time, in my late 20's, it was not a good experience. Nor were the second or third tries.
It was not until I tried the sushi at Miyamoto that I became a fan. They have rolls that appeal even to me, and the ingredients are fresh and tasty.
My favorite rolls include: California roll with real crab (no roe, hold the cucumbers), Philly roll (smoked salmon and cream cheese--say WHAT?!?), Miyamoto roll, Black Tiger (went out on a limb and tried eel sauce--not bad, kinda sweet), and the Montavillan roll.
Roll to avoid: Spider roll. They leave the head on the soft-shell crab. Ack! I know that it's perfectly normal in other countries to be reminded that you are eating something that was once alive, but I'm sorry: I do not want my food looking me in the face when I'm trying to eat it.
Other points of awesomeness:
-The food is beautifully presented, little flowers made from carrots and all.
-Although the prices have recently gone up, the portions are generous and I can easily stuff myself on just two rolls.
-The same people who own Roscoe's also own Miyamoto, so you can sit in the sushi restaurant and order from Roscoe's impressive selection of beer on tap, which changes every week. Miyamoto also has sake, of course.
-They just moved! They used to be in a teeny tiny little space that sat about 10 people, but they have moved one door down and now have proper-sized restaurant. Have not visited since they switched locations, but I can't wait to do so!
June 2012 Update:
Visited their new location a couple of weeks ago. A nice, simple space with art on the walls.
Two changes aside from location that I noticed:
1) The Philly Roll was smaller and still only 5 pieces. Sad face.
2) New wait staff and sushi chef that were friendly and seemed well-intentioned. However, they did not seem as well-trained as the previous staff. Possibly explains the smaller Philly Roll?
Showing posts with label food review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food review. Show all posts
08 April 2012
28 March 2012
Shenzhen
707 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, 97220
*This is a Plain Jane favorite.*
When I was in Madrid I used to go to a Chinese restaurant that was literally underground. Known by the locals as "the Blade Runner restaurant," the place was small, cheaply decorated, not super clean, and run by actual Chinese people. A silent TV hanging from a corner of the ceiling showed Chinese karaoke music videos. There was almost always a line to get in, but it never took long to get seated because the abrupt-mannered staff would rush you out as soon as they'd cleared your last plate.
There were two menus: one for the Chinese customers written only in Chinese that contained traditional dishes, and one for the Spaniards and ex-pats written in Chinese and Spanish that contained dishes more palatable to foreigners. The display case up front contained enormous white chicken feet, the bloated purple bodies of octopi, and several things I could not (and probably wouldn't want to) identify. There were additional menu items on posters tacked up on the walls--at least I assume that's what they were, because they were written only in Chinese, which I do not read or speak.
And the food. was. delicious. Addictive as crack-cocaine: we couldn't get enough of it.
When I walked into Shenzhen for the first time and saw a larger version of that little Chinese restaurant--saw the whole roasted ducks hanging behind glass by the front door, the aquarium tanks of large fish and lobsters that were destined to end up on someone's plate, the posters on the wall that no one had bothered to translate into English, saw that I was the only non-Asian person in the place--I knew I had struck gold. It has been my go-to for Chinese food for the last three years.
Shenzhen's self-proclaimed specialty is seafood (hence the fish in tanks), but they have plenty else to offer as well. Although I almost always end up ordering the same thing, I take delight in flipping through the huge, hard-bound, glossy-paged menu. Here I can see full-color photos of such house specialties as "chilled white chicken feet," "couple pieces lungs," and (my personal favorite) "pepper with pig rectum." Someday I will get drunk enough to actually try eating these things.
Of the dishes I have tried, some of which actually contain vegetables, nothing has disappointed. My favorite, though, is the combination dinner #6: fried rice, BBQ pork, fried shrimp, and sesame chicken. Probably my least favorite part of this meal is the BBQ pork, which tends to be on the dry side and lying in a little pool of grease. Pity. But the rest of it is delicious, and the shrimp--oh my god the shrimp--practically melts in your mouth. Sometimes I'll throw in an appetizer of pot stickers, which are at once crispy and a little doughy. All this costs about $13, and I consistently get two, sometimes even three, meals out of it. The price is right.
If you, like me, appreciate a cultural experience when you eat out; if you like Chinese food that is greasy enough to make your lips shiny but not so greasy as to leave a puddle on your plate; and especially if you think it right and proper that your Chinese food should come all in that special shade of golden brown which indicates being fried to perfection--then I highly recommend you give Shenzhen a try.
*This is a Plain Jane favorite.*
When I was in Madrid I used to go to a Chinese restaurant that was literally underground. Known by the locals as "the Blade Runner restaurant," the place was small, cheaply decorated, not super clean, and run by actual Chinese people. A silent TV hanging from a corner of the ceiling showed Chinese karaoke music videos. There was almost always a line to get in, but it never took long to get seated because the abrupt-mannered staff would rush you out as soon as they'd cleared your last plate.
There were two menus: one for the Chinese customers written only in Chinese that contained traditional dishes, and one for the Spaniards and ex-pats written in Chinese and Spanish that contained dishes more palatable to foreigners. The display case up front contained enormous white chicken feet, the bloated purple bodies of octopi, and several things I could not (and probably wouldn't want to) identify. There were additional menu items on posters tacked up on the walls--at least I assume that's what they were, because they were written only in Chinese, which I do not read or speak.
And the food. was. delicious. Addictive as crack-cocaine: we couldn't get enough of it.
When I walked into Shenzhen for the first time and saw a larger version of that little Chinese restaurant--saw the whole roasted ducks hanging behind glass by the front door, the aquarium tanks of large fish and lobsters that were destined to end up on someone's plate, the posters on the wall that no one had bothered to translate into English, saw that I was the only non-Asian person in the place--I knew I had struck gold. It has been my go-to for Chinese food for the last three years.
Shenzhen's self-proclaimed specialty is seafood (hence the fish in tanks), but they have plenty else to offer as well. Although I almost always end up ordering the same thing, I take delight in flipping through the huge, hard-bound, glossy-paged menu. Here I can see full-color photos of such house specialties as "chilled white chicken feet," "couple pieces lungs," and (my personal favorite) "pepper with pig rectum." Someday I will get drunk enough to actually try eating these things.
Of the dishes I have tried, some of which actually contain vegetables, nothing has disappointed. My favorite, though, is the combination dinner #6: fried rice, BBQ pork, fried shrimp, and sesame chicken. Probably my least favorite part of this meal is the BBQ pork, which tends to be on the dry side and lying in a little pool of grease. Pity. But the rest of it is delicious, and the shrimp--oh my god the shrimp--practically melts in your mouth. Sometimes I'll throw in an appetizer of pot stickers, which are at once crispy and a little doughy. All this costs about $13, and I consistently get two, sometimes even three, meals out of it. The price is right.
If you, like me, appreciate a cultural experience when you eat out; if you like Chinese food that is greasy enough to make your lips shiny but not so greasy as to leave a puddle on your plate; and especially if you think it right and proper that your Chinese food should come all in that special shade of golden brown which indicates being fried to perfection--then I highly recommend you give Shenzhen a try.
05 March 2009
Aquí
1408 SE 12th Ave, Portland, 97214
The short of it: edible, but not my new favorite Mexican restaurant.
