Category: Restaurants

first-look-dining-room-grand-stark-deli-portland-oregon

News and reviews of restaurants in Portland, Oregon.

Some of the most written about places on this blog include:

Portland Mercado [Latin American]
Ben & Esther’s [Jewish/Vegan]
Sizzle Pie [Pizza]
Bee’s Cakes [Cakes and Baked Goods]
Salt & Straw [Ice Cream]
Nepali Kitchen [Nepalese]
Vivienne[Bakery, Wine Bar, Bookstore]
Kachka [Russian]
Chin’s Kitchen [Dongbei Chinese]
Arrowood [New American]

Posted on

Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli

view-from-seat-grand-stark-deli-portland-oregon

While my friend Jen was in town I thought a trip to the newish Grand Stark Deli would be a great way to catch some breakfast before picking up my annual salmon share nearby—which, if you are unaware is a fantastic way to access high quality salmon in bulk (we’ve been doing it for 10 years). The deli is just off the lobby in the Hotel Grand Stark—the historic building was born as Hotel Chamberlain, converted to a local furniture manufacturer for 80 years and reopened as a hotel this past May. The deli serves up a west-coast interpretation of east coast deli food—including some of the best avocado toast I’ve ever eaten.

Continue reading “Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli”
Posted on

Coffee Ice Cubes at Zell’s Cafe

I stopped in at Zell’s Cafe this week and to my surprise and delight, the cold brew coffee was chilled with coffee ice cubes!

The only other place I ever encountered that used coffee ice cubes in their iced coffee was at the long-gone Wholesome Blends on NE Sandy near 46th Ave.  To me, it makes a lot of sense to use coffee ice cubes in iced coffee, in order to avoid the dilution that inevitably happens. At the same time I realize it probably adds to the bottom line. But it’s super cool when it happens.

This glass of cold brew was very tasty and refreshing. It goes for $4 and you get free refills. Plus Zell’s delicious breakfast and lunch food—those little scones they give you when you sit down are also a treat.

Thanks for doing something special, Zell’s!

Zell’s Cafe
1300 SE Morrison Street, Portland
zellscafe.com | Facebook

Posted on

Grand Central’s BLT Is Seasonal Deliciousness

inside-angle-grand-central-baking-blt-portland-oregon

When I was at the Fremont Fest this past weekend, I saw a sign out in front of Grand Central Baking Company about a BLT. I love BLTs.

tomato-time-grand-central-bakery-fremont-fest-2021-portland-oregon

At first I thought it might have been a Fremont Fest special, but upon closer look on their ordering website, I learned it was a regular seasonal thing—meaning available for a limited time but not just for the one day of the Fest.

Continue reading “Grand Central’s BLT Is Seasonal Deliciousness”
Posted on

Small Bites – No Saint Pizza, Baon Kainan’s Arrival, Bee’s Cakes at Steeplejack, and More

cicoria-pizza-party-cut-portland-oregon

Cicoria’s pizza in their fave party cut. Photo Credit: Cicoria

It’s been a while! I’ve been working hard to improve some health issues, which have really been a buzzkill for this blog. But my curiosity about Portland food got the better of me, and I took a review of my regular sources for things that interest me. Here’s what I found.

Filipino (food) popup at the Side Yard Farm Friday. An enticing-sounding popup at the Side Yard Farm in Cully featuring Filipino businesses is happening this Friday, August 6. Among others, vegan bakery Kumare will be participating and offering “our mini ube ensaymada as well as NEW all plant-based Filipino goodies such as Biko (coconut rice cake), Turon (fried banana rolls), and Cantaloupe Juice.” No pre-order necessary. 5-9pm. 4800 NE Simpson Street, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites – No Saint Pizza, Baon Kainan’s Arrival, Bee’s Cakes at Steeplejack, and More”
Posted on

Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking

chimcking-korean-wings-beer-portland-oregon

Photo credit: ChiMcking

Last Sunday I was doing a little research on Portland Thai restaurants and it became clear that Saima Thai & Sushi in the Hollywood District has closed. They opened originally in early 2018. Turns out a new restaurant is moving into that space: ChiMcking, a franchise that offers “Korean Style Chicken & Fresh Beer.” That’s right—an expansive menu of Korean fried chicken is coming to the Hollywood District. Continue reading “Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking”