The Wandering Foodie - Tim Dollar

2012-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Crabfest at Reedville Cafe

The basic $19.95 deal... incl. Ceasar Salad

Mr. Crab wanting to make friends.

Wings, Ceasar Salads, Crab Artichoke Dip, Coconut Prawns.

Kal having a quickly disappearing crab.

Someone is having a good time!

The boys....

Had a great night with several friends at the Reedville Cafe.

Reedville Cafe has a Dungeness crab fest during January. Crab bisque, Benedict, Crab Cakes... you name it. The food was fantastic and the friends surpassed fantastic.

Reedville Cafe

7575 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy

Hillsboro, OR 97123

503/649-4643

www.reedvillecafe.com

2012-01-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Delicious Huevos Rancheros

Fresh, fresh, fresh.

Getting ready for the eggs!

My Huevos Rancheros.

Starting a Sunday with a wonderful breakfast... Does it count as "breakfast in bed" if you cook it, deliver it and climb back in bed to enjoy it?

All this with NFL playoffs.... Perfect!

2012-01-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

Best Baguette

Best Baguette Special - Cassic combination of pate', premium ham, pork roll & head cheese.

I am so delighted to have found a new sub shop in the Beaverton area. Further, they have some of the best Asian sandwich's (Bahn Mi - say bang me) that I've ever had. Beyond that, they also have French sandwich's and Croissant sandwich's as well as Vietnamese Taco's, bubble tea and an assortment of pastries and desserts.

As the baguette's are made fresh with the finest of ingredients, I plan on being a regular customer. Plus, who can argue with a perfect sub that is much healthier than usual for under $4 dollars?

Best Baguette

3635 SW Hall Blvd.

Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 626-2288

www.thebestbaguette.com

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

RingSide Steakhouse

Delicious Rib Eye

Oh, so succulent Prime Rib

Banana's Foster

This was the first time that I have been back to the RingSide since it was remodeled. And, it seems like it really hasn't changed all that much. It is still one of the best "old school" steakhouses anywhere.

I am a bit abscent minded as I forgot to get pictures of the delicious crab cocktail and the wonderful Ceasar Salads. Just love those anchovies!

My Rib Eye was one of the most flavorful steaks I've had in quite awhile. And, Colleen's Prime Rib was as tender as any I've ever tasted. What I love about a place like this is finishing with a classic dessert like Banana's Foster. Soooo good!!!

RingSide Steakhouse

2165 W Burnside

Portland, OR 97210

(503) 223-1513

www.ringsidesteakhouse.com

2012-01-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

New Years Day Brunch at Salty's on the Columbia

Starting the year with a healthy glass of juice.

The Three Amigo's/Amiga's.

A beautiful day with a view.

Sweet treats.

Stuff.

Fresh Oysters.

Lox, cream cheese, capers and onions.

Fresh Dungeness Crab Legs.

Crawfish.

Colleen's beautiful first run.

I think I am in heaven!

Eggs Benedict, Grits, Roast Beef w/horsy sauce.

Chowder, Freese Salad, Roast Beef, Ham and Chorizo.

Desert Crepe.

Strawberries dipped in chocholate and other goodness.

And, Creme Brulee with more goodness!

All I can say is that there is no better way to celebrate great friends, great food and the prospect of a great New Year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Dinner

A yummy cheese and flax seed baguette.

Ceasar Salad, of course.

The victims.

Marinated Steak and seasoned Lobster Tails.

On the griddle.

Off the griddle.

Now, to the tummy.

Thank you to several friends who coaxed me into splurging on this decadent dinner!

Things don't get much better than this.

The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill, Portland, Oregon

2011-11-30T17:52:00.001-08:00

Monster Burgers

Beer Cheese Soup

Bacon Wrapped Prawns

Fish Tacos

Rueben Sliders

I got together with some friends to watch the Civil War game between Oregon and Oregon State. We decided to check out a new pub located in the old Cuchina Cuchina location at Washington Square Mall.

The Thirsty Lion Pub is a very fun and upscale sports venue that has truly great pub fare and one of the largest selections of draught beer that I've seen in a long time. We shared some items not shown above, such as California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls among others. The burgers are absolutely huge! One of the favorites were the bacon wrapped prawns with BBQ sauce. I found the fish tacos absolutely wonderful. And, I can't speak highly enough about the rueben sliders...

The venue is quite large and the restaurant and bar are integrated and the place can handle probably 300+ guests. As hectic as that sounds, the service was friendly and attentive. The prices are a bit spendy, however, I would recommend this place anytime.

Here is their info:

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill

10205 SW Washington Square Road

Tigard, OR 97223

(503) 352-4030

McMenamins OAK HILLS BREWPUB

2009-08-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

McMenamins has pubs all over the Portland area and the Pacific Northwest. They handcraft a ton of different beers and there is always several selections that are typically brewed on location.

Recently, to help out with the struggling economy, they LOWERED prices for their Happy Hour. Their homemade brew are only $3 and you can always get one of my favorites PBR for $2. Their Happy Hour menu has several modestly priced selections for between $1 to $5.

You can review the Happy Hour menu and hours here: http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=41&id=1255

McMenamins' OAK HILLS BREWPUB

14740 N.W. Cornell Rd.

Portland, OR 97229

(503) 645-0286

Pok Pok / Whiskey Soda Lounge

2009-07-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

I had heard that Pok Pok has the best authentic Thai food that I would ever experience. It is true and was fabulous beyond words.

THIS IS THE BEST THAI FOOD I'VE EVER HAD ! ! !

My friend, Clark, who has a mutual love of Thai food, and I have been talking about going to Pok Pok for months on end. We finally were able to go there for lunch and found the food, service and whole experience to be perfect. We shared several dishes and every single one was delicious.

Here are some of the things we tried:

Kai Yaang
Half Bird $6.50 / Whole Bird $11.00
Roasted natural game hen rubbed with lemongrass, garlic, pepper and cilantro served with a spicy sweet and sour dipping sauce. Our signature dish.

Kuaytio Reua (Boat Noodles)
$10.00
Rice noodles in a complex dark rich broth with spices, herbs, stewed beef, poached flank, house-made meatballs, water spinach, dry chilies and bean sprouts. Traditionally sold from boats along the canals (khlongs) of Thailand.

Kung Yak Phao
$3.50 each, minimum 3 per order
Giant prawns, brined and grilled whole over charcoal, served with naam jiim thaleh, a spicy lime/garlic/chile dipping sauce.