Pluses: nice outdoor seating area (love the booths and the cool tin lampshades), very friendly server, management that actually works, enchilada sauce on my companion's dish was very good, Cadillac margarita was better than average.
Minuses: had to pay $2 for too-thick chips & three kinds of crappy salsas (BOOOO!!!), the cuisine is most definitely mexicanish-for-yuppies. Take the "potatoes olé," for example: while delicious, I am not aware that russet golds mashed with corn, carrots and pepper Jack is a traditional Mexican recipe. I had a wet burrito: very large, sort of tasted like cardboard, not worth the money. I prefer Laughing Planet's burritos to Aquí's.
The verdict: wouldn't go there again. Not even for the margarita.
The short of it: edible, but not my new favorite Mexican restaurant.
Pluses: nice outdoor seating area (love the booths and the cool tin lampshades), very friendly server, management that actually works, enchilada sauce on my companion's dish was very good, Cadillac margarita was better than average.
Minuses: had to pay $2 for too-thick chips & three kinds of crappy salsas (BOOOO!!!), the cuisine is most definitely mexicanish-for-yuppies. Take the "potatoes olé," for example: while delicious, I am not aware that russet golds mashed with corn, carrots and pepper Jack is a traditional Mexican recipe. I had a wet burrito: very large, sort of tasted like cardboard, not worth the money. I prefer Laughing Planet's burritos to Aquí's.
The verdict: wouldn't go there again. Not even for the margarita.
28 February 2009
Gravy
3957 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, 97227
I ordered--and could only eat 1/4th of--the scramble with ham, cheese and onion. Ginormous! And excellent. Came with a huge patty of hash browns.
The coffee's on the weak side, but they let you drink it while you wait for a table. It was super busy, as are most brunch places in P-town. I was glad we got there before the rush; we only had to wait 10 minutes.
Not eaten but ogled was the oatmeal brulée: a mound of thick oatmeal topped with fruit and something sugary. Looked interesting & will have to try it sometime.
Was relieved there was nothing too weird on the menu...except perhaps veggie gravy, which my companion had, and he seemed satisfied with it.
Overall: would hit it again, but next time will plan to split something.
I ordered--and could only eat 1/4th of--the scramble with ham, cheese and onion. Ginormous! And excellent. Came with a huge patty of hash browns.
The coffee's on the weak side, but they let you drink it while you wait for a table. It was super busy, as are most brunch places in P-town. I was glad we got there before the rush; we only had to wait 10 minutes.
Not eaten but ogled was the oatmeal brulée: a mound of thick oatmeal topped with fruit and something sugary. Looked interesting & will have to try it sometime.
Was relieved there was nothing too weird on the menu...except perhaps veggie gravy, which my companion had, and he seemed satisfied with it.
Overall: would hit it again, but next time will plan to split something.
29 January 2009
Porcelli's
6500 SW Virginia Ave, Portland, 97239
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Oh. My. God. I would be happy to die here. My stomach will explode just like Mr. Creosote in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life because it is so good I just can't stop.
I first heard about Porcelli's from some fellow food-fiends who took me there for brunch. Brunch at an Italian restaurant? Yes. And it was good. No, it was great. The breakfast menu is on the small side, but they have the important stuff, like eggs benedict and a plain ol' eggs/bacon/potatoes/toast combo.
But that's deceiving, because their potatoes are anything but "plain ol'." I'm not exactly sure what they do to them, but it's freaking amazing. I was expecting the same old rosemary home fries, but instead I got something more like a potato casserole with onions, cheese, paprika, and god-knows-what. Whatever you do, do not substitute hash browns; you will be sorry you missed the house potatoes.
The eggs benedict would have been perfect if I had remembered to order my eggs poached hard (I HATE runny eggs!!), but the English muffin, ham and hollandaise were divine.
On my second visit I had dinner. Since it was my first dinner experience at Porcelli's, I just had to try their fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. I couldn't believe it; it was almost too rich for me! It was a vat of heavy cream and butter and melted parmesan in which swam perfectly-cooked fettuccine noodles and shrimp.
And, oh yes, the Caesar salad was very good: fresh romaine, garlicky dressing, house-made balsamic vinegar croutons, freshly grated parmesan cheese. Drool, drool, drool...
The only thing that makes me sad about Porcelli's: no booths! But to be honest, I was so busy enjoying my food that I barely noticed. The interior is very pleasing: simple yet elegant.
The pricing, well, the breakfast was definitely average, at $8-10 a plate for a good-sized portion. The dinner is a little spendier at $12-15 a plate, but totally worth it. And you do get free bread with your entree. =*)
The verdict: Thank goodness for a decent job and regular martial arts classes; I can afford the bill and the calories.
Update: Have since revisited this fine establishment for dinner. Still give it rave reviews. My companions and I had the wild mushroom ravioli in cream sauce, lobster ravioli in lemon-cream sauce with capers, and a lovely risotto with mushrooms and artichoke hearts in a cream sauce. (Sorry; I don't remember the Italian names of these dishes.) All absolutely divine. Has earned a Plain Jane Favorites award.
On the down side of this last visit: the salads weren't as impressive this time, and the live music was neither welcome nor conducive to a pleasant dining experience. Was not that they were bad; just that they were too loud for the space and wanted attention, which I think is too much to ask for people stuffing their faces with cream sauces and trying to have a conversation.
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Oh. My. God. I would be happy to die here. My stomach will explode just like Mr. Creosote in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life because it is so good I just can't stop.
I first heard about Porcelli's from some fellow food-fiends who took me there for brunch. Brunch at an Italian restaurant? Yes. And it was good. No, it was great. The breakfast menu is on the small side, but they have the important stuff, like eggs benedict and a plain ol' eggs/bacon/potatoes/toast combo.
But that's deceiving, because their potatoes are anything but "plain ol'." I'm not exactly sure what they do to them, but it's freaking amazing. I was expecting the same old rosemary home fries, but instead I got something more like a potato casserole with onions, cheese, paprika, and god-knows-what. Whatever you do, do not substitute hash browns; you will be sorry you missed the house potatoes.
The eggs benedict would have been perfect if I had remembered to order my eggs poached hard (I HATE runny eggs!!), but the English muffin, ham and hollandaise were divine.
On my second visit I had dinner. Since it was my first dinner experience at Porcelli's, I just had to try their fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. I couldn't believe it; it was almost too rich for me! It was a vat of heavy cream and butter and melted parmesan in which swam perfectly-cooked fettuccine noodles and shrimp.
And, oh yes, the Caesar salad was very good: fresh romaine, garlicky dressing, house-made balsamic vinegar croutons, freshly grated parmesan cheese. Drool, drool, drool...
The only thing that makes me sad about Porcelli's: no booths! But to be honest, I was so busy enjoying my food that I barely noticed. The interior is very pleasing: simple yet elegant.
The pricing, well, the breakfast was definitely average, at $8-10 a plate for a good-sized portion. The dinner is a little spendier at $12-15 a plate, but totally worth it. And you do get free bread with your entree. =*)
The verdict: Thank goodness for a decent job and regular martial arts classes; I can afford the bill and the calories.
Update: Have since revisited this fine establishment for dinner. Still give it rave reviews. My companions and I had the wild mushroom ravioli in cream sauce, lobster ravioli in lemon-cream sauce with capers, and a lovely risotto with mushrooms and artichoke hearts in a cream sauce. (Sorry; I don't remember the Italian names of these dishes.) All absolutely divine. Has earned a Plain Jane Favorites award.
