Small Bites: Il Corso, Melons, The Italian Job, and More

Panzanella salad at Il Corso.
Panzanella salad. Photo credit: Il Corso.

Il Corso is for lunch. They’ve changed their hours, which are now noon to 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday. “Our new menu is definitely what you want for a nice comfortable lunch or your Power Lunch with friends!” Their new chef, Keenan McDonald, has created this new menu.

They have 10 wines by the glass, 5 cocktails (including one NA), beer, cider, NA wine and beer, and soda for drinks. The Il Corso food menu has a nice variety: Marconas and olives, a panzanella salad (you can add burrata to that, too), cured meats and cheese, and “The Tony”—crispy Mortadella, melted Provolone, Dijon mustard, herb aioli, all on brioche with chili crisp. 1204 NW Glisan Street, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites: Il Corso, Melons, The Italian Job, and More”

Small Bites: Cocina de Mary, Tariffs, Shorebird Bakery, and More

Chiles at Cocina de Mary.
Photo credit: Cocina de Mary.

Welcome, Cocina de Mary. This is another case of two restaurants operating in one space at different times. RJ Skillets is there from 8am to 3pm (starting 10am on Mondays) and Cocina de Mary operates 5pm to 9pm (closed Mondays). They offer Guatemalan food: cuchitos, a type of tamal; churrasco; hilachas, similar to ropa vieja; pepián; and tayuyos, similar to pupusas. They also offer familiar dishes like quesadillas, fried plantains, empanadas, burritos, and more. They officially opened on Friday, February 6. 2529-B NE Alberta Street, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites: Cocina de Mary, Tariffs, Shorebird Bakery, and More”