[ExtraMSG]

Okay, I finally started on a tip sheet for Portland. The idea is to make something primarily for people new to the area or just starting to explore the food options seriously -- or, for the more rare Portland traveller/tourist. Hence, a) it's not meant to be complete, not meant to be perfect. It's just meant to be a good start with a variety of good options.

Anyway, before I start doing the reviews, I want to get everyone's input and suggestions. I especially need suggestions for sections that I'm not really qualified to comment on, such as happy hours, beer/pubs, etc. I've tried to make use of Chowhound, etc, to fill it out somewhat.

Remember, it's not always about the best in subject. eg, I have Portland City Grill down as third in Happy Hour not because the food is good (and I don't know how good the drinks are), but because I've heard it's a decent value for happy hour and it, of course, has an awesome view. I would expect to comment on that in the review though. So there are others in there like that, too. So when you make alternative suggestions, consider sidenotes like that.

When I get this done, I think it'll be a great reference that we can link to for people on Chowhound, eGullet, and the like.

After this, I have some ideas to extend or supplement it, such as a more comprehensive guide by neighborhood and a list of favorite dishes. We should start a thread on favorite dishes some time. In some ways, I think that type of guide is better than anything. It could be sort of like when you go to Powell's and see lists of favorite books by the employees or recommendations, etc.

Quote

NORTHWEST CUISINE
1. Wildwood
2. Park Kitchen
3. clarklewis

AMERICAN
1. Fife
2. Mother's
3. Acadia

FINE DINING
1. Hurley's
2. Paley's
3. Genoa

SEAFOOD
1. Jake's
2. Southpark
3. Corbett Fish House

BREAKFAST
1. Zell's
2. Daily Cafe
3. The Original Pancake House

ITALIAN
1. Alba Osteria
2. Pazzo Ristorante
3. Mama Mia's

THAI
1. Sukhothai
2. Cha Ba Thai
3. Typhoon!

VIETNAMESE
1. Yen Ha
2. Pho Van
3. Pho Oregon

CHINESE/KOREAN
1. Wong's
2. Sungari
3. Bewon

MEXICAN
1. Tortilleria y Tienda de Leon
2. Taqueria Nueve
3. La Ochoa

MEXICAN-AMERICAN
1. Esparza's Tex-Mex
2. Lindo Mexico
3. Cha, Cha, Cha

LATIN-AMERICAN
1. Pambiche
2. Andina
3. (The Salvadoran Place on Foster)

MIDDLE-EASTERN
1. Karam
2. Nicholas'
3. Ya Hala

GREEK
1. Eleni's
2. Alexis
3.  

BBQ/SOUL FOOD
1. Campbell's
2. Yam Yam's
3. Russell Street BBQ

PIZZA
1. Apizza Scholls
2. Hot Lips
3. Pizzicato

HAMBURGERS
1. Foothill Broiler
2. Mike's Drive-In
3. Cafe Castagna

SUSHI
1. Syun
2. Murata
3. Sin Ju

INDIAN
1. Curry Leaf
2. The Chaat House
3. Plainfield's Mayur

STEAKHOUSES
1. Ringside
2. El Gaucho
3. Morton's

HAPPY HOUR
1. Aura
2. Saucebox
3. Portland City Grill

WINE
1. Noble Rot
2.  
3.  

BEER/PUB
1. Henry's
2.  
3.  


BAKERIES
1. Pearl Bakery
2. Ken's Artisan Bakery
3. Di Prima Dolce

DESSERTS
1. Pix Patisserie
2. Papa Haydn
3. Criollo Bakery

ICE CREAM
1. Mio Gelato
2. Alotto Gelato
3. Staccato Gelato

GOURMET MARKETS
1. City Market NW
2. Pastaworks
3. New Seasons

ETHNIC FOOD MARKETS
1. Uwajimaya
2. Su Casa Imports
3.