On the down side of this last visit: the salads weren't as impressive this time, and the live music was neither welcome nor conducive to a pleasant dining experience. Was not that they were bad; just that they were too loud for the space and wanted attention, which I think is too much to ask for people stuffing their faces with cream sauces and trying to have a conversation.
Eddie's Pizza
1210 N Killingsworth St, Portland, 97217
Awesome pizza, kick-ass wings, and HUGE, HUGE, HUGE portions!
Have eaten here twice. First time was pizza with thick & crunchy crust (they also have thin crust pizza) and buffalo wings (sauce: mild with garlic). At first was confused about the price of the wings and the fact that you could order just 3 of them, but when they came the mystery was solved. These ain't no little drummettes, my friends. These are real, enormous chicken wings. The "mild" sauce was plenty spicy. Delish! The pizza, too, was impressive. As was the red wine.
The second time was for lunch, and my companions and I discovered that in addition to great pizza and wings, they have scrumptious, enormous sandwiches and fresh, gigantic salads. One thing you cannot accuse Eddie of is skimping on the portions. And yet the prices are still so very reasonable!
Speaking of Eddie, he was there in the flesh both times I went in. There and actually working (as opposed to some owners who merely lurk in the guise of "supervising"). He was friendly and personal and asked after us, but without being creepy or overbearing.
The restaurant is newly renovated, too, with a faux gas fireplace that really does blow hot air into the room, gorgeous tiling, spacious booths covered in red vinyl (I am such a sucker for red vinyl booths!), and an overall pleasant, open atmosphere.
There are only two things I think could use improvement. First, they only offer Barq's rootbeer. Yuck! I know a lot of people love pizza & beer, but for me it's pizza and rootbeer, and I would to see them offer a bottled one like ICB or Thomas Kemper. Second, the timing of the food was off. First one person's sandwich came, then a few minutes later another person's, then a basket of fries, then a salad...you get the idea. It took probably 10 minutes for all the food to get on the table. Would've been nice to have had it all come at roughly the same time.
The verdict: This is a great value. Good food, huge portions, reasonable prices.
Awesome pizza, kick-ass wings, and HUGE, HUGE, HUGE portions!
Have eaten here twice. First time was pizza with thick & crunchy crust (they also have thin crust pizza) and buffalo wings (sauce: mild with garlic). At first was confused about the price of the wings and the fact that you could order just 3 of them, but when they came the mystery was solved. These ain't no little drummettes, my friends. These are real, enormous chicken wings. The "mild" sauce was plenty spicy. Delish! The pizza, too, was impressive. As was the red wine.
The second time was for lunch, and my companions and I discovered that in addition to great pizza and wings, they have scrumptious, enormous sandwiches and fresh, gigantic salads. One thing you cannot accuse Eddie of is skimping on the portions. And yet the prices are still so very reasonable!
Speaking of Eddie, he was there in the flesh both times I went in. There and actually working (as opposed to some owners who merely lurk in the guise of "supervising"). He was friendly and personal and asked after us, but without being creepy or overbearing.
The restaurant is newly renovated, too, with a faux gas fireplace that really does blow hot air into the room, gorgeous tiling, spacious booths covered in red vinyl (I am such a sucker for red vinyl booths!), and an overall pleasant, open atmosphere.
There are only two things I think could use improvement. First, they only offer Barq's rootbeer. Yuck! I know a lot of people love pizza & beer, but for me it's pizza and rootbeer, and I would to see them offer a bottled one like ICB or Thomas Kemper. Second, the timing of the food was off. First one person's sandwich came, then a few minutes later another person's, then a basket of fries, then a salad...you get the idea. It took probably 10 minutes for all the food to get on the table. Would've been nice to have had it all come at roughly the same time.
The verdict: This is a great value. Good food, huge portions, reasonable prices.
15 January 2009
La Costita
7405 SE Barbur Blvd Suite 110, Portland, 97219
Booooo! Hissss!
This used to be a Plain Jane favorite for the high yum factor, large portions, free chips & salsa, reasonable prices and friendly staff. They must've changed management recently, however, because my visit last week was sorely disappointing.
1. They stopped serving rice & beans on the side with my chicken mole: now it's only rice. The plate looked practically bare.
2. They charged for the chips & salsa. Boooooo!
3. It could have just been the server we got, but she was decidedly less friendly and relaxed than any other server I'd ever had there in the past. I blame the management. Happy staff make customers happy; unhappy staff make customers unhappy.
4. The prices haven't changed, but the portions are smaller. This goes for the side of sour cream & guacamole as well; for $2.50 I received only a small dollop of each. Hissssss!
I am not a person who is naturally averse to change, but the recent changes at La Costita are decidedly for the worse.
Overall: I'm very grumpy about having to find a new favorite Mexican restaurant. =*(
Booooo! Hissss!
This used to be a Plain Jane favorite for the high yum factor, large portions, free chips & salsa, reasonable prices and friendly staff. They must've changed management recently, however, because my visit last week was sorely disappointing.
1. They stopped serving rice & beans on the side with my chicken mole: now it's only rice. The plate looked practically bare.
2. They charged for the chips & salsa. Boooooo!
3. It could have just been the server we got, but she was decidedly less friendly and relaxed than any other server I'd ever had there in the past. I blame the management. Happy staff make customers happy; unhappy staff make customers unhappy.
4. The prices haven't changed, but the portions are smaller. This goes for the side of sour cream & guacamole as well; for $2.50 I received only a small dollop of each. Hissssss!
I am not a person who is naturally averse to change, but the recent changes at La Costita are decidedly for the worse.
Overall: I'm very grumpy about having to find a new favorite Mexican restaurant. =*(
23 December 2008
Pix Patisserie
3901 N Williams Ave., Portland, 97227
Trudged through several inches of snow for half an hour to get to Pix today. The good news was that they were open, the bad news was that none of the bakers showed up due to the snow, so I did not get the croissant I had come for. Poop.
This was my second visit to this Pix location (the other is on SE Division & 34th). The first time I had a hot chocolate and grilled panini sandwich. It was an artichoke and red pepper panini with some kind of cheese thrown in, but they used pickled artichokes that completely overpowered the other ingredients and made the bread soggy. Yuck! The hot chocolate was what brought me back today.
On this visit it really hit home how grossly overpriced Pix is. $18, which included a very modest tip, bought my companion and I two hot chocolates, a breakfast sandwich (cheddar, bacon and tomato on brioche) and a slice of undercooked quiche. There's nothing that grosses me out more than runny eggs. Neither my companion nor I were satiated by our small meal, nor can I say that the food was worth the exorbitant price.
And I don't understand in the least why they serve on the side the most disgusting olive/pickle mix that can be had; it tastes of nothing but vinegar. Surely a single edible olive is better than a small dish full of inedible ones?
I have to say that I was a little disappointed in my hot chocolate today as well. On my first visit, it was just the right temperature and had a lovely, thick layer of heavy, homemade whipped cream floating on top. But today I got hardly any whipped cream at all, and the pieces of crushed cocoa-covered hazelnuts used as a garnish, while they looked nice, did nothing good for the drinkability of the beverage. I ended up fishing all the little pieces out with my spoon.
