MichaelG's Recent Activity
Chowhound Post
Portland (PDX): Good regional lunch spot
While I disagree with Sambamaster about Apizza Scholls, I wholeheatedly agree with everything he says about Alba. As good as any fine dining place in Portland. Never a wait, never a hassle.
Chowhound Post
Portland (PDX): Good regional lunch spot
I've lived in New York for many years, and ate much pizza there, and in New Haven and in Europe. I am a pizza snob, and Apizza Scholls is up there with the best anywhere.
Chowhound Post
Portland (PDX): Good regional lunch spot
They woud never sell out if you got there at 7 on a Friday. Get there at 7 and you'll wait till about 8. Get there at 8 an they may run out. Get there at 6:15 and you should be eating by 7.
Chowhound Post
new to Portland and no car
Check out Bijou for sit down breakfast, or Stumptown for pastries and breakfast.
I think Ten-01 might be too fancy for you.
You should check out Departure in your building - people are raving about it.
You might also walk down to Davis Street Tavern and check it out, and then check out Ping a couple of blocks away and decide on either of them. Both have great solo dining at the bar or counter.
Chowhound Post
Portland Knife Sharpening
I've used the guy at the Hillsdale Farmers market and he does a good job. If you get there early, he can probably do it while you shop if you ask him.
Chowhound Post
Portland Restuarants
Just go to Malay Satay Hut. It's casual and yummy. What more do you need to know?
Chowhound Post
Visiting Portland from LA, need recs
You're gonna love Eleni's. It focuses on the cuisine of Crete. Great seafood and small plates, right in the Pearl District.
http://www.elenisrestaurant.com/
The famous donut place is Voodoo, which is not far from Elenis. It's more of a late-night dessert place than a breakfast place. A spot for late-night people watching if there ever was one.
As for coffee, just find some Stumptown and you'll be good to go. That's not to say there aren't many other terrific roasters out there, but Stumptown beans are easy to find.
Chowhound Post
Whats with the beef @ Fred Meyer???
He's got a point . I also like Laurelhurst Market, but really, it is pretty much only accessible to those priviledged people with above-average means. The last time I was there, I got two amazing t-bones. Price: $50 for two. Great meat. Premium price. Unfortunately, beyond the reach of most people.
I for one really appreciate the many places mentioned here that are within the grasp of the proletariat. Anyone can find out that the meat at Laurelhurst and Chop is wonderful, but it takes some digging - and a lot of help from Chowhounders - to learn about the pros and cons of Freddy's Costco, etc.
Flatiron steaks at Freddys - who knew!!!
Chowhound Post
best hotel/restaurant combo
In Portland, you would love the Heathman. Dinner, then drink in the bar while jazz is playing, then to bed. This is just what you are looking for.
Chowhound Post
Food Centric Neighborhoods Seattle/Portland
If it were me, I'd look for a place to live between the Willamette River, SE 82nd Ave, SE Division St, and NE Alberta. This would be your best bet funwise and foodwise.
Chowhound Post
Need just ONE DINNER in Portland- WHERE?
the food at Pok Pok is great, but I would never take a client there as the wait can be terrible, and there's nothing to do in the neighborhood while you wait.
JillO's suggestions are good. But if it were me, I'd make a reservation at Le Pigeon. You could also grab a pre or post meal drink at Doug Fir right nearby. This would be a quintessential PDX experience.
Chowhound Post
Female traveling alone to Seattle in November. Where should I eat??
I had an excellent dinner by myself sitting at the bar of the Steelhead Diner. I'd also suggest checking out Top Pot donuts. The cake donutes are a specialty if you like those...
Chowhound Post
Portland Chinatown
I think you should try dim sum at either/both Fong Chong and/or House of Louie (both located in Chinatown) and see for yourself. I've eaten regularly at those places and at Wongs King, and they are all pretty comparable. The same opinions get recycled on Chowhound - often without verification within the past few years. I've been to all three dim sum places within the past few months, and the Chinatown locations are very good and very popular as well. Try for yourself and report back!
Chowhound Post
One great meal in Portland?
JillO has mentioned Davis Street a lot lately. But I have to say, it is excellent. They have it dialed in nicely. At lunch, if you want to see and be seen, you sit up front. If you want privacy, you sit in a quet table in the back. If you want a nice drink or beer, the bar area is quite accommodating. So, yes, a good place. I have even found the food more enjoyable than Ten01, although the latter does seem to have somewhat more lofty ambitions.