[malachi]

Beer/Pubs:

Horse Brass (very good and broad selection, classic pub experience, smoky)
Pix (very good Belgian selection -- with the usual Pix deserts)
Rose and Raindrop (good and broad selection, another classic pub, a bit pricy)
Stumptown downtown (good Belgian selection, hipster bike messenger stylie feel)
Moon and Sixpence (another claossic pub with a good selection)

[ExtraMSG]

Thanks malachi.

btw, I should mention that another goal is not to have anything repeated (not in two sections). I figure I'll just mention, eg, that Mother's also has a very good breakfast/brunch, etc.

[Sully]

great idea!

here are some recommendations for the blank spots

wine:
1) Oregon Wines on Broadway: 2 very colorful, friendly and fun women own this shop right downtown. They specialize in NW wines. Great prices. You can buy by the glass or bottle, basically retail prices. They have about 30 wines "on tap" hooked up to an argon blanket to keep em fresh. It is a great place to sit, sip and watch the people on Broadway.
2) Vigne Wine Bar: WoW. Great Import Selection. A little light on the domestic wines, but there are plenty of those around. You can find great Italian, German, French wines here. The best in town. Fantastic prices, again retail. wine by the glass or bottle. Champagne, Champagne, Champagne.

Beer:
1) HorseBrass Pub: Without a doubt, one of the best pubs in town. Always great selections on tap. Hard to find beers. Plus they have Randall the Animal...an extermal hopper..for those people who love hoppy beers. The only drawback is the smoke. They have a great retail store where you can buy almost any beer.
2) Higgins: huge beer list. great food. what a combo. Specializes in Import/Belgium. Small bar though.

[ExtraMSG]

Thanks Sully. Don't be afraid to comment/recommend on the places already filled in. It's all tentative at this point.

[Plump_and_Juicy]

I'd recommend Becerra's for an ethnic grocery store.

[Jamesongrrl]

List looks great!
My suggestions-
3rd vote for Horse Brass. Best in Portland.

I would concider changing some of the Indian though.
The Curry Leaf is the best, hands down. But as 'stylish' as Plainfields is I wasn't overly impressed with the food there. I would put Bombay Cricket Club before PM. That way you still have almost 3 distinct stlyes, atmospheres and locations.

You could also add a 'French' section.

If I think of more I'll let you know!

[Jill-O]

To Greek I'd add Philoxenia, the one owned by the Eleni's folks in the Pearl...haven't gotten there yet, but I have heard great things.

Another place that keeps coming up on top of lists (including my own) is bluehour (and yes, I am tempted to say, "THE bluehour" ;o) - but where would you put it?

I agree with adding OR Wines on Broadway. Another place you might want to add is Wine Down 28th - never been there, though... Ditto Navarre...

aura's new HH menu isn't as great as their old one, but it's still a good HH deal, especially because they discount well drinks and have $3 beer and wine specials. saucebox and Portland City Grill are both great HH menus and have great drinks and when I take and out-of-town guest to HH at the PCG (usually on a Monday and early...it's less meat markety) they are always impressed (c'mon, the view seriously rocks, and I'm a sucker for a great view...and yes, when I lived in Chicago I went to the 95th floor of the Hancock bldg and nursed one glass of champagne as I watched the sun set and looked out over the lake (not the same direction...I know) as often as I could convince friends to meet me there...and if you think the bathroom at aura is special, try a restroom with a 95th floor lake view! 8O ) That was the long way of saying I agree with your HH choices, Zuke

Not to be picky, but it's Di Prima Dolci with an "i." Had some cannoli last weekend from there - she makes the best I have ever had - seriously.

So many folks shop at An Dong on SE Powell, that it seems you should list it as an ethnic market choice...

Perhaps the category should be called "Gelato" if that's what you're gonna list there...and yes, I am trying to make a point... For the love of dairy, will someone please open up a real sit-down, can-I-get-a-hot-fudge-sundae-in-something-that-isn't-paper-and-a-real-spoon ice cream shop that serves homemade ice cream and toppings? Pretty please... :cry:

I recommend separating Chinese from Korean, adding Sorabol (or whatever it is called) to Korean, and adding Thien Hong and/or Chinese Delicacy to Chinese.

I think that Pho Hung (the one on Powell, anyway, the one in Beaverton sucks) is better than Pho Oregon, having eaten at both.

Blue Monk (on SE Belmont) has a large and varied beer list...but I should leave the beer place recs to others...