Maybe I'm just grumpy due to limited mobility brought about by the snowfall. I'm willing to give Pix one more chance: the memory of that first hot chocolate haunts me, and I still have to try their croissants. But I'll steer clear of the sandwiches and quiche from now on. Totally not worth it.
Trudged through several inches of snow for half an hour to get to Pix today. The good news was that they were open, the bad news was that none of the bakers showed up due to the snow, so I did not get the croissant I had come for. Poop.
This was my second visit to this Pix location (the other is on SE Division & 34th). The first time I had a hot chocolate and grilled panini sandwich. It was an artichoke and red pepper panini with some kind of cheese thrown in, but they used pickled artichokes that completely overpowered the other ingredients and made the bread soggy. Yuck! The hot chocolate was what brought me back today.
On this visit it really hit home how grossly overpriced Pix is. $18, which included a very modest tip, bought my companion and I two hot chocolates, a breakfast sandwich (cheddar, bacon and tomato on brioche) and a slice of undercooked quiche. There's nothing that grosses me out more than runny eggs. Neither my companion nor I were satiated by our small meal, nor can I say that the food was worth the exorbitant price.
And I don't understand in the least why they serve on the side the most disgusting olive/pickle mix that can be had; it tastes of nothing but vinegar. Surely a single edible olive is better than a small dish full of inedible ones?
I have to say that I was a little disappointed in my hot chocolate today as well. On my first visit, it was just the right temperature and had a lovely, thick layer of heavy, homemade whipped cream floating on top. But today I got hardly any whipped cream at all, and the pieces of crushed cocoa-covered hazelnuts used as a garnish, while they looked nice, did nothing good for the drinkability of the beverage. I ended up fishing all the little pieces out with my spoon.
Maybe I'm just grumpy due to limited mobility brought about by the snowfall. I'm willing to give Pix one more chance: the memory of that first hot chocolate haunts me, and I still have to try their croissants. But I'll steer clear of the sandwiches and quiche from now on. Totally not worth it.
11 December 2008
La Terraza
933 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, 97204
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Whenever I work downtown and have the extra cash, I grab my lunch here at La Terraza.
For lunch, it's definitely on the expensive side at $9-11 a plate. BUT, since I'm a total Italian food fanatic, and since theirs is quick and delicious and comes in generous portions, I make the exception.
The fairly extensive lunch menu includes antipasti, salads, sandwiches, pastas and desserts. The dinner menu is about the same, but ditches the sandwiches and adds an entrees section. I like that soup or salad and bread is included with entree at dinner.
Entrees cost $13-20 a plate, but the pastas are much more reasonably priced at $9-12 a plate. Most are right around the $10 mark. Also interesting is the "Family Style Menu" which allows you to get pasta, bread and salad for 4-6 people at a flat rate. (I suppose the only difficulty with that would be getting everyone to agree on a pasta.)
While their fetuccine alfredo is pretty good, it's the fetuccine pesto e pollo that's to die for. My mouth waters just thinking about it! They also have a very decent Caesar salad.
Adding to the atmosphere are a preponderance of booths (hooray!) and some lovely wait staff. "Lovely" meaning both pleasant to talk to and pleasant to look at. (Yes, I am shallow.)
Overall: this place is a favorite of mine for the consistently great food served up quickly, and for dinner prices that are right on the mark.
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Whenever I work downtown and have the extra cash, I grab my lunch here at La Terraza.
For lunch, it's definitely on the expensive side at $9-11 a plate. BUT, since I'm a total Italian food fanatic, and since theirs is quick and delicious and comes in generous portions, I make the exception.
The fairly extensive lunch menu includes antipasti, salads, sandwiches, pastas and desserts. The dinner menu is about the same, but ditches the sandwiches and adds an entrees section. I like that soup or salad and bread is included with entree at dinner.
Entrees cost $13-20 a plate, but the pastas are much more reasonably priced at $9-12 a plate. Most are right around the $10 mark. Also interesting is the "Family Style Menu" which allows you to get pasta, bread and salad for 4-6 people at a flat rate. (I suppose the only difficulty with that would be getting everyone to agree on a pasta.)
While their fetuccine alfredo is pretty good, it's the fetuccine pesto e pollo that's to die for. My mouth waters just thinking about it! They also have a very decent Caesar salad.
Adding to the atmosphere are a preponderance of booths (hooray!) and some lovely wait staff. "Lovely" meaning both pleasant to talk to and pleasant to look at. (Yes, I am shallow.)
Overall: this place is a favorite of mine for the consistently great food served up quickly, and for dinner prices that are right on the mark.
Thai Food Café
833 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, 97217
Shortly after this place opened, about a month ago, one of my roommates was walking by and happened to glance in through the window. To his surprise, a short woman standing behind the counter waved at him. Not wanting to be rude, my roommie waved back. The woman was quickly joined by a 50-something, silver-haired man, who beckoned my roommate to enter. Again, not wanting to be rude, and curious now about who these people were (did they recognize him from somewhere?), he entered.
Turns out the wavers were the restaurant's owners trying to get new people into their place. An interesting tactic. The roommate was on his way somewhere and couldn't stop to eat, but before jetting out the door he mumbled a promise to come back sometime.
As far as I know, the roommate hasn't returned to Thai Food Café to eat, but I've been in twice. Both times I had a joygasm over the Tom Kha soup, which is far better than the Pad Thai Kitchen's already excellent Tom Kha. Thai Food Café's mild chicken Tom Kha is flavorful, complex, and still spicy enough to make me sweat without setting my tongue on fire. How did they do that?!
The only other dish I've sampled is the Crab Fried Rice, which sounded excellent but was a disappointment to me. To be fair, the Crab Fried Rice is subtle and shouldn't have been tasted after I'd been slurping on the Tom Kha. But there also wasn't much fried about it, and the frozen Five Vegetable Medley in the rice put me off.
My dinner companion on my first visit, however, seemed quite happy with the salad rolls, and though she found the pumpkin in the pumpkin curry not cooked *quite* enough, she said she was glad at least that it was not overcooked.
I did enjoy the ambiance. It's kind of a funky, festive, cafeteria-style eatery, with plastic tablecloths, kitschy decor and bright colors everywhere...very appropriate to North Portland. The local jazz station plays at an acceptable volume that adds to the atmosphere without drowning out the patrons' voices.
They're open every day from 11am to 9pm, and with house specials like Flaming Beef (served on fire) and Evil Jungle Noodles, daily lunch specials for $6.50 and a bomb bowl of Tom Kah, this place is a decent choice for PCC Cascade students.
Shortly after this place opened, about a month ago, one of my roommates was walking by and happened to glance in through the window. To his surprise, a short woman standing behind the counter waved at him. Not wanting to be rude, my roommie waved back. The woman was quickly joined by a 50-something, silver-haired man, who beckoned my roommate to enter. Again, not wanting to be rude, and curious now about who these people were (did they recognize him from somewhere?), he entered.
Turns out the wavers were the restaurant's owners trying to get new people into their place. An interesting tactic. The roommate was on his way somewhere and couldn't stop to eat, but before jetting out the door he mumbled a promise to come back sometime.
As far as I know, the roommate hasn't returned to Thai Food Café to eat, but I've been in twice. Both times I had a joygasm over the Tom Kha soup, which is far better than the Pad Thai Kitchen's already excellent Tom Kha. Thai Food Café's mild chicken Tom Kha is flavorful, complex, and still spicy enough to make me sweat without setting my tongue on fire. How did they do that?!