Chowhound Post
One great meal in Portland?
Le Pigeon or Toro Bravo would be perfect for you. Not sure about the wait at LP, but it can definitely get long at TB. Nevertheless, both of these places just scream "josephnl."
Chowhound Post
Where to eat in Portland?
You guys would absolutely adore Le Pigeon. You will also love the pizza at Apizza Scholls, but be aware of the long lines because the pizza is so good. Since you're coming from New Orleans, you might be interested in trying our great Mexican food, at casual places like Por Que Non, or upscale places like Autentica.
Chowhound Post
"BEST OF" Portland??
You'll need to check out Pix. There are two locations, both of which have equally amazing chocolates and other desserts / bon bons.
Chowhound Post
Choices: Move to Portland or Stay in Oakland?
Fantastic post. Can't say I agree with everything, but a lot of great points and amusing anecdotes. Totally agree that Alba is fantastic.
But after 20 years watching the food scene evolve here, I'd say the best Portland has to offer is not the super-high end like Paleys, Sel Gris, Ten-01, etc., but the sweet spot just below those ultra-elite places. I'm talking about Le Pigeon, Apizza Scholls, Laurehurst Market, Clyde Common, and yes, even Toro Bravo when all those small plates fall squarely into place as they can and often do.
Chowhound Post
Best Brewpub/Casual Dinner Food in Portland
I'd seriously look into the Descutes Brewery and Public House. Descutes has long been considered one of the best breweries in Portland. In fact, a good option would be to walk from Brideport to Descutes and see which one you like best. Both have high quality beer with casual but decent food.
Chowhound Post
Pizza in Portland
Couldn't have said it better than Quovadis. As you're walking, biking, or driving to APS, just prepare for the fact that you will wait. There are many ways to wait - visit a nearby bar, walk the neighborhood, sprint to the top of Mt. Tabor.... but it helps if you know it in advance...
Chowhound Post
Best Tamales in Portland
If you're ever heading south on I-5, you might stop by Salvador's Bakery in Woodburn. Fantastic tamales, along with some of the best tacos al pastor you will ever have anywhere, including Mexico.
Chowhound Post
Your top 5 favorite restaurants in Portland
Good call on Pad Thai Kitchen - truly an unsung gem with a nondescript name serving excellent food.
Chowhound Post
looking for the best Fish and Chips in PDX
Horse Brass is a great place and really has no remnant of the previous smoke den. The fish and chips, however, are only OK.
My favorite is Corbett Fish House, on SW Corbett or Hawthorne.
Chowhound Post
Two nights in PDX.
I agree with all these recommendations, although there are obviously so many others. But you could do a lot worse than Bijou and K&Z's for breakfast and Davis St. and El Gaucho for dinner. Sounds like a great plan. You'll pass through a couple of sketchy blocks on your way to Davis St. but don't worry, these folks are generally totally harmless. Davis St. is definitely worth the short walk from the Marriot! In fact, on your way there you might stop for a cocktail at Gilt Club.
Chowhound Post
PDX food carts -- origins?
It sounds like a lot but just think of all the neighborhoods that have multiple carts or pods: Sellwood, Mississippi, 12th and Hawthorne, 4th Ave Downtown, 9th and Stark, PSU, etc.... Then there's little spots like the one next to Capt'n Ankeny's where a new fish taco cart just opened up next to the sandwich cart. It goes on and on...
Chowhound Post
PDX food carts -- origins?
It seems to have its roots in a combination of regulatory reasons and that unquantifiable Portland culture zeitgeist. I was curious to find out and ran into this interesting web post:
http://www.communityhealthpriorities....
Chowhound Post
PDX - Laurelhurst Market
Anyone been? Looks intriguing and excellent. Anyone bought meat to take home?
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Davis Street Tavern PDX
It's excellent. I've only been for lunch, but both dishes were some of the best I've had in a long time.
Chowhound Post
El Gaucho
Yes, you'll enjoy it. Hardly a bargain - and certainly not a bargain at half the price - but a wonderful fine dining experience if you love a good steak, martini, and bottle of cab.
Chowhound Post
Benson Hotel...Sunday Brunch Menu?
I don't know about Saltys, but the Benson buffet has everything you could ever want - at least it did when I was there about a year ago. Great atmosphere, an unbelievable selection of food, incredible donuts and desserts...you can't go wrong.