How about a vegetarian/vegan section? I'd list Farm, Calendula, Kalga Kafe (please omit Old Wives' Tales...just please let it fade away)

How about an INDIE coffeeshops/houses section?

More when/if I think of it... :wink:

Hey Mara how's the healing going...and, what's/'where's Becerra's?

[Amanda]

Oh Contrare!!! I must protest, as I always do, and stand up for Old Wives Tales. Their food is delicious. It's a place that warms my heart and that I love dearly. However, I know this crowd will throw genetically-modified tomatoes at me for saying it's great! HEE HEE HEE! I hear Vita Cafe has good vegetarian, as well as Paradox, but I've been to neither place.

For Greek, Foti's Deli on E. Burnside is pretty good. I've had their food a couple times and enjoyed it, though Alexis, which is rightly already on the list is my very favorite place to go for Greek!

Becerra's is a good choice for a Hispanic grocery. It's not as all-encompassing as Su Casa or DeLeon's, but they have several locations and are good to have around, that's for sure!

If anyone's looking for Italian Beef or Meatball Sandwiches and yummy fries, a quick grab for a taste of the Windy City can be found at Michael's on SE Sandy around 10th or 11th.

And, hey Nick...Aren't you forgetting about Helvetia for burgers? It's way to hell and gone, but to me they still have the best.

Best regards,

Amanda

[ExtraMSG]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

On Ethnic markets, I think I'd like to add one of the German/European markets. I'm just not sure which one. I still haven't been to that one out in Tigard. I would tend towards Edelweiss or German Sausage just because they have things other than sausages. Otto's is primarily just meats. I still need to go through all the new Russian, etc, places around town, though.

Uwajimaya has to be the choice for an Asian market, I think. While Becerra's has the advantage of the number of locations, Su Casa does have two locations and is the biggest Mexican market in town and has both produce and meats, unlike Becerra's.

I should probably add sections for seafood markets and a section for butchers/meat markets. However, because of City Market NW, I would have to decide whether to overlap and any list of seafood without Newman's on it would be sorely lacking. Maybe even cheeses, although gourmet stores usually handle that. I could move Pastaworks, though, from gourmet to cheeses, since technically they're already covered by City Market NW.

My thought on Indian was that Curry Leaf gives you the best food in the setting most are familiar with, Chaat House gives you chaat plus the cart experience, and Plainfield's gives you an upscale option. I really don't think there's much of a second place in Portland. I think Priya down in Eugene is a better second place than the options in Portland. So I went to other factors.

I'm not sure what to do about Korean. I'm not sure if we have enough good Korean to make it it's own category or not. (But then I've got other sad lists down there.) I agree about Chinese, though. I had Chinese Delicacy on the list until I added Wong's. I want to recommend Bewon somewhere.

Jill, I agree about the ice cream. That place you want -- it went out of business and got tore down only a couple years ago. I could take off Staccato and add Sheridan's for some variety. But if I did that, I'd like to take off Alotto, too, and figure out something else to add in. I don't want to have to put in Cold Stone, though.

Vegetarian and coffee houses are also two good suggestions. I'm tempted to put Higgins in the vegetarian mix to put it somewhere and because I think they do a good job with seasonal produce. Is Calendula finally opened? A downtown cart might be a good choice, too, since an issue is definitely where can someone on the go find a vegetarian bite to eat.

Since I don't really drink coffee, where should I suggest? Clearly Stumptown. What others? Remember, it can be for multiple reasons than just good coffee, but it'd be nice if they had coffee at least as good as Starbucks.

On French: I guess it would just be the obvious (since Hurley's is in fine dining) -- Carafe, Tartine, and ???? Maybe one of the crepe places. I'm not a big fan of Montmartre, but it does have live music and is open late and can be an interesting "scene". Castagna, too. I guess that's not on any lists. Could also add Maison way out in wine country.

Keep the recs coming. Don't be too shy to tell me off or argue with me. The stronger your case, the more likely I'll change my mind and the more solid the list.

Thanks everyone.

[Sully]

Well, since this list is tentative.....

I would consider some alternatives to the fine dining and italian lists.