The only other dish I've sampled is the Crab Fried Rice, which sounded excellent but was a disappointment to me. To be fair, the Crab Fried Rice is subtle and shouldn't have been tasted after I'd been slurping on the Tom Kha. But there also wasn't much fried about it, and the frozen Five Vegetable Medley in the rice put me off.
My dinner companion on my first visit, however, seemed quite happy with the salad rolls, and though she found the pumpkin in the pumpkin curry not cooked *quite* enough, she said she was glad at least that it was not overcooked.
I did enjoy the ambiance. It's kind of a funky, festive, cafeteria-style eatery, with plastic tablecloths, kitschy decor and bright colors everywhere...very appropriate to North Portland. The local jazz station plays at an acceptable volume that adds to the atmosphere without drowning out the patrons' voices.
They're open every day from 11am to 9pm, and with house specials like Flaming Beef (served on fire) and Evil Jungle Noodles, daily lunch specials for $6.50 and a bomb bowl of Tom Kah, this place is a decent choice for PCC Cascade students.
02 December 2008
Pause
5101 N Interstate Ave, Portland, 97217
Probably the best burger and fries I've ever had in my life. E-VER. And a huge plate of it will only cost you $8; no need to order an appetizer, though if you are in the mood for one I recommend the crab and shrimp con queso dip.
Pause stands out because it makes everything in-house, from molding their own patties (no frozen meat here!) to hand-cutting their fries, to the homemade chipotle mayo (which I didn't try because it showed up unexpected and therefore suspect on my bun, but which I'm sure is excellent).
The thing is, what I regularly order at Pause I love, but there's really nothing else on the menu that tempts me...except perhaps the mac and cheese, if not ordered with rosemary and broccolini. I don't know if they do this on purpose so they can have a relatively small menu with something that appeals to everyone, or whether they just have really eclectic taste.
As for atmosphere, I give it an A-. The layout inside is strange and not very feng-shui, but there are plenty of booths and everything's clean. The interior also manages to come across as industrial and warm at the same time. The bar is smoke-free, so you can actually taste your food (big plus, though after Jan. 1 all bars will be smoke-free anyway). There's a great outdoor seating area for the warmer months too.
And yes, Pause does take-out.
The verdict: When I'm in the mood for a burger or even just a basket of the best fries EVER, Pause is where you'll find me.
Probably the best burger and fries I've ever had in my life. E-VER. And a huge plate of it will only cost you $8; no need to order an appetizer, though if you are in the mood for one I recommend the crab and shrimp con queso dip.
Pause stands out because it makes everything in-house, from molding their own patties (no frozen meat here!) to hand-cutting their fries, to the homemade chipotle mayo (which I didn't try because it showed up unexpected and therefore suspect on my bun, but which I'm sure is excellent).
The thing is, what I regularly order at Pause I love, but there's really nothing else on the menu that tempts me...except perhaps the mac and cheese, if not ordered with rosemary and broccolini. I don't know if they do this on purpose so they can have a relatively small menu with something that appeals to everyone, or whether they just have really eclectic taste.
As for atmosphere, I give it an A-. The layout inside is strange and not very feng-shui, but there are plenty of booths and everything's clean. The interior also manages to come across as industrial and warm at the same time. The bar is smoke-free, so you can actually taste your food (big plus, though after Jan. 1 all bars will be smoke-free anyway). There's a great outdoor seating area for the warmer months too.
And yes, Pause does take-out.
The verdict: When I'm in the mood for a burger or even just a basket of the best fries EVER, Pause is where you'll find me.
25 November 2008
Tin Shed
1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, 97211
I brunched here for the first time on Sunday. When I arrived a little before 10am there was already a crowd of people huddled on the sidewalk, drinking coffee out of cups that could've come from my dead grandmother's cupboard and waiting for their names to be called. Good thing that I wasn't starving when I got there, 'cause it took a little more than the standard 30 minutes to be seated.
When it was finally our turn, we got a table on the patio, which at this time of year is enclosed in green plastic and heated. That's cool.
My brunch companion and I didn't see much of our server during the meal, but she was there for the important bits (ordering the food, paying the bill) and her timing was awesome.
Part of what made her job easier was that the coffee is self-serve, even after you get a table. I did not particularly like having to wade through the waiting crowds to refill my own coffee, but I suppose I am just spoiled. I will say that the coffee was decent and the staff did a pretty good job of keeping the pots full despite the fact that it was being drunk at a rapid rate.
What stood out most to me about the Tin Shed was the fact that the menu was loaded with interesting (read "creative and somewhat suspect in my book") items. A good example of this is what I had, which was a twist on the breakfast sandwich: deli ham and swiss between pieces of French bread and served with syrup. It was better than I expected, but didn't blow me away.
My companion had smoked salmon eggs benedict. The taste I got was pretty good, and I was especially excited about the fact that the accompanying potato pancakes were served with sour cream and chives.
Why Tin Shed is popular: the creative menu, the heated patio, the competent wait staff, the funky vibe (helped on as much by the patrons as by the building's unique design).
What I'm no so keen on: no hashbrowns or home fries (only potato pancakes), self-serve coffee, long wait, no booths (at least outside), average food at slightly higher than average prices, and the noise level (too loud for comfortable conversation).
If you're in the neighborhood and looking for something a little different, Tin Shed has its appeal. For me, though, it wasn't worth the wait.
I brunched here for the first time on Sunday. When I arrived a little before 10am there was already a crowd of people huddled on the sidewalk, drinking coffee out of cups that could've come from my dead grandmother's cupboard and waiting for their names to be called. Good thing that I wasn't starving when I got there, 'cause it took a little more than the standard 30 minutes to be seated.
When it was finally our turn, we got a table on the patio, which at this time of year is enclosed in green plastic and heated. That's cool.
My brunch companion and I didn't see much of our server during the meal, but she was there for the important bits (ordering the food, paying the bill) and her timing was awesome.
Part of what made her job easier was that the coffee is self-serve, even after you get a table. I did not particularly like having to wade through the waiting crowds to refill my own coffee, but I suppose I am just spoiled. I will say that the coffee was decent and the staff did a pretty good job of keeping the pots full despite the fact that it was being drunk at a rapid rate.
What stood out most to me about the Tin Shed was the fact that the menu was loaded with interesting (read "creative and somewhat suspect in my book") items. A good example of this is what I had, which was a twist on the breakfast sandwich: deli ham and swiss between pieces of French bread and served with syrup. It was better than I expected, but didn't blow me away.
My companion had smoked salmon eggs benedict. The taste I got was pretty good, and I was especially excited about the fact that the accompanying potato pancakes were served with sour cream and chives.
Why Tin Shed is popular: the creative menu, the heated patio, the competent wait staff, the funky vibe (helped on as much by the patrons as by the building's unique design).
What I'm no so keen on: no hashbrowns or home fries (only potato pancakes), self-serve coffee, long wait, no booths (at least outside), average food at slightly higher than average prices, and the noise level (too loud for comfortable conversation).
If you're in the neighborhood and looking for something a little different, Tin Shed has its appeal. For me, though, it wasn't worth the wait.
18 November 2008
Pastini
2027 SE Division St, Portland, 97202
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
I know that other PDX publications prefer Italian restaurants like Genoa, but the problem I have with their picks is that they're all so damned expensive.
