MichaelG's Profile
Food places at the airport
Stanford's isn't that bad, all things considered, and is probably still open. I'd avoid Beaches though.
Restaurant with good live jazz music
You're looking for Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in the Time Warner Building. Good food, often excellent jazz, and a stunning view.
But don't dismiss the Jazz Standard too quickly. Yes, they specialize in BBQ, but I wouldn't call it a "usual BBQ joint." The setting is very nice and the food is excellent.
CEDAR MILLS AREA
It's actually Cedar Mill. Here are some good options:
Check out the Korean places, like Du Ku Bee (not sure if that's the spelling) or the place right next to it.
Mingo
Pho Van
Some people go to the area from Portland just for the Five Guys, so that's an option if it's your cup of tea...
"The Best"-- within walking distance of Marriott Downtown Waterfront??
It would be interesting to hear what the OP says!
Good eats near airport
At that hour, you might as well just head closer to town. Still on the east side you got Lucky Strike for Chinese or Montage under the Morrison Bridge for French. You could go to Mississippi, or you could hit the food carts at 12th and Madison.
Solo lineup etiquette
You can jump ahead of the line to sit at the bar at Ken's, and a place is usually available. I think the same applies to Scholls, but I'm not sure. Just call them. Toro Bravo is also tough to gain ground as a single,
"The Best"-- within walking distance of Marriott Downtown Waterfront??
These all seem like pretty odd suggestions in terms of walkability. Great places all, but none are close to the Marriott!
In terms of proximity, I'd suggest Veritable Quandry - nice bar, good food, Carafe for classic French, or Nel Centro - also a good bar, and Mediterranean food. if you like food carts, check 'em out at 4th and College. Thai Pasta is one of the best there, and I'm addicted to the tom yum fired rice.
Not too obnoxious sports bar in PDX to watch Final Four?
I've never even been there, but for some reason I think Spirit of 77 fits the bill for you.
True Local
This is a joke related to our local TV show, and should be ignored. Gilt Club does have good food, though, and really good cocktails....
One night in Portland, where to eat seafood?
Jake's has interesting ambiance, but aside from that, its nothing more than the Portland outpost of the national McCormick's chain. Same menu they serve in DC, Chicago, and LA. and countless others. This is clearly not what the OP had in mind.
Good Cheap eats in downtown pdx and near colliseum
Nicholas near the Convention Center (not far from Coliseum) is nice, especially if you like middle eastern food. Another option is Ping in Old Town Chinatown,.Just walk a few blocks to the OTCT Max station and it will take you right to the Coliseum.
Milestone Birthday Cake -60 wonderful years
I don't think I've ever had a better cake than the one I had a few years ago from St. Cupcake. I'm sure it was expensive, probably very expensive, but if price is no object, you won't be disappointed.
Private Dining Downtown with cocktail reception for 10-12
I was at a private event at Andina about a month ago (25 people), and was extremely impressed with both the food and the service. Honestly, on a scale of 1-10, they were both a 10. The lamb chops I had, along with the appetizers, and the selection of South American wine accompanying, made it one of the best meals I'd had all year. If your event is anything like mine, you will not be disappointed at all. Great choice.
Recommendation for great Portland brunch to impress former teacher!!
You might enjoy Bijiou.
Donut Fiend
This is a frequent pattern on Chowhound: Poster asks about donuts, someone suggests Voodoo, responders then say "there are so many better than Voodoo," etc. Do a search and you'll see what I mean.
Put me in the Pro-Voodoo crowd, especially if you focus on their unique specialties.
Sure you can go out an sample crollers, jelly-filleds, and glazeds from all the places in town and in a blind test, Voodoo probably won't win. But, that's not the point!
Go get a grape ape, an orangatang, or a maple bacon bar, and go buy said product in their unique Voodoo atmosphere, and you'll understand that there is simply Voodoo, and then there's everyone else...
5 days in Portland for burntout restaurant folk
One of the big things in Portland is cocktails, and you might consider trying some of the city's best:
Clyde Common - One of the most famous bartenders in the nation runs the bar here. He was just recently featured in the New York Times.
Gilt Club - Very very serious cocktails. I had their Moscow Mule for hapy hour the other day, and it was amazing. A perfect holiday drink AND it has a chameleon affect of being perfect in the summer as well.