I would have to recommend removing Genoa from fine dining. Not sure if a Prix Fixe qualifies for such an august category. Unfortunately, I do not have an alternative since El Gaucho is already in the Steak Category...unjustly at second :-)

Has anyone tried Giorgio's and Assagio for Italian? Housemade pastas simply rule! Both places are really good, but I would give the nod to Assagio.

I definitely 2nd the notion of adding a coffee category. After all...it is Stumptown!

[ExtraMSG]

I considered Nob Hill for a messy burger that didn't require a passport. But there are only three spots, so I went: flame-broiled, drive-in, bistro. Maybe a messy tavern burger, probably Nob Hill or Helvetia, should make a spot.

I put El Gaucho second primarily because Ringside is truly local (and cheaper).

I added in Genoa because it is the only true prix fixe dining experience in Portland, has great service, and, while not luxurious food, has its niche. Portland is short on true fine dining, though.

Italian, btw, is a weakness of mine. I just cook those styles of food too often and so have a hard time getting excited for it when I go out. There seem to be a lot of contenders in the same class, though. I'd love to hear arguments for a certain set of three.

[Jill-O]

I don't really hang out at coffee houses, but the ones that are owned by/cater to many of the queer folks in town are very popular and often have local music/open mic nights:

-Haven (SE Division)
-Three Friends (SE 12th)
-Touchstone (NE Glisan)

Zuke, Asian markets can be it's own category, if you wanted to break it out of ethnic.

I suggest that you solve the market quandry by listing it by owner: Viande (@ City Market), Newman's (@ City Market), etc.

Zuke, I can see it now - latino breakfasts and simple snacks by day, ice cream parlor at night (OK, overlapping with day) - build it and they will come...dude, help a grrl out here...

And Amanda, I love ya, but other than the mushroom soup, Old Wives' Tales is goin' on fumes of a former glorious hippy past...their food sucks and it is absurdly overpriced for what they serve you. I'd never, ever order anything other than the soup and salad bar there...but frankly, I'd rather go to Sweet Tomatoes...

But I do agree with Amanda on one thing - the Helvetia should be on that burger list...

[CurvyGirl]

For vegetarian/vegan, you definitely have to include Vita Cafe as well as two recent ethnic newcomers -- Vegetarian House (Chinese) and VegeThai. They are both fabulous and 100% veggie.

Do people not like Anzen for an ethnic grocery store? I tend to go there when Uwajimaya seems like too far of a hike.

If there's a place for best ice cream/milkshakes, I'd have to suggest Coffee People. Yeah, there are a lot of them, it's a chain, etc...but the shakes are really absolutely terrific. Especially the Coffee Screamer.

And how about a Late Night category? As always, that's got to include Montage and Dots. And, of course, for those of us with little dough, somethng like Bargain Bites or Cheap Eats is important. Cha Cha Cha should be on that list.

[Amanda]

CurvyGirl...

Where is VegeThai??? Sounds like my kind of place. I know where Vegetarian House is (have yet to go even though it is very close to my job), but I REALLY love Thai food. Please post an address for us all so we can get on over there! Thanks so much.

Best regards,

Amanda

[CurvyGirl]

VegeThai is at 3272 SE Hawthorne. It's pretty small and nestled in with a bunch of other businesses, so you have to look closely for the OPEN sign.

There's also an all-veggie Vietnamese place up on about 84th and Division. It's in a building that looks a bit houselike with a big wood porch. It's pretty good, but they don't speak much English and sometimes it's hard to figure out what you're getting.

Vegetarian House is by far the best one. It's really excellent, especially the moo shu and the beef with broccoli. And they have a bunch of veggie meats in a freezer in front that you can buy and cook at home.

[ExtraMSG]

Okay, here's an updated version, still very tentative. For late night and budget, I would probably need to add overlap. A special features section, might be good, with items like Romantic, Cheap, Fast, Late, 24 Hour, etc.

Quote

NORTHWEST CUISINE
1. Wildwood
2. Park Kitchen
3. clarklewis

AMERICAN
1. Fife
2. Mother's
3. Acadia

FINE DINING
1. Hurley's
2. Paley's
3. Genoa

SEAFOOD
1. Jake's
2. Southpark
3. Corbett Fish House

BREAKFAST
1. Zell's
2. Daily Cafe
3. The Original Pancake House

ITALIAN
1. Alba Osteria
2. Pazzo Ristorante
3. Mama Mia's

FRENCH
1. Castagna
2. Carafe
3. St. Honore

THAI
1. Sukhothai
2. Cha Ba Thai
3. Typhoon!

VIETNAMESE
1. Yen Ha
2. Pho Van
3. Pho Oregon

CHINESE
1. Wong's
2. Sungari
3. Chinese Delicacy

KOREAN
1. Bewon
2. Sorabol
3.  

MEXICAN
1. Tortilleria y Tienda de Leon
2. Taqueria Nueve
3. La Ochoa

MEXICAN-AMERICAN
1. Esparza's Tex-Mex
2. Lindo Mexico
3. Cha, Cha, Cha

LATIN-AMERICAN
1. Pambiche
2. Andina
3. (The Salvadoran Place on Foster)

MIDDLE-EASTERN
1. Karam
2. Nicholas'
3. Ya Hala

GREEK
1. Eleni's or Philoxenia
2. Alexis
3. Foti's Deli

BBQ/SOUL FOOD
1. Campbell's
2. Yam Yam's
3. Russell Street BBQ

AFRICAN
1. Blue Nile
2. Mudai
3.  

SANDWICHES
1.  
2. Michael's
3. Grant's

PIZZA
1. Apizza Scholls
2. Hot Lips
3. Pizzicato

HAMBURGERS
1. Foothill Broiler
2. Mike's Drive-In
3. Cafe Castagna

SUSHI
1. Syun
2. Murata
3. Sin Ju

INDIAN
1. Curry Leaf
2. The Chaat House
3. Plainfield's Mayur

STEAKHOUSES
1. Ringside
2. El Gaucho
3. Morton's

VEGETARIAN
1. The Farm
2. Calendula
3. Higgins (or Kalga or Vegetarian House)

HAPPY HOUR
1. Saucebox
2. Aura
3. Portland City Grill

WINE
1. Noble Rot
2. Oregon Wines
3.  

BEER
1. Henry's
2. Horse Brass
3.  

COFFEE
1. Stumptown
2.  
3.  

BAKERIES
1. Pearl Bakery
2. Ken's Artisan Bakery
3. Di Prima Dolci

DESSERTS
1. Pix Patisserie
2. Papa Haydn
3. Criollo Bakery

ICE CREAM
1. Mio Gelato
2. Alotto Gelato (or Staccato or Tillamook Ice Creamery or Cold Stone)
3. Sheridan's Frozen Custard

GOURMET MARKETS
1. City Market NW
2. Pastaworks
3. New Seasons

ASIAN FOOD MARKETS
1. Uwajimaya
2. Phu Hoa
3. An Dong

MEXICAN FOOD MARKETS
1. Su Casa Imports
2. Winco
3. Becerra's

OTHER ETHNIC MARKETS
1. German Sausage
2. Edelweiss
3. (Some Russian place maybe)

MEAT/BUTCHERS
1. Gartner's
2. Phil's
3. Otto's (or Viande)

SEAFOOD
1. Powell Seafood (or Newman's)
2. OM Seafood
3.

[Sully]

the list is looking really good.

for coffee, i would recommend World Cup. The coffee is roasted right there. talk about fresh! I actually prefer them over Stumptown.
Of the coffee chains, I like Torrefazione Italia.

Of course you could always add Sully's Espresso. I pull a damn fine shot at home :-)

[malachi]

ExtraMSG said:

Since I don't really drink coffee, where should I suggest?  Clearly Stumptown.  What others?  Remember, it can be for multiple reasons than just good coffee, but it'd be nice if they had coffee at least as good as Starbucks.

At least as good?!?!
Damn - if it's not far superior then it shouldn't be in business.
Seriously.

Stumptown
Crema
Albina Press
Fresh Pot

[ExtraMSG]

Thanks malachi. I thought you might have an opinion on that. The provacative comment seemed to help. Since I don't hang in coffeeshops, can you give me your reasons for each?