Pastini, on the other hand, is quite reasonable. You can find entrees for as little as eight bucks. Granted, they come a la carte, but they're frickin' delicious.
The Pastini on SE Division would be my second home if I could afford to eat out as much as I want to (i.e. every meal). The lighting is soft and romantic, the woods are dark, the merlot by the glass very satisfying. They have raised booths in addition to tables--have I mentioned that I love booths?--and I usually get there early enough to be seated in one of them.
As for the food itself...mmm, drool, drool. Although everything I've eaten at Pastini is very good, my favorite by far is their fettuccine alfredo, with or without chicken. Since this is my all-time favorite dish of all the dishes in the world, I can be a little hard to please when it comes to fettuccine alfredo, but Pastini certainly does not disappoint. It's rich, calorie-laden and absolutely delicious.
What's not so great about this location is the teeny tiny parking lot it shares with a Starbucks and a day spa. That said, there is plenty of street parking nearby, and the #10 bus (Harold) stops RIGHT THERE.
As for the rest: yes, the wait staff is pleasant (and some very cute); no, the music's not too loud; the pasta is cooked just right; blah, blah. It does all add to the overall impression, but the point is this: bomb, calorie-laden Italian food at an affordable price! Lemme at it!
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
I know that other PDX publications prefer Italian restaurants like Genoa, but the problem I have with their picks is that they're all so damned expensive.
Pastini, on the other hand, is quite reasonable. You can find entrees for as little as eight bucks. Granted, they come a la carte, but they're frickin' delicious.
The Pastini on SE Division would be my second home if I could afford to eat out as much as I want to (i.e. every meal). The lighting is soft and romantic, the woods are dark, the merlot by the glass very satisfying. They have raised booths in addition to tables--have I mentioned that I love booths?--and I usually get there early enough to be seated in one of them.
As for the food itself...mmm, drool, drool. Although everything I've eaten at Pastini is very good, my favorite by far is their fettuccine alfredo, with or without chicken. Since this is my all-time favorite dish of all the dishes in the world, I can be a little hard to please when it comes to fettuccine alfredo, but Pastini certainly does not disappoint. It's rich, calorie-laden and absolutely delicious.
What's not so great about this location is the teeny tiny parking lot it shares with a Starbucks and a day spa. That said, there is plenty of street parking nearby, and the #10 bus (Harold) stops RIGHT THERE.
As for the rest: yes, the wait staff is pleasant (and some very cute); no, the music's not too loud; the pasta is cooked just right; blah, blah. It does all add to the overall impression, but the point is this: bomb, calorie-laden Italian food at an affordable price! Lemme at it!
02 November 2008
The Cricket Café
3159 SE Belmont, Portland, 97214
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Sunday brunch is a popular tradition in Portland, and quite honestly my favorite meal of the week. The restaurant I keep going back to is The Cricket Café.
What I love about this place is THE FOOD! I've not eaten anything here that's less than amazing, though I particularly recommend the Cricket Skillet if you love dairy like I do. I love that you can get yourself a cup of coffee while you're waiting for a table. I love the tattooed staff, who are friendly and professional but not obsequious. I love the orange juice and the hash browns. And best of all I love the prices: the Cricket Skillet is only $8.25 and it's twice as much as I can eat in one sitting. They also have dog-friendly seating available outside, if the weather's nice.
I will admit that the Cricket has a couple drawbacks. Firstly, it is so popular on a weekend morning that I almost always have to wait at least half an hour for a table (though that's pretty standard for any decent brunch place in the area). Secondly, sometimes I feel slightly claustrophobic amid the small, tightly-packed tables (though so far I have not accidentally elbowed or butt-bumped anyone).
A new complaint from this most recent experience was that the music was just too dang loud and my brunch companions and I had to shout to be heard. (Note to establishments: the music should be set at a volume just BELOW that of the conversation, not above it.) But in general that has not been a problem at the Cricket in the past.
The verdict: Yum, yum, gimme some! This place has been a favorite of mine for years. All thumbs up.
*This is a Plain Jane favorite!*
Sunday brunch is a popular tradition in Portland, and quite honestly my favorite meal of the week. The restaurant I keep going back to is The Cricket Café.
What I love about this place is THE FOOD! I've not eaten anything here that's less than amazing, though I particularly recommend the Cricket Skillet if you love dairy like I do. I love that you can get yourself a cup of coffee while you're waiting for a table. I love the tattooed staff, who are friendly and professional but not obsequious. I love the orange juice and the hash browns. And best of all I love the prices: the Cricket Skillet is only $8.25 and it's twice as much as I can eat in one sitting. They also have dog-friendly seating available outside, if the weather's nice.
I will admit that the Cricket has a couple drawbacks. Firstly, it is so popular on a weekend morning that I almost always have to wait at least half an hour for a table (though that's pretty standard for any decent brunch place in the area). Secondly, sometimes I feel slightly claustrophobic amid the small, tightly-packed tables (though so far I have not accidentally elbowed or butt-bumped anyone).
A new complaint from this most recent experience was that the music was just too dang loud and my brunch companions and I had to shout to be heard. (Note to establishments: the music should be set at a volume just BELOW that of the conversation, not above it.) But in general that has not been a problem at the Cricket in the past.
The verdict: Yum, yum, gimme some! This place has been a favorite of mine for years. All thumbs up.
Hoda's
3401 SE Belmont, Portland, 97214
I was very sad when, a few years ago, the Garbanzo's restaurants started disappearing. I was in love with their prices as well as their chicken shwarma and freakin' amazing tahini. Since then I've only eaten at one middle eastern restaurant that I thought merited a return visit, and that's Hoda's.
I've only been to Hoda's twice, but both times the food and the service have been exceptional. It's a little more expensive than my ideal ($12-15 per plate), but so far it's been worth it. I'll tell you why.
1. The hummus. They peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending, so it's the smoothest, creamiest, dreamiest hummus imaginable. (Very near as good as that Garbanzo's tahini I couldn't get enough of.)
2. The lamb shanks. This is the weekend special, and just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Two fist-sized hunks of marinated lamb, so tender that just touching the fork to it causes it to literally fall off the bone. Topped with pine nuts and served with rice (or, if you're me, you sub hummus for the rice). Oh, it also comes with a dish of that cucumber yoghurt stuff and some veggie garnish, if you're into that kind of thing.
3. Fresh-baked pita bread that's served piping hot to your table every 10-15 minutes. Sometimes it hardens and gets a little crackery, but if you eat it while it's warm it's nice and soft and dippable.
4. Ample seating, a warm & inviting interior, sufficient background noise but quiet enough to hold a conversation without having to raise my voice to be heard.
5. Attentive service. I've read other reviews that dis on the service at Hoda's, but I can't for the life of me see what they're complaining about. Both times I've been there the servers have rotated around the room at regular intervals, checking on each table from a polite distance and making sure our water glasses and bread baskets were never empty.
6. Large portions. I love it when I pay for a meal that turns out to be two meals, or even three. My dining companions were satisfied sharing a lamb shwarma plate between the two of them, while I took home half my lamb shank dinner. In fact it is calling to me from the fridge this very moment (drool, drool).
The down side to Hoda's? Hm. I'll scrape the bottom of the barrel for this one and say they could use some booths; there are none. But honestly, aside from the fact that I prefer my food a little cheaper, I have nothing negative to say about this place.
