AJ08's Profile
Drogheria Alimentari spice grinder
The Tuscan Herbs Mill is a glass jar full of a dried herbs mixture with a grinder top (i.e., mill.)
Drogheria Alimentari spice grinder
Although I've bought the .56 oz. Tuscan Herbs Mill in Portland before, I've called several high end and standard grocers and searched to no avail. Has anyone spotted these? They are usually in with the Spice Islands and McCormick jarred spices. Drogheria Alimentari produces the best reasonably priced dried spices available. When I contacted the company they wouldn't tell me where their spices were sold, but wanted me to mail order. It's almost come to that. Thanks in advance.
Best ravioli in PDX?
With the onset of truly cold weather, I'm craving paper thin ravioli with tomato red marinara, preferably served with a side salad with housemade Italian dressing, crusty bread, and a reasonably priced Chianti. I can find the thick, doughy stuff, but am looking for the melt in your mouth type, served daily (not just as a sometime special.) Candles dripping onto empty wine bottles not required. Am I asking too much? 'hounders, please come to my aid. Thx.
Oregon Coast 1st Anniversary Restaurant Reccomendations
Although it's a bit of a drive from PC...I did a lot of research before we went to Lincoln City this week for a one night getaway/celebration. I believe you'll find a lot of "don't expect much on the coast" type comments and/or mixed reviews. We had a fabulous meal at Blackfish Cafe. I had the Skillet Roasted salmon (Alaskan) and DH had the Pork Loin Chop. It's true that he didn't care for the Cider Anise Jus, but that was easy enough to avoid. Service was excellent. You can dress up a little although it's not required. Someday we plan to try The Bay House, but recent reviews have been mixed, and the prices are considerably higher than Blackfish. Be sure to call for hours of operation, as they aren't posted and may depend on traffic. We were fortunate to be the last ones served, as they closed at 8:00.
Blackfish Cafe
2733 NW Highway 101
Lincoln City, OR 97367
(541) 996-1007
long beach and The Ark
We love Long Beach. Although we haven't tried the Shelbourne Inn, we have tried The Depot in nearby Seaview and found it to be excellent.
http://www.depotrestaurantdining.com/
Relatives recommend Doogers, 900 Pacific AV s, but we haven't tried it (yet!) Enjoy!
Kitchen anti-fatigue mats (PDX)
Thanks to all for the input. I may have misled with the word "delaminated". These mats have been soft, printed PVC foam. The top layer on the less expensive mats curls up and separates from the underlying layers on the edge that you are stepping on each time you approach the mat. These are not impervious to spills, although they have endured everything short of oil. I struck out at my local Home Depot. B, B & B carries the GelPro, and too large of a size PVC foam. I'll try Wms-Sonoma or Le Gourmet Chef at the Columbia Gorge outlet mall next.
Kitchen anti-fatigue mats (PDX)
Does anyone know where to buy a decorative, durable anti-fatigue kitchen mat? I know GelPro is the be$t, but we used to be able to buy wine-themed ones at now defunct kitchen/gourmet outlet mall stores for ~$30. I've found less expensive (~$20) alternatives at Fred Meyer, but the tops delaminate in no time. Thx!
PDX: Best basmati (to buy)?
My favorite basmati rice is a Vigo brand aged basmati. I've been able to get this once in PDX by ordering an entire case through a distributor. Otherwise, I rely on my Austin, TX friends to bring it or ship it to me. Yes, it's that addictive - - even my sis-in-law, who is from India, has switched to Vigo. Has anyone spotted this in the metro area? Or does anyone have another brand to recommend? The aroma of the Vigo aged basmati is heavenly. Yep, I try to cut back on the simple carbs (thus not eager to order another case), but when I do have white rice, this is the only way to go. Thx!
Refrigerated (aka Not-Trader-Vics) Tom & Jerry Batter?
I believe I've seen this at QFC down here in Vancouver. Check either the refrigerated cookie dough section or seasonal cooler holding egg nog. Good luck.
Quiet, romantic after dinner drink (PDX)?
Ah, the best laid plans....We had such a great meal and marg's at Trebol that we didn't make it to an after dinner spot,, but I've filed these away for future ref. - - hopefully for my b-day next month. Thanks to all!
Been to Trebol?
I'm also surprised that there is little info on Trebol. We've been twice and think it's solid. In terms of flavors, it is right up there with Nuesta Cocina and Autentica. I think of Trebol as an undiscovered gem. Their happy hour is fantastic, with $5 marg's in pint glasses. Plenty of app's to choose from. Try their taco sampler: fish, beef and wild boar. We love their different sauces. I had seared tuna in roasted pumpkin seeds; it was fresh and fantastic. The service was also great - - granted we arrived at 5:05, but it remained spot on even as they filled up. There is more privacy here than at Nuestra Cocina - - the only drawback to N.C. And there is more meat in dishes than we found when we last visited Autentica - - the only drawback to that restaurant. When you are ready to be adventurous, give it a try. We'd love to see Trebol succeed.
Not all about sushi - Japanese (PDX)
I'm a newbie here, but - - in a previous life, the Japanese restaurants we frequented were not all about the sushi. Hostesses in lovely kimonos provided gracious service. Excellent miso soup and a decent if very simple salad for starters, tempura that seemed lighter than air, some Teppanyaki....all in an atmosphere of tranquility. No requirement for shoe removal/floor seating. Can I find this type of Japanese in PDX proper? (Apologies if I just haven't read past the sushi reviews at Japanese eateries.) Thx!
Quiet, romantic after dinner drink (PDX)?
Celebrating 22nd anniv. tomorrow and would like to take my husband to a nice space for an after dinner cognac or single malt. We've been to Wilf's (so-so) and Jimmy Mak's (loved it) but we're unfamiliar with other Portland offerings - - is there an upscale hotel with jazz piano, no cover? We're not looking for the trendy, see & be seen scene - - in fact, the emphasis is on quiet over romantic. Thanks for suggestions!
Breakfast Tacos in V'cvr (WA)?
Anyone know if good breakfast tacos are available in the 'Couv? I've lived here almost a decade now but still miss our Austin, TX breakfast takeout treat. If there are places to at least buy handmade tortillas, that info w/b welcome, too. Thanks!
Spot Prawns in PDX?
Anyone know where I can buy Alaskan spot prawns in Portland/Vancouver? Online info leads me to believe the season is short, just May and June. Bought them at V'cvr (WA) Farmers Market in past years (perhaps from Linda Brand Crab?), but haven't seen fresh seafood there lately. Thx.