Every time I visit Portland I have the urge to buck my New York City life, pack it all up, and make a move out west. Something about that city gets in my veins and there's a giant magnet pulling my heart to the state of Oregon. Someday. Maybe someday.
In the meantime, I love every minute I get to spend there... and every bite that I've ever had there. Amazing food happening in PDX. I thought I'd share a few favorites here. When I was out there last month, I got lost in Powell's (which is easy to do and never a bad thing) and stumbled upon this book called Portland's 100 Best Places to Stuff Your Faces.
This is a gem of a book, so well written and exactly the kind of book I'd like to write. I wish I had written this very book, in fact. I highly recommend seeking it out for your next trip to the city. Visit the author's blog here.
I haven't been lucky to sample 100 places in Portland but here's my list of where I've had excellent nibbles + feasts:
Le Pigeon (photos here and apparently I had too much to drink + sat crooked all night), Beast, Clyde Common, Ping, Toro Bravo. Friends took me to Tasty n Sons for dinner and the enjoyable company was only slightly outdone by the dessert we shared - Auntie Paula's French Toast Sundae with bananas, caramel & nuts (pictured above.)
I believe Voodoo Doughnuts goes without saying (but I will say maple bacon bar!!!) and you can't miss the treats at Pine State Biscuits. I love breakfast from Kenny + Zukes. And of course I start every day in Portland off with a cup (or two or three) of Stumptown coffee, which is my favorite in the world. When I stay on the other side of the river, I hit Burgerville so often that it was an understatement to call it an addiction.
During my last trip I requested that friends meet me for lunch at Pok Pok, which has also recently opened here in NYC. I have to make a trip soon out to the local location because it was an amazing meal. The fish sauce wings lived up to the very high hype I've heard so much about. We also had a few rounds of drinking vinegar, which was a new treat for me. I've never sampled the food carts but that magic is definitely happening on my next trip.
Undeniably one of the best things about eating in Portland (and what often makes me long for another trip) is the great company I always have when I'm there. You really can't beat a cocktail + dinner at Clyde Common, a big heap of great conversation, and a pop into the photobooth at the Ace with a wonderful friend. To me, Portland delivers on satisfaction and it delivers big.
More PDX posts here, here, here, and please feel free to leave your own Portland dining suggestions!