Yam Makheua Yao (Available Vegetarian)
9.00
Salad of smoky grilled Chinese eggplant with fried dry shrimp and garlic, chopped boiled egg, Thai chilies, shallots, cilantro and a lime-fish sauce dressing.

The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed their outside seating. Service was excellent and knowledgable. The location is easy to miss. It is a mostly non-descript house and shack in the 3200 block of Division. We were there early, however, be aware that a line did form waiting to be seated.

You can find their website here:

http://pokpokpdx.com/index.php

Pok Pok /Whiskey Soda Lounge

3226 SE Division Street

Portland, OR 97202

(503) 232-1387

Bugatti's Beaverton

2009-07-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I dropped into Bugatti's in Beaverton a few Sundays ago as they have their Happy Hour menu available all day. On this day, just about everything was off... It started off with the bartender telling me that the beer I requested was out... so was the next choice so I had a Sangria that was good.

From there, the bar got a bit busy and the bartender became flustered and forgetful. One order was forgotten and no expanation. Things became so slow that I asked about the free wifi to play with my new iPhone. The bartender didn't know how to logon to the wifi and came back with a name and password that was printed on house stationary.... didn't work...

All and all, the food was very average... the prosciutto was so thick that it was like shoe leather... the rest was wadded up in a ball... no attention to presentation... The mussels were good and the Champagne salad looked better than it was... little to no flavour in the dressing... The fried Gnocchi was very bland and boring...

Here is the line up of things sampled:

Fried Gnocchi

Caesar Salad $2
Romaine hearts tossed with Caesar dressing, parmesan and croutons

Prosciutto Platter $5
An assortment of meat, cheese and olives with bruschette

Sautéed Mussels $5
With a lemon and thyme cream sauce

Champagne Salad Piadini Style $4
Candied walnuts, strawberries, gorgonzola, red onions and spinach atop a
whole wheat flatbread

You can find their website here:

http://www.bugattisrestaurant.com/bugattis_index.html

Bugatti's Beaverton

2905 SW Cedar Hills Blvd

Beaverton, OR 97005-1342
(503) 626-1400‎

Fresh Thyme Soup Co.

2009-07-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

I recently went to Fresh Thyme Soup Company and had a very good panini sandwich. It was the special of the day... a barbeque pulled pork panini. Although it was very good, a panini just didn't seem right for a sandwich that is traditionally stacked high with coleslaw piled ontop of the pulled pork.

Also, I got a quart of chilled gazpacho soup to take home. It was absolutely delicious and had a bit of spicy heat to it... kind of unusual for a gazpacho soup. They sent me home with the soup, three tasty slices of garlic toast, tortilla chips, sour cream and fresh cilantro. Although I didn't get the toast into the picture, the whole presentation turned out splendidly.

I would certainly try this place again as they have a wide selection of classic panini's, cold sandwiches and wraps. Also, they have many vegitarian options. They rotate their selection of soups weekly and there is always several to choose from. I think this is a great "grab 'n go" idea if you are on the run and you want something tasty and nutritious.

You can find their website and menu's here: http://www.freshthymesoup.com/

Fresh Thyme Soup Co.

16155 NW Cornell RD

Suite 500

Beaverton, OR 97006-8101

(503) 466-9103

Some Great Grilling

2009-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

With the wonderfully mild and sunny summer being upon us, what could be better than firing up the grill? On one occation, I trimmed my thyme plant and took it to the grill with a prime aged ribeye steak. The smoke added a wonderful dimension. And, I just had to indulge with a delicious cheeseburger made with a tasty chipotle, bacon grilling sauce. Add some saute'd mushrooms and red bell peppers with a thick slice of Tillimook cheddar on top of onion buns and you have the perfect combination

Father's Day at ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

2009-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day on Father's Day. My daughters and Erin's friend Zack met me at ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria for lunch. It was a bit busier than last time I was here but the short wait was worth it and the food was excellent.

I had the Huevos Rancheros and it was delicious... the weekend is the only time they have some of their brunch entre's and this is one of them. Megan had the carnitas Flauta's. Erin had the Taco's Verduras. And, Zack had the Taco's Porque Tingas. And, matched up with a PBR, it was a delightful outing and Father's Day ! ! ! Thanks you guys.

You can see my previous review of ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria here: http://thewanderingfoodie.blogspot.com/2009/06/por-que-no-taqueria.html

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
4635 SE Hawthorne Ave
Portland, OR
503-954-3138

Fresh Spinach and Feta Scrambled Eggs

2009-06-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

It is so delightful to be able to walk out to the garden and pick fresh spinach to put into a tasty breakfast omlette. The addition of feta cheese really combines well with the spinach and the eggs. Be sure to season the spinach when you saute it and additional seasoning when mixing the eggs.

3 large eggs
crumbled feta cheese
3 Tbsp milk

salt and pepper
unsalted butter
fresh from the garden spinach

Combine eggs, feta, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk until eggs are broken up and mixture is thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Heat butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. When it foams, add spinach and cook, turning constantly with a rubber spatula, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add spinach to reserved egg mixture and stir to coat.

Return the pan to medium-low heat, add spinach-egg mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, until eggs have reached desired doneness.

WHITE BEAN GARLIC DIP

2009-06-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

WHITE BEAN GARLIC DIP

Here's a dip, adapted from The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger. It is delicious!!!

Serves 3 - 4, with crisps and raw veggies.

1 14-oz cans white beans, rinsed and drained

1 Tbsps minced garlic, to taste

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp lime juice

1/4 Tea salt and fresh ground black pepper

3 Tbsps roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra leaves for garnish

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until smooth. Adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper and lemon juice, if needed. Scoop into a serving bowl, garnish with parsley leaves, and serve at room temperature.

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

2009-06-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Life is funny... last night I watched a show about five sisters who started a taqueria in Phoenix after having a lunch truck and being street vendors... and some of the best taco's in the country... It made my mouth water.

Today, my daughter Erin and I went to ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria on her suggestion. It was FANTASTIC and so, so delicious. She had Verduras taco's - Seasonal vegetables, beans, salsa fresca & cilantro. I had a Carne Asada taco - Traditional chopped steak served with salsa roja, cilantro and grilled onion. And, I had a Pescado taco - Line caught snapper, spicy cornmeal crusted & fried, served with crema, salsa roja & pico de gallo. And we had some chips and delicious guacamole.

This food was so good, delicious and authentic that I'm thinking of selling my house just to move to this neighborhood... just kidding, but a guy has to have a dream....

There is a charming and comfortable outside dining area out back. The service was very friendly and I can't wait to go back. There is much more to explore on their menu and you can check it out on their website.