Beaker and Flask - One of the best restaurants in town is also a mecca for cocktails.
Teardrop Lounge - I haven't been, but it was one of the first intensely serious cocktail lounges to open during Portland's recent cocktail rennaissance.
Cinnamon Rolls
IMHO, Grand Central serves the best in Portland, and certainly the best I've ever had. They totally get it right and I've never tasted anything remotely close.
Koji Osakaya -- crazy about their salad dressing
I agree that the dressing s awesome, and Koji's is a fantastic restaurant experience. it's not new and trendy, but always delivers with consistency and quality Japanese fare.
You shouldn't have a hard time finding out more about the dressing from the folks themselves. My go-to place is the one on Barbur.
Food at PDX Gentlemen's Clubs
You've identified the 2 best places. Acropolis has more than reputation for steak. It has a reputation for quality sourcing. As the frugal travelor for the NY Times wrote:
My little sister liked it, however, not for the performers (who earned it its nickname, the A Crop) but for the ludicrously cheap steaks. My eight-ounce sirloin cost $5.50 and came deliciously medium-rare. This being Portland, the meat was locally sourced, too, from cattle on the owner’s ranch.
Old School Portland Eateries
When Ringside's remodel is complete, that also would make the cut. Best steaks in town? Maybe.
White Eagle is now a McMenamin's, but it's one of the most storied bars in town.
Some of those old Chinatown places might count - sit at the bar at Republic and chat up the bartender to talk about old times.
Good question...
Convention Center bound--need subversive dining strategy
Be prepared for up to an hour wait for Toro Bravo.
Don't forget that the light rail Max line is right by the Convention Center. If you take it one stop beyond Pioneer Courthouse Square, you are very close to Gruner and Clyde Common, and Kenny and Zuke's, all of which I would heartily recommend.
Ned Ludd is great, and worth considering as it is close to the Convention Center.
If you can get a reservation at Le Pigeon, just do it.
Good food in or near Jantzen Beach?
Another option is to go the other direction to Vancouver. La Bottega Cafe Deli & Wine Shop is probably as close as N Portland and is quite good. If you need to stay in Jantzen Beach, Stanfords is probably your best option.
Mom & sis coming to town want mom to branch out but still enjoy keepin' it NW
Totally agree with Park Kitchen. Great choice. Do NOT take her to Laurelhurst unless Mom is prepared for an hour-plus wait. As for Le Pigeon, its one of my favorites in town, but I don;t know that it's best for mom. The menu is adventurous - again I love it - and the tables are communal.
Most 65+ women I know would prefer Higgins, Wildwood, Paley's Place, etc, but Park Kitchen is definitely another good choice.
Mom & sis coming to town want mom to branch out but still enjoy keepin' it NW
I'd suggest Higgins, Wildwood or Mothers Bistro for mom. She'll love them all.
dinner with a view
Both of the previous responses are right - awesome views! I'd add Chart House. It's a chain, and the parking is valet, which bugs me. And frankly, I've never eaten there - only been there for drinks. But the view is excellent.
Two Large Foodies
Unfortunatelty, nkeane has started off the thread of responses by misunderstanding the OP's question. OP clearly said "down south it WOULD mean." But we're not down south, so what would that mean up here? What would these boys like?
Hey guys, here are a few suggestions:
1. Food carts rock here in PDX. You can search this board for some of the best, but I'd recommend Tabor for the chicken schnitzelwhich, and the chicken and rice from the famous one-dish-only cart at the 9th and Alder pod.
2. Try some Thai food here in town. Pok Pok is an obvious choice, but there are other, less distinctive places that serve some awesome Thai!
3. Want a killer steak in a wonderful NW environment? Go to Laurelhurst Market.
4. You know we're famous for our microbreweries. I'd start with Deschutes, and ask around from there.
5. Want to do some fine dining, but keep it edgy at the same time? Sit at the counter at Le Pigeon. If you can't get in right away, put your names on the list and have a drink at Doug Fir a block away. See who's playing that night. Then head back to Le Pigeon and your table might be ready.
6. You'll also wait for a table at Toro Bravo, but depending on your patience, you might well find it worth it. I would if I were you guys.
Have fun!
50 Plates
You can probably do a lot better in that neighborhood.
I'd start with Andina.
Another option, especially if you're into wine, is Paragon.