Hoda's gets a silver star from this foodie.
I was very sad when, a few years ago, the Garbanzo's restaurants started disappearing. I was in love with their prices as well as their chicken shwarma and freakin' amazing tahini. Since then I've only eaten at one middle eastern restaurant that I thought merited a return visit, and that's Hoda's.
I've only been to Hoda's twice, but both times the food and the service have been exceptional. It's a little more expensive than my ideal ($12-15 per plate), but so far it's been worth it. I'll tell you why.
1. The hummus. They peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending, so it's the smoothest, creamiest, dreamiest hummus imaginable. (Very near as good as that Garbanzo's tahini I couldn't get enough of.)
2. The lamb shanks. This is the weekend special, and just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Two fist-sized hunks of marinated lamb, so tender that just touching the fork to it causes it to literally fall off the bone. Topped with pine nuts and served with rice (or, if you're me, you sub hummus for the rice). Oh, it also comes with a dish of that cucumber yoghurt stuff and some veggie garnish, if you're into that kind of thing.
3. Fresh-baked pita bread that's served piping hot to your table every 10-15 minutes. Sometimes it hardens and gets a little crackery, but if you eat it while it's warm it's nice and soft and dippable.
4. Ample seating, a warm & inviting interior, sufficient background noise but quiet enough to hold a conversation without having to raise my voice to be heard.
5. Attentive service. I've read other reviews that dis on the service at Hoda's, but I can't for the life of me see what they're complaining about. Both times I've been there the servers have rotated around the room at regular intervals, checking on each table from a polite distance and making sure our water glasses and bread baskets were never empty.
6. Large portions. I love it when I pay for a meal that turns out to be two meals, or even three. My dining companions were satisfied sharing a lamb shwarma plate between the two of them, while I took home half my lamb shank dinner. In fact it is calling to me from the fridge this very moment (drool, drool).
The down side to Hoda's? Hm. I'll scrape the bottom of the barrel for this one and say they could use some booths; there are none. But honestly, aside from the fact that I prefer my food a little cheaper, I have nothing negative to say about this place.
Hoda's gets a silver star from this foodie.
25 October 2008
Pad Thai Kitchen
2309 SE Belmont St, Portland, 97214
Portland has a ton of good Thai restaurants, and this one runs with the pack.
Probably my favorite part about this restaurant is the preponderance of booths. I like booths. It also has a pleasant staff that serves the food up fast. The chicken Tom Ka soup we ordered (mild) was divine, and the chicken satay with peanut sauce was delicious.
On the down side, the Pad Thai Kitchen seemed a little on the expensive side to me. One appetizer, one salad, one soup, one main dish and a glass of wine came to $40. I seem to recall ordering similar amounts at other Portland-area Thai restaurants for almost half the price. Also, the shrimp on the main dish was a tad overcooked, which kind of ruins the shrimp experience for me.
The verdict: average-quality Thai food a little on the spendy side. If I were on Belmont and hankering for some Tom Ka, I'd come back to the Pad Thai Kitchen and pass on the wine to keep it under ten bucks.
Portland has a ton of good Thai restaurants, and this one runs with the pack.
Probably my favorite part about this restaurant is the preponderance of booths. I like booths. It also has a pleasant staff that serves the food up fast. The chicken Tom Ka soup we ordered (mild) was divine, and the chicken satay with peanut sauce was delicious.
On the down side, the Pad Thai Kitchen seemed a little on the expensive side to me. One appetizer, one salad, one soup, one main dish and a glass of wine came to $40. I seem to recall ordering similar amounts at other Portland-area Thai restaurants for almost half the price. Also, the shrimp on the main dish was a tad overcooked, which kind of ruins the shrimp experience for me.
The verdict: average-quality Thai food a little on the spendy side. If I were on Belmont and hankering for some Tom Ka, I'd come back to the Pad Thai Kitchen and pass on the wine to keep it under ten bucks.
Mekong
7952 SE 13th Ave, Portland, 97202
I've been to Mekong twice, on Tuesday most recently. I don't remember what I ate on my first visit, which leads me to believe it couldn't have been outstanding. On Tuesday I had the chicken pho, recommended by my lunch companion.
What struck me most about the food, not just the pho but what the other patrons had on their plates as well, was how fresh and...well, clean the food looked.
Even once I added the sweet brown sauce to the soup, even with a few oily patches of chicken fat swimming around on top, I couldn't escape the feeling that everything had just been hosed down to achieve that "just cleaned" look. Perhaps an effect of the small dining room bathed in natural light? Fresh, clean, clear, crisp: that's how Mekong strikes me.
Although the pho lacked an intensity that I've come to expect from my food, it was pretty darn good. The vermicelli noodles were done just right, and the brown sauce added a nice little kick to what would otherwise just be chicken noodle soup with basil and onion in.
The portions were enormous too; had we not gotten full long before the bottom of the bowl, there's no way my companion and I could've finished our meals within her lunch hour.
In terms of atmosphere, the dining room is decorated in stark modern furniture that is not my personal taste but which does contribute to that sense of "clean" that pervades the restaurant. The woman who took our order was friendly and had a sense of humor, which I especially appreciate. I don't remember music playing, but there must've been because there wasn't that eerie quiet that leads me to become paranoid about people eavesdropping on my conversation.
I can see possibly developing a craving for pho, just as I did for miso soup, and I can guarantee that I will be going to Mekong to satisfy that craving for only $6.50. I think it's mainly due to that "clean" feeling: it gives one the impression that everything's right out there in the open, that one will be able to recognize every ingredient, that no nasty little surprises are going to pop up in one's soup bowl, no mystery meats will be used. Just the right environment in which to expand my food horizons.
I've been to Mekong twice, on Tuesday most recently. I don't remember what I ate on my first visit, which leads me to believe it couldn't have been outstanding. On Tuesday I had the chicken pho, recommended by my lunch companion.
What struck me most about the food, not just the pho but what the other patrons had on their plates as well, was how fresh and...well, clean the food looked.
Even once I added the sweet brown sauce to the soup, even with a few oily patches of chicken fat swimming around on top, I couldn't escape the feeling that everything had just been hosed down to achieve that "just cleaned" look. Perhaps an effect of the small dining room bathed in natural light? Fresh, clean, clear, crisp: that's how Mekong strikes me.
Although the pho lacked an intensity that I've come to expect from my food, it was pretty darn good. The vermicelli noodles were done just right, and the brown sauce added a nice little kick to what would otherwise just be chicken noodle soup with basil and onion in.
The portions were enormous too; had we not gotten full long before the bottom of the bowl, there's no way my companion and I could've finished our meals within her lunch hour.
In terms of atmosphere, the dining room is decorated in stark modern furniture that is not my personal taste but which does contribute to that sense of "clean" that pervades the restaurant. The woman who took our order was friendly and had a sense of humor, which I especially appreciate. I don't remember music playing, but there must've been because there wasn't that eerie quiet that leads me to become paranoid about people eavesdropping on my conversation.
I can see possibly developing a craving for pho, just as I did for miso soup, and I can guarantee that I will be going to Mekong to satisfy that craving for only $6.50. I think it's mainly due to that "clean" feeling: it gives one the impression that everything's right out there in the open, that one will be able to recognize every ingredient, that no nasty little surprises are going to pop up in one's soup bowl, no mystery meats will be used. Just the right environment in which to expand my food horizons.