Here is their website: http://www.porquenotacos.com/

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

4635 SE Hawthorne Ave

Portland, OR

503-954-3138

China Rim Restaurant

2009-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

A friend had recommended this restaurant and told me the Mongolian Beef was great. I gave it a try and was disappointed. The dish seemed kind of greasy and not something special like I was hoping for. The Hot and Sour Soup was OK but not anything to get excited about. Another friend said that their chicken dishes were really the ones that were good and that I should try the Kung Pao Chicken. That day I started with the Egg Flour Soup and it was better than the Hot and Sour Soup but was still only so-so. The Kung Pau Chicken was good and definitely better than the Mongolian Beef but it was still only average.

This is definitely a family run restaurant and the service and people are pleasant. I was so hoping to find that "great" Chinese restaurant close to home but this definitely came up short. The prices were reasonable yet I doubt if I will visit them again.

China Rim Restaurant

455B Saltzman Road

Portland, OR

503-626-8883

Vegetable And Pasta Toss

2009-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it dawned on me that I've been neglecting my eating of veggies... so, I harvested some spinach from the garden, chopped up some onion, zucchini and mushrooms... seasoned and saute'd them and hit them with a splash of basalmic vinegar. Then mixed in some pasta sauce, rotini pasta and panko crumbs. And a bit of fresh grated parmasean. With the whole wheat pasta it made for a delicious and nutritious dinner!

A Return To The Screen Door Restaurant

2009-06-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

My daughters treated me to a delicious brunch this past weekend for my birthday. They met me at the Screen Door Restaurant and they got there early so MY wait was minimal... another nice gift!

Megan had the Brioche Vanilla Bean French Toast with REAL maple syrup and it was very tasty with a side of bacon. Erin had a very delicious Bananas Foster French Toast with rum flamed carmelized bananas and cinnamon... this was to die for. And I had a wonderful Spicy Cajun Bloody Mary along with my Corned Beef Hash with poached eggs.... And, of course, a side bowl of their cheesy grits... the best grits I've ever had... Also, we had a cheese blintz with strawberry sauce... a piece of heaven... unfortunately the picture didn't turn out.

Everything was perfect!!! And, there is still lots more to explore on their menu on a future visit.

You can see my previous review of the Screen Door here:

http://thewanderingfoodie.blogspot.com/2009/04/screen-door-restaurant.html

And you can find their website here:

http://www.screendoorrestaurant.com/about.html

The Screen Door Restaurant
2337 E Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503)542-0880

Hall Street Bar and Grill

2009-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

I had a most enjoyable lunch today at Hall Street Bar and Grill. I thought I would try something new and found on their drink menu a Pomagranite Sangria... It was wonderful... I think I need to learn how to make these as they are perfect for the warm weather. Then I decided to go with their lunch special for $8.75... I chose the Hall Street Ceasar and the Northwest Dungeness Crab Melt with Tillamook Cheddar and tomato... Everything was delicious ! ! !

The service was good and welcoming. They have a very comfortable patio area that is perfect for a warm afternoon or evening visit. I need to enjoy their hospitality again.

Website: http://www.hallstreetgrill.com/

Hall Street Bar and Grill

3775 SW Hall Blvd

Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 641-6161

Random Meals by the Foodie

2009-06-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been posting much this past month... mostly because I've been pinching my pennies and staying at home. But here are a few things I put together. Some baked beans with cottage cheese and salad, some barbeque chicken with mashed potatoes and green beens, a delicious bean burrito with minced herbs from the garden, and some bbq shishkabobs from the deli with grilled asparegas... Nothing fancy but they turned out yummy. . . I think I need to find some inspiration and get back in the groove...

Thai Cabin Restaurant - Another Visit

2009-06-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I would have another visit to Thai Cabin Restaurant. You can see the review from my first visit here: http://thewanderingfoodie.blogspot.com/2008/12/thai-cabin-restaurant.html

This time I had the Thai Cabin Noodle - Stir fried broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, carrots and thin rice noodles in wine sauce topped w/peanut sauce. I added tofu to the dish and asked for it "hot". I have to admit that I was disappointed. The sauce was very bland and had no character. And, there was hardly even a trace of heat.

The service as last time was fast and friendly. I'm not sure that I'll try again... last time was good but today was just so-so.

Thai Cabin Restaurant
16165 SW Regatta Ln
Beaverton, OR 97006
(503) 617-4602

Pad Thai Kitchen Restaurant

2009-05-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Erin, and I went to a wonderful Thai restaurant yesterday and everything was delicious, generous and modestly priced. We started with the complimentary Tom Kha Tofu soup which is a hot and sour coconut milk soup with lemongrass, galanga roots, kaffir leaves, mushrooms and tomato. We shared an order of Fresh Salad Rolls which were above average and, again, were tofu based and vegetarian. Erin had Mussamun Curry which is tofu in a mussamun curry paste and coconut milk with potatoe, carrots, onions and roasted peanuts served with rice. I had the Pad Thai and it was delicious and very much above average. The service was OK and the food came up quickly. I would definitely go back anytime.

Pad Thai Kitchen Restaurant

2309 SE Belmont St

Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-8766‎

A Wonderful Weekend - Appetizer Plate - Breakfast In Bed - Art Show

2009-05-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

What an enjoyable weekend it has been... had a wonderful appetizer plate while watching basketball and Nascar featuring several cheeses, fresh organic Georgian peach, strawberries, salami, French bread, kalamata olives, sweet potato salad, tangerine roasted beets and walnuts. Breakfast in bed featuring a delicious asparagus and veggie omelet, more peaches and skillet potatoes and onion. And then to an art fair where both of my wonderfully talented daughters were displaying their works. All the makings for a perfect weekend.

Pho Hung Vietnamese Restaurant

2009-04-30T14:58:00.001-07:00

I had been to this Vietnamese restaurant before and was planning on have one of their pho's... they are always delicious and generous. But today the waiter recommended the special #34 which was Bun Thit Nuong - Grilled pork over rice stick noodles (vermicelli) and vegetables. Also, I ordered Goi Cuon (salad rolls). Everything was delicious and the service was very fast. Their menu is very deep and I brought home their take-out menu to better educate myself and plan on something great for my next visit. The prices are very affordable and the servings are generous.

Pho Hung Vietnamese Restaurant

13227 SW Canyon Rd # B

Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 626-2888

Barbeque Halibut with Oven Roasted Potatoes and French Green Beens

2009-04-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Made a trip to Costco yesterday and couldn't pass up the great looking halibut for under $10/lb. for a thick fillet.

Di Prima Dolci Italian Bakery & Restaurant

2009-04-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful lunch today at Di Prima Dolci Italian Bakery & Restaurant. I had heard they have the best canolli in Portland and had to make the drive. We had some sandwich's, canolli and red pepper, fontina brioche. Everything about this place is authentic Italian. They have beautiful breads, cakes, biscotti and cookies, pastries and tarts to go. We had the Frankie—Rosemary Ham, Coppacolla, Provolone, mayo, romaine lettuce and red onion on our hero roll... and the Patty D Panini - basalmic chicken breast with carmelized onions and goat cheese served with a nice fagioli bean salad. Everything was wonderful and delicious. When in north Portland, you have to try this great Italian place... they also do breakfast and dinner on the weekends.

http://www.diprimadolci.com/DiPrima_Dolci/Home.html

Di Prima Dolci Italian Bakery & Restaurant

1936 N. Killingsworth St

Portland, OR 97217

503-281-5936

Screen Door Restaurant

2009-04-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is some of the BEST southern cooking around. I've tried to do brunch before and there is always quite a wait to get seated... but totally worth it. The staff is friendly and attentive. The food is absolutely delicious and worth any wait. This time, we were able to snag an outside table and were seated quickly. We had the Fried Chicken and Waffle - Spicy buttermilk battered fried chicken over a sweet potato waffle is HUGE, perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked and the waffle came with REAL maple syrup ! ! ! The Eggs Sardou - poached eggs over artichoke hearts & creamed spinach, and an English muffin topped w hollandaise was totally delicious and the grits served with it are the best I've ever had. I was also quite delighted with the Cajun Bloody Mary, a bit spicy with spice mix on the rim and garnished with a pickled okra and olive. I encourage you to visit this place and go to the website and see the menu's... I can't wait to go back ! ! !

http://www.screendoorrestaurant.com/about.html

The Screen Door Restaurant

2337 E Burnside

Portland, OR 97214

Phone: (503)542-0880

Salty's on the Columbia

2009-04-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, odd as it sounds, this was the first time I've been to Salty's on the Columbia. It was a beautiful 80 degree Monday and I enjoyed the view from the deck of boats meandering by on the water and planes taking off from PDX was most enjoyable. We were there for Happy Hour and the hostess, bartender and waitress were extremely friendly and nice. However, the food was very so-so... we had some oyster shooters which were OK... the Coconut Prawns were awful... grease dripping from them and just not good... my Fish Taco's were OK but, honestly, who would serve them with crumbled blue cheese??? The Blackened Salmon Ceasar Salad was good but at $7.99 a bit pricey... it is normally $23.95 on the dinner menu... get out of here!!! I've heard they do a good Sunday brunch but I'm not excited about going back.

Salty's On The Columbia

3839 N.E. Marine Drive

Portland, OR 97211

Restaurant (503) 288-4444

Lupe's Escape Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

2009-04-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I had an enjoyable lunch today at Lupe's Escape. It had been years since I've eaten there and I wasn't disappointed. I had the lunch special, a black bean and chicken burrito. The flavor was right on and it was a generous portion with a ton of chicken in it. The waitress and the owner were very nice and the service was great. Fresh chips and delicious salsa. I've driven past this place a million times on my way to Hillsboro and, now, I've re-discovered a stop for very well made, fresh Mexican food at a great price.

Lupe's Escape

19405 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy

Beaverton, OR 97006-2341
Phone: (503) 591-5278

Thai Kitchen - The Best Pad Thai Ever

2009-04-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

After trying some other Thai places, I had to get back to what I feel serves up the best Pad Thai ever... I was not disappointed. It was truly delicious. Also I had an order of the Salad Rolls: Shrimp, lettuce, rice noodles wrapped with soft rice paper served with peanut sauce... The service was very fast and friendly. This is probably my favorite Thai restaurant

http://www.thaikitchenbeaverton.com/

Thai Kitchen

2840 SW Cedar Hills Blvd

Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 626-7150

Stanich's Ten til One Tavern

2009-04-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have always told anyone who asked that the best burger I've ever had anywhere and at anytime in my life is Stanich's. What is not to love? EVERYTHING is hand cut and prepared per order. "The World's Greatest Hamburger" or "The Special" as the regulars call it has it all. A generous fresh formed hamburger, cheese, onions, tomato,lettuce, bacon, ham and a fried egg is as fresh as you could pray for... perfectly fresh, high quality ingredients.

The atmosphere is "old school" sports tavern and adorned with countless sports memoralabilia and felt team banners everywhere. From the waitresses to the kitchen help (which is a simple flat top to the left of the bar) are as welcoming and fun as you could ever hope for. If you want to die and go to heaven with a high cholesterol, gut bust'n smile on your face... this is the place for you... Best of all, The World's Greatest Hamburger is a mere $6.50... This is truly heaven.

Stanich's Ten til One Tavern

4915 NE Fremont St

Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-2322‎

Tribute to a wonderful, loving dog...

2009-04-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to piece back together the shattered pieces of my broken heart having to put down my wonderful Mattie dog... a rescued dog who brought more love to my life than I ever knew was possible. Memories of her will always live in the warmest parts of my soul... Many wonderful days did we spend crabbing at the coast...

Thailand Restaurant

2009-03-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have had several friends say good things about Thailand Restaurant located just behind the Fred Meyer's at Walker and 158th. And, I have to say that the food was enjoyable. I had the fresh salad rolls and the pad thai both listed below from their online menu. The service was average, they had a reletively nice presentations of their food and the decor was clean and standard Thai theme. Being so close to home, I'm sure I'll try some more things here.

23. Fresh Rolls - Two vegetarian rolls with an assortment of vegetables and rice vermicelli, in a rice paper wrap, served with our tangy sweet and sour sauce topped with grounded peanuts.[ Fresh Rolls $4.50 ]

16. Pad Tai - The most famous! Thai stir fried rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, bean sprouts, eggs, and topped with ground peanut. [ Pad Tai $ 7.50 ]

http://www.thailandrestaurant.net/index.htm

Thailand Restaurant

15915 NW Schendel Ave.

Beaverton, OR 97006

503-629-4969

More From Mio Sushi

2009-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I've really been enjoying my weekly trip to this great sushi place. This week I kicked it up a notch and got the Lunch Sushi Combination - B for $11.95 - 7 pcs sushi and 6 pcs tuna roll, Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, whitefish, shrimp, fresh water eel and octopus.

As always, a great deal and absolutely delicious.

See my previous review of Mio Sushi here:

http://thewanderingfoodie.blogspot.com/2009/03/mio-sushi.html

Thai Basil Restaurant in Lake Oswego

2009-03-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

It was nice to have lunch with my daughter Megan yesterday. As she will be moving to Corvallis for school in ten days, I know I will miss our "lunch dates" very, very much. But Corvallis is not that far away and I know we will still have our get-togethers...

We went to Thai Basil which is located near the I-5 and 217 interchange.

From the lunch menu, I had: PAD THAI -Our famous Thai rice noodles stir-fried with egg, onions, bean sprouts and crushed peanuts in our homemade Pad Thai Sauce.

Megan had: THAI BASIL FRIED RICE -Spicy fried rice with fresh chili, chicken, egg, onions, bell peppers and basil leaves.

I usually measure a Thai restaurant by their Pad Thai... mine was good but nothing spectacular... Megan's fried rice was very good though. They had some interesting curry dishes on the menu that I think I will explore should I get back there again. The restaurant wasn't very crowded ( 1 pm on Sat.) and the service was only so-so... Not much enthusiasm... :( But, a very beautiful decor.

Thai Basil
6328 SW Meadows Rd.
Lake Oswego
OR
503-601-8424
http://www.thaibasilcuisine.com/

Ham, Veggie and Egg Casserole

2009-03-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Had to revisit this dish... it is so good and easy... this time around I added some green onions, minced zucchini, Canadian bacon and red bell pepper... and cut it down to two eggs. I love this dish for breakfast.

Ham Salad Wraps

2009-03-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm.... it's what's for lunch... Ham Salad Wraps with delicious barbeque potato chips... At least the whole wheat tortilla had 11 grams of fiber and had some shredded Romaine lettuce in it...

Mushroom Pizza

2009-03-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am addicted to my pizza. This on is a delicious mushroom pizza sprinkled with fennel seeds. And a very nice crisp whole wheat crust.

Chicken Parmesan

2009-03-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

Had a good deal at the grocery on chicken breast scallops.... a quick dusting of flour with salt and pepper... a dip in a diluted beaten egg... a dip in seasoned panko crumbs... then baked for 30 minutes on a rack at 350 degrees... then spread some marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese and pop back in the oven and broil until deliciously brown and yummy. Add some veggies and some pasta and you have a great balanced meal.

Mio Sushi

2009-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

I had a hankering to have some sushi this weekend. I was browsing the City Search listings for Best Lunch last week and spotted Mio Sushi. As luck would have it, there was one of their restaurants very close to my home. Always a good sign, it was busy but not too crowded. WOW, what a deal. I had the Roll Combination which is 8 pieces of California Roll, 6 pieces of Tuna Roll and 6 pieces of Cucumber Roll. Plus, it included a delicious bowl of Miso Soup. All of this for only $8.50. A great deal. Everything was fresh and delicious and I left happy and sated.

P.S. I had to go back this Saturday too... it is that good... this time I had the Lunch Sushi Combination (A) with 5 pieces of sushi - tuna, yellow tail, salmon, white fish and shrimp along with 6 pieces of tuna roll and, again, with a deliciouse bowl of miso soup... all for $8.95.

I can see this becoming a regular Saturday event. There is so much more to explore.

http://www.miosushi.com/

Mio Sushi

1255 NW 185th Ave.

Beaverton, OR

503-617-9442

Paradox Cafe

2009-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

My daughters and I had a delicious lunch at Paradox Cafe. We are having fun exploring different venue's near Erin's new apartment. The cafe is a kitchy, comfortable place with friendly wait-staff. The Paradox prides themselves for featuring sustainable and organic ingredients that are found locally.

Erin had a red bean, vegetable soup served with a slice of homemade herb and onion bread and fries. Megan, being the contrarian, had a plain hamburger with NO lettuce, tomatoe, onion, pickle or anything else considered vegetarian and fries. And I had a delicious Tempeh Reuben – Melted swiss cheese and sauerkraut over tempeh and vegan 1000 Island on rye and small Mediterranean Salad - Organic spinach topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives & feta with a lemon tahini dressing.

There are very many wonderful dishes on the menu that I would love to try. You can find their website here: http://www.paradoxorganiccafe.com/

Paradox Cafe

3439 SE Belmont St

Portland, OR 97214

(503) 232-7508

East Burn Restaurant

2009-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to be treated to brunch out Sunday. My daughter moved over near the Laurelhurst area and so I was browsing Google for restaurants in the area and found the East Burn. I was delighted to find that there was NO waiting at 10:30 a.m. The bartender was welcoming and I had : the Vivacious Mary- $5 Made with House Smoked Tomatoes and New Deal Distillery-Hot Monkey Vodka. It was delicious and so I had two, actually.

We had the Cow Tipper Omelet -Slices of Marinated Flank Steak, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms and Cheddar Cheese. Topped with Horseradish Cream. And, Cheffrey’s Corned Beef Hash - House Smoked Corned Beef Brisket with Diced Potatoes and Onions. Served with Two Eggs cooked to order and choice of toast.

The flavor of the brisket was absolutely delicous and the flank steak was cooked to perfection.

As a fun, free starter we were brought a plate of tastes of four different doughnuts... cool !

And, there was great background music flowing and adding to the gread experience.

Restaurant site.

http://www.theeastburn.com/

MySpace page...

http://profile.myspace.com/theeastburnpdx

the East Burn

1800 E Burnside

Portland, OR

(503) 236-2876

Farm Fresh Eggs With Potato, Mushroom Hash

2009-02-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Rachel was sooo kind as to share some of her wonderfully fresh from the coop eggs. I can't remember the name of the hens but the eggs are suppose to be lower in cholesterol and they have the most beautiful color. It's almost like they were dyed for Easter, but that is their natural color. So, I sliced up some onions and crimini mushrooms and sauted them with some thawed potato's O'Brien for the perfect potato, mushroom hash. This was one of the most tasty breakfasts in quite a while. THANK YOU, RACHEL ! ! !

Tasty Tuna Salad w/ Tangy Coconut & Chili Sauce

2009-02-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

Made a wonderful tuna salad with celery, red and yellow bell peppers, onion, carrot and chopped cherry tomato's with a mixture of mayo, fat-free plain Greek yogurt and an Indian coconut and chili sauce... Most delicious ! ! !

Whole Wheat, Flax Rotini w/ Sauce

2009-02-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Very healthy whole wheat, flax seed rotini from Trader Joe's combines with homemade pasta sauce. Fresh bell peppers, onions and mushrooms make this a hearty dish.

Delicious Ham And Cheese Egg Casserole

2009-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Saw a version of this on another blog (Cooking Closet : http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2009/02/ham-and-cheese-egg-casserole.html )and had to try it. I basically cut the recipe in half and used cottage cheese, red onion, shredded cheddar, chopped ham, sliced cherry tomtoes and combined it all with beaten eggs. Popped it in the oven for about 45 -50 minutes and it turned out delicious.

Super Bowl Sunday Beef Chili

2009-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Did a HUGE batch of chili for Super Bowl Sunday. Added chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne and fennel seeds... fennel seeds give a unique yummy flavor... Oh, and chipotle peppers in adobo sause, black and pinto bean... and for a twist, a can of corn. It turned out very spicy, healthy and comforting for a cold winter day.

A combination of minced onion, shredded cheese and/or sour cream lets you control the heat.

Healthy Chicken Vegetable Barley Soup

2009-01-31T11:14:00.001-08:00

I had a ton of leftover chicken (roasted two whole birds at once) from doing a "mock" Thanksgiving dinner the other night. So, I needed to get back on the healthy side of things and made this soup.

I simmered the barley and chopped, dried shitake mushrooms in chicken stock for a bit over an hour. Then added the chicken, some poultry seasoning and thyme. Simmered for about 15 minutes more and then added some frozen mixed veggies. Simmered about 5 minutes more.

A very hearty and healthy soup for a cold winter day!

Ham and Veggie Taco's

2009-01-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well, time again to pull stuff together and use up the veggie bin before going shopping.... decided to add some ham, onion, yellow and red bell pepper, zucchini, mushroom and give a quick saute and add a little cheese for some tasty taco's... Easy, fast and very yummy!

Trattoria Contadina, San Francisco

2009-01-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

This was the hightlight of my dining experience in San Francisco. Trattoria Contadina has some of the most personable staff, Alicia, and delicious food in the city. A small, cozy and romantic place. Settling in, I had a delicious MANA'S MOJITO,Cruzan Light Rum, Veeve Acai Liqueur, fresh muddled mint leaves, sugar & fresh lime juice. that was made perfectly. After discussing the menu with Alicia, we decided that a wonderful Grigich Hills Merlot would fit the meal. I started with a Carpaccio di Manzo, thinly sliced raw Filet Mignon with fresh arugula, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, capers and lemon accompanied with perfect Italian bread. I was told that being only served a few times a year, I would be in for a treat having their version of cioppino. It was generously filled with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, salmon and clams. The broth was a delightful blend of tomato, saffron, basil... truely heaven. An etherial experience such as this had to be completed with a perfect dessert to help me finish my delicious wine. I chose the Chocolate Covered Gelato Truffle Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Heart with a raspberry sorbet center and much to my delight the staff offered a delicious after dinner drink of Kalana with steamed milk dusted with cocoa on the house.

As I said, this was the perfect meal with a perfect waitress with perfect weather on a perfect vacation. Alicia usually works on Wednesdays, but with luck you may find her on the weekend.

Trattoria Contadina Italian Restaurant

1800 Mason Street

San Francisco, CA 94133

Telephone Number: (415)982-5728

The Slanted Door Restaurant, San Francisco

2009-01-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Before riding around on some streetcars on my last day, I had a wonderful and delicious lunch at The Slanted Door restaurant in the Ferry Building on the bay. I started with a very generous sized German beer and the Slanted Door spring rolls with shrimp, pork, mint and peanut sauce. Both were light and refreshing. For my entre, I couldn't resist the cellophane noodles with fresh dungeness crab meat... again, light and refreshing and very generous with the Dungeness crab. On my waiter's suggestion, my dessert was a Meyer lemon pot de creme
with ginger snaps. A perfect meal that left me satisfied, yet not too full for a day of traveling.

The Slanted Door

1 Ferry Building

San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 861-8032

More San Francisco sights.

2009-01-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Brioche Bakery, San Francisco

2009-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Just a delightful little bakery on Columbus street with delicious breads, pastries and assorted goodies. I made off with a delicious baguette with pate and pickles and, also, this absolutely wonderful and beautiful pizza topped with caramelized onions and seasonal vegetables on brioche crust.

Wonderful, friendly employees.

Brioche Bakery

210 Columbus Ave.

San Francisco, CA

(415) 765- 0412

More Sights of San Francisco

2009-01-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

Sightseeing San Francisco

2009-01-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Vesuvio Cafe, San Francisco

2009-01-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

On another recommendation by my friend, Clark, I found the Vesuvio Cafe to be a great place to commence the days business. It is a wonderful corner bar that serves no food but will get you going with a great Bloody Mary. The bartenders are very nice and very fun (except Mike... a manager that thinks its important you know he runs the place... much attitude) and the mix of people is a lovely blend of locals and tourists. There are small tables on the second floor that offer fine "people watching" going by on Columbus and Jack Kerouac Alley. The atmosphere is buzzing at night, yet it is a relaxed, quiet place to chat or read in the afternoon. Lots of kitchy art on the walls and stained glass lighting above. Very much a '50's beatnik hangout... lots of flavor.

Vesuvio Cafe

255 Columbus Ave

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 362-3370

Molinari Delicatessen, San Francisco

2009-01-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

Man 'o man... do I ever wish this deli was close to my neighborhood. Everything, the best of Italy, is located here. Beautiful side dishes, any kind of salumi or cheese. All specialty items to make your picnic or Italian themed event the best. Olive oils, garnishes, pasta, wine... they have it all. Great sandwiches and I want another NOW ! ! !

Molinari

373 Columbus Ave

(between Grant Ave & Vallejo St)

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 421-2337

The Stinking Rose, San Francisco

2009-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Another great encounter with this restaurant specializing in garlic dishes. As they claim... "they season their garlic with food." IF YOU LOVE GARLIC, YOU'LL LOVE THIS PLACE ! ! ! I kept things simple and started with the Bagna Calda which is: Garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovy. A wonderful treat for spreading on our house-baked focaccia bread. Served at your table in an iron skillet. And then followed with Gnocchetti with Garlic gorgonzola, asparagus & toasted pine nuts... of course, I had to add some of the roasted garlic cloves from the appetizer. And finished with a chocholate tiramisu. They are even in the Guiness Book of World Records with the longest braided garlic strand hanging in the rafters.

The Stinking Rose
325 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 781-7673

Caffe Puccini, San Francisco

2009-01-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful breakfast at Caffe Puccini. They make a very satisfying scrambled egg, ham and cheese on focaccia. I wish I could drink coffee as they were serving some of the best looking and smelling Italian coffee. Apparently, the owner make delicious sauces and combines them with wonderful past at night.

Cafe Puccini

411 Columbus Ave

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 989-7033

House Of Nanking, San Francisco

2009-01-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

On the advice of my friend, Clark, I sought out the House of Nanking for lunch while in San Francisco this past weekend. As Clark described, it is some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. The place is a tiny, hole in the wall place. And, it's best to get there to be seated first as there is alway a line going down the block to get in.

I had some delicious fried shrimpcakes with peanut sauce and followed with perfectly cooked sesame chicken. An interesting twist on this dish was the sliced sweet potato and squash. The prices are some of the most affordable you could ever expect.

It is highly rated by Zagat and Frommer's.

House Of Nanking

919 Kearny St

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 421-1429

Blue Moose Cafe

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

I had another delightful lunch with a friend at the Blue Moose Cafe in northeast Portland. It is a small, kid friendly, neighborhood restaurant that has an excellent variety of vegetarian offerings. The service is fast and very friendly. They bring you a few small samplers of their choice of soups made fresh daily. The prices are modest and the food is outstanding.

Blue Moose Cafe

4936 NE Fremont St.

Portland, OR 97213

(503) 548-4475

More Herb Infused Pizza

2008-12-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

Well, after several days of "cabin fever", I was able to get together with my daughters and celebrate Christmas. Megan particularly liked my previous post and wanted a herb infused pizza crust. We had it several ways and it was a wonderful get together. One is split, half with onions and mushrooms and half with bell peppers. The other has Canadian bacon, black olives, onions and bell peppers.

Zucchini Pizza With Herb Infused Crust

2008-12-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

For these wonderful pizza's, I made a dough for the crust that was infused with rosemary and thyme. A check of the veggie bin found zucchini, onion, mushrooms and black olives. One I used just a very small bit of cheese and a bit more on the other. Also spinkled some fennel seeds on top...

Barley Vegetable Stew

2008-12-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

And, with this cold, snowy weather I thought a hearty stew would fit the bill. Some dried shitake mushrooms and mushroom broth lent a delicious flavor. Seasoned with rosemary and thyme and a bit of cajun seasoning for zip. I added a bit of shredded cheese at the end for a very rich tasting treat.

Portland Blizzard

2008-12-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

WOW... haven't seen a dump of snow like this in the 27 yrs. that I've lived here. It was actually quite nice to be snowed in for three days. I had plenty of wood for the fireplace and had gone grocery shopping the day before. Some reading, guitar playing, good sports on TV and hot buttered rum were the fine spots of the days.

Very Cute Olive Penguin Appetizers

2008-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Two of my very good friends, Deb and Pete, had a birthday celebration the other day. There was wonderful smoked brisket, pulled pork, deviled eggs, pasta salads, potato salad and more. For my part, I borrowed an idea to make olive penguins from: http://onceuponaplate.blogspot.com/2008/12/olive-penguins.html

These were a bit labor intensive. I had a very helpful email from Mari at the Once Upon A Plate blog and she gave me some tips on getting the cream cheese into the olives and how to neaten them up. Thanks Mari ! !

The penguins were a hit and everyone thought they were very creative and cute. ALL of the food was absolutely delicious and it was so very nice to spend the evening with such good friends. Thanks to all ! ! !

Oregon Dungeness Crab

2008-12-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

A week or so ago, there was Dungeness crab on sale at most grocery stores... I had to get my fill and picked up a few. Keeping true to my favorites, I had a wonderful crab salad. And, with the leftovers, I fixed a great crab omelette for breakfast the next day.

Thai Cabin Restaurant

2008-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

Almost forgot to post this review... from several, several weeks ago. My friend, Toni, recommended the Thai Cabin Restaurant that was formerly the Thai Orchid Restaurant over across the street from Fred Meyer on Walker & 158th. Having trouble at this late date to remember exactly what I had, but it was very, very good. The service was fast and friendly and the price was good.

Thai Cabin Restaurant

16165 SW Regatta Ln

Beaverton, OR 97006

(503) 617-4602

Old Wives Tale Restaurant

2008-12-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful dinner with my friend Madrona at Old Wives Tale. This restaurant is always a safe bet to find veggie and gluten-free meals that you can add omnivor add-ons if you like. She had BRAISED VEGETABLES (Parsnips, rutabagas, yams, napa cabbage, red onion, white beans and roasted red pepper braised with apple juice, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, tamari and cornstarch) with a side of taters all of which tasted delicious. And I had CHIPOLTE ADOBO VEGETABLES (Very spicy melange of yams, zucchini, corn, fire-roasted red peppers, onion, cilantro, lime juice, epazote, oregano, coriander, cumin, garlic, a pinch of sugar and canola oil, garnished with salsa fresca and tortilla chips) with a side of black beans. It, too, was very tasty. And we shared a house salad with a cucumber vinegrette.

Old Wives Tale Restaurant

1300 E Burnside St

Portland, OR 97214

(503) 238-0470

First Vegetarian Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

OK... so this was a substantial stretch for me. I did my homework and found the Quorn Turk'y Roast to be recommended over Tofurky... If you want the "skinny" on this product, find it in this interesting blog posting: http://notmeat.blogspot.com/2007/11/quorn-turky-roast.html
I knew key sides would be the make or break factor so a good stuffing and gravy were essential. AND, what a patient, beautiful brown boxer waiting for dinner by the fire!! Good doggie!!

Pre-Thanksgiving Pizza

2008-11-28T05:36:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, for the love of pizza...

While trying to use up things in the fridge before Thanksgiving shopping, I threw together this tasty morsel. Lacking pizza sauce, I used a light dressing of salsa. Add onions, black olives, green pepper and roasted red pepper, it was delicious.

Beefy Pasta

2008-11-25T02:31:00.000-08:00

Cleaning out the fridge to get ready for Thanksgiving came down to a heartwarmng pasta dish. A trio of peppers minced and used as garnish gave the plate nice color.

Pumpkin Bread & Vegetable Pasta

2008-11-21T22:48:00.000-08:00

Re-did a pumpkin bread from Trader Joes but this time added some delicious, fresh walnuts that I picked up at a local farm and, also, added some dried cranberries. Turned out great. And, I got back to a delicious rotini and veggie bake that I always love but have not made in quite a while. The feta cheese makes it rich and the slight carmelization is wonderful. Some added basil, fennel seed and extra garlic really add great flavor.

Tomato-Lentil Soup

2008-11-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

With the fall chill in the air, I thought this would be a heart warming soup. I always like recipes with few ingredients and this fits the bill. I used a "fire roasted" type of tomatoes that gave depth and dimension to the dish. It turned out delicious, vegan and very nutritious.

Roasted Squash Pizza

2008-11-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most delicious pizza's I've ever made... Starts with a rosemary infused pizza dough, a bunch of chopped mushrooms, diced roasted winter squash and seasoned with fennel, red pepper flakes and ground pepper. A few days ago, I did pretty much the same pizza with a thyme infused pizza dough and it too was wonderful.

Crabbing in Seaside.

2008-11-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

It was such a beautiful day last Monday that I had to make a trip to the coast to go crabbing. The fall colors were spectacular on the drive over there and it was t-shirt weather with no wind on the 12th Ave. bridge where I usually go. And, there was bounty.

Yum..... Dirty Rice...

2008-10-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

I picked up some of the best andoille sausage from a place called Pooches just out side of New Orleans. Already I'm missing some of the great food that I had there on my vacation. Just a little doctoring and this turned out great.

Yummy breakfasts...

2008-10-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Finishing up the last of my unbelievably tasty Paul Robison tomatoes. One is along side a delicious crustless quiche from Trader Joes.

And nothing like breakfast in bed for Sunday football. A few eggs on tomatoes and toast with some chicken, sundried tomato sausage.

Post NOLA...

2008-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit slack on posts since getting back from New Orleans. But, I haven't been starving. Most meals have been very healthy to make up for indulgences on my trip. Anyway, here are some standouts.

God, I love pizza. And this was one of my favorites.

Nothing like fresh winter squash with some grated parmasean.

Of course, my old standby of rice with veggies and grated cheese. My dog, Mattie is always happy having some of this mixed with her kibble.

A delicious apple crisp made with Honeysweet apples.

Some pictures from New Orleans trip

2008-10-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

From hopping street cars to just wandering around. Here are some things from my New Orleans trip.

A very cute little girl on the St. Charles streetcar.

I heard an interesting story about Emeril from some locals.

A typical courtyard.

Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Originally built in 1724 it had to be rebuilt twice — after a fire and then following a hurricane.

And, classic New Orleans transportation.

Electric Ladyland Tattoo, New Orleans, LA

2008-10-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess this is somewhat food related.... it is a crawfish... playing the sax... with music coming out...

Anyway, I've always had this idea in my head of the perfect tattoo that would encompass what I love most about New Orleans... fantastic food and the best music. I worked with Cameron Sweet at Electric Ladyland Tatto and he is the best. After being recommended, he was enthused and came in on his day off to get this done. Showing tremendous talent, he took my idea and then drew it freehand on my calf. I thinks the results speak for themself. I am delighted and think it looks spectacular. Thanks again, Cameron!

The Corner Oyster Bar and Grill and Fleur-de-Lis Cafe

2008-10-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Breakfast on Wednesday was had at the Corner Oyster Bar and I had a Gumbo Omlette. Although the picture is deceiving, it was chock full of anduille sausage, chicken, okra, other veggies and a great creole sauce. The grits were so-so.

Corner Oyster Bar & Grill
500 Saint Peter St

New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-2999‎

On Thursday I wondered into the Fleur-de-Lis Cafe. Although I forgot to take a picture of it, I had a fabulous Seafood Omlette with really good hash browns. The omlette was full of crawfish, shrimp, mushrooms, green onions, bell pepper and cheddar cheese. Delicious!!

Fleur-de-Lis Cafe

307 Chartres Street

New Orleans, LA

504-529-9641

Hookah Cafe - New Orleans, LA

2008-10-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

This was my destination for dinner on Wednesday. It was almost directly across the street from my hotel. It is a dark and mysterious place that promised good tapas and seafood. My waitress asked "if I was smoking tonight?"... After my eyes adjusted to the light, I noticed that there were several tables of people smoking from hookah's... "Not tonight." I responded. But it was very interesting to observe.

One of the things I "earmarked" for dining out was to have their fried green tomatoes. So I ordered their Fried Green Tomato Napoleon - A triple stack of fried tomatoes layered with shrimp, Louisiana crawfish and crab meat with a rich butter cream sauce. Incredibly good!

From there, I had the Marigny Bouillabaisse. It, too, was wonderful with tons of fish and seafood.

Finally, I had to indulge myself and had Pecan Praline Creme Brulee... probably the best thing I've ever had.

Hookah Cafe

500 Frenchmen St.

New Orleans

(504) 943-1101

El Gato Negro - New Orleans, LA

2008-10-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

This place is located by the French Market and is highly touted as a VERY authentic Mexican restaurant. Originally, I tried to go there for breakfast as they serve Huevos Rancheros which is one of my favorite breakfasts and Mexican dishes. Unfortunately, as I was told at lunch, they only open and serve breakfast on the weekend.

That said, I had been riding the street cars all day and I was absolutely starving when I came back for lunch. I had a fish taco with rice and beans. I know the picture looks very plain, but that is the rustic quality of authentic Mexican food. Anyway, it was absolutely delicious and inexpensive. Highly recommended!!

And, I thought I would include a picture of a beautiful statue of Joan of Ark that is situated right next to the French Market.

El Gato Negro

81 French Market Place

New Orleans, LA 70116

504.525.9752

Adolfo's - New Orleans, LA

2008-10-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is a real "hole in the wall" restaurant. It is located upstairs above a bar on Frenchman St. There is only a single door labeled Adolfo's... upstairs.

I felt the food here was very mediocre. On Tuesday, I started with Soft Shelled Crab done with a heavy butter, cheese and crawfish sauce. The sauce really overpowered the delicate taste of the crab. Then, a very non-descript salad. And then had the Red Snapper, again, in a very heavy cream, crawfish based sauce. It was OK, but I felt it didn't have the bang for the buck.

Also, take cash. I was having my salad when the couple next to me went to pay their bill and were told, "Cash only!". So, I had to get up during my meal to go to the cash machine across the street. It would have been nice to been informed of this by the waiter or a notice on the menu or sign on the front door.

Adolfo's

611 Frenchmen St.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

504 948 3800

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro · New Orleans, LA

2008-10-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

I got into New Orleans around 9:30 PM and was ready for a late dinner. Snug Harbor is a wonderful jazz bistro where you can sit at the bar for dinner while live music from the jazz show is piped in from the lounge in back. This gives you a chance to hear the music before you pay a cover and go into the show.

Actually, I had dinner here twice... on my first night and my last night. On monday I had the shrimp creole. On Thursday I had the Crawfish