22 October 2008
Wan Q
13535 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, 97229
I don't know about you, but I like my Chinese food greasy. Not so much so that it drips when you pick it up, but definitely so that the bottom of the plate is coated in grease and so are your fingers and your mouth and anything else that touches the food. Which is why Wan Q has been my favorite Portland-area Chinese restaurant for the last 8 or 9 years despite the fact that it's way out in Beaverton.
The huge portions of cheap, greasy food in every shade of brown; the black, red & gold decor; the cheesy early 90's music barely discernible in the background; the separate lounge area filled with cigarette smoke, red vinyl booths and 50-something regulars who pump bills into the video poker machines; the aquarium with neon fish; the aggressively pleasant waitresses who box your leftovers at the end of the meal...these are the things that make a great Chinese restaurant in the NW.
So imagine my disappointment when tonight the portions were halved for the same price, and the food had been de-greased. The egg roll, fried to a lovely color though it was, lacked its usual luster. The orange chicken actually looked and tasted like cubed chicken breast rather than the delightful grayish meat I had come to know and love. The rice looked like it had been fried in a pan coated with Pam rather than oil or fat. I didn't once have to wipe the grease away from my lips or worry about next-day pimples.
I know that most people wouldn't have a problem with healthier Chinese food, but I for one am not happy to see all the flavor being sucked out of restaurants and replaced with low-fat, non-artery-clogging options. Fat tastes good, period. Give it to me.
None of these cream sauces made with half & half and thickened with flour. None of this fat-free sour cream or cottage cheese. None of this margarine instead of butter. None of this skinny mocha no whip. Gimme the fat! Gimme the flavor! Let me worry about walking that extra mile to ditch the calories.
Despite my disappointment in the changes Wan Q has made, it will retain its status as my favorite Chinese restaurant in the Portland area until I can find a suitable, greasy replacement. The portions, though half of what they used to be, are still more than enough. And despite the de-greasing, the food still tastes pretty darn good. I particularly recommend the fried shrimp.
Update: Although I still have not found a new favorite Chinese place, my last visit was so disappointing that I had to remove this restaurant's favorite status. I still love the feisty servers, but the food was terrible. It was all lukewarm as though it had been sitting out all day, and the fried rice was far too fried. Wan Q, what happened to you?!?
I don't know about you, but I like my Chinese food greasy. Not so much so that it drips when you pick it up, but definitely so that the bottom of the plate is coated in grease and so are your fingers and your mouth and anything else that touches the food. Which is why Wan Q has been my favorite Portland-area Chinese restaurant for the last 8 or 9 years despite the fact that it's way out in Beaverton.
The huge portions of cheap, greasy food in every shade of brown; the black, red & gold decor; the cheesy early 90's music barely discernible in the background; the separate lounge area filled with cigarette smoke, red vinyl booths and 50-something regulars who pump bills into the video poker machines; the aquarium with neon fish; the aggressively pleasant waitresses who box your leftovers at the end of the meal...these are the things that make a great Chinese restaurant in the NW.
So imagine my disappointment when tonight the portions were halved for the same price, and the food had been de-greased. The egg roll, fried to a lovely color though it was, lacked its usual luster. The orange chicken actually looked and tasted like cubed chicken breast rather than the delightful grayish meat I had come to know and love. The rice looked like it had been fried in a pan coated with Pam rather than oil or fat. I didn't once have to wipe the grease away from my lips or worry about next-day pimples.
I know that most people wouldn't have a problem with healthier Chinese food, but I for one am not happy to see all the flavor being sucked out of restaurants and replaced with low-fat, non-artery-clogging options. Fat tastes good, period. Give it to me.
None of these cream sauces made with half & half and thickened with flour. None of this fat-free sour cream or cottage cheese. None of this margarine instead of butter. None of this skinny mocha no whip. Gimme the fat! Gimme the flavor! Let me worry about walking that extra mile to ditch the calories.
Despite my disappointment in the changes Wan Q has made, it will retain its status as my favorite Chinese restaurant in the Portland area until I can find a suitable, greasy replacement. The portions, though half of what they used to be, are still more than enough. And despite the de-greasing, the food still tastes pretty darn good. I particularly recommend the fried shrimp.
Update: Although I still have not found a new favorite Chinese place, my last visit was so disappointing that I had to remove this restaurant's favorite status. I still love the feisty servers, but the food was terrible. It was all lukewarm as though it had been sitting out all day, and the fried rice was far too fried. Wan Q, what happened to you?!?
20 October 2008
The Creamery *CLOSED*
1224 N Killingsworth, Portland, 97217
I was walking to the MAX one morning, and one of The Creamery's employees (or perhaps the owner himself?) was standing out front handing menus to passers-by. I glanced at it, saw they offer a full traditional English breakfast, and put it on my list of places to check out.
This morning I finally got the opportunity to breakfast at this little cafe, and I have two words for you: Grease Bomb.
On the plus side, the grilled tomatoes were cooked just right, the hash browns and baked beans were tasty, the hot chocolate was delicious enough to entice my lactose-semi-intolerant breakfast companion to the very last drop, the staff was eager to please, the music selection was eclectic and pleasing, and all the grease did a good job of lubing up my digestive tract for my morning BM.
On the down side, most everything was overcooked. If the bacon had been any crispier I would've chipped a tooth on it. The fried toast was fried all the way through rather than just crisped on the outside and resembled an enormous, grease-laden crouton. The scrambled eggs bordered on rubbery.
My experience made me sad; I could see how hard everyone was working, how concerned they all were that my companion and I had a pleasant experience. I also like the menu in theory, as it contains the traditional standards for American and English breakfasts that I love.
I think if the cook learns to tone it down a bit, they start making the house coffee a little stronger and they extend their hours to catch the coming-home crowd, this place has the potential to be a convenient hot spot for commuters walking to and from the MAX and buses.
*Note: since the writing of this review, The Creamery has become The Fish & Chip House. I have not tried it out since the name change.
I was walking to the MAX one morning, and one of The Creamery's employees (or perhaps the owner himself?) was standing out front handing menus to passers-by. I glanced at it, saw they offer a full traditional English breakfast, and put it on my list of places to check out.
This morning I finally got the opportunity to breakfast at this little cafe, and I have two words for you: Grease Bomb.
On the plus side, the grilled tomatoes were cooked just right, the hash browns and baked beans were tasty, the hot chocolate was delicious enough to entice my lactose-semi-intolerant breakfast companion to the very last drop, the staff was eager to please, the music selection was eclectic and pleasing, and all the grease did a good job of lubing up my digestive tract for my morning BM.
On the down side, most everything was overcooked. If the bacon had been any crispier I would've chipped a tooth on it. The fried toast was fried all the way through rather than just crisped on the outside and resembled an enormous, grease-laden crouton. The scrambled eggs bordered on rubbery.
My experience made me sad; I could see how hard everyone was working, how concerned they all were that my companion and I had a pleasant experience. I also like the menu in theory, as it contains the traditional standards for American and English breakfasts that I love.
I think if the cook learns to tone it down a bit, they start making the house coffee a little stronger and they extend their hours to catch the coming-home crowd, this place has the potential to be a convenient hot spot for commuters walking to and from the MAX and buses.
*Note: since the writing of this review, The Creamery has become The Fish & Chip House. I have not tried it out since the name change.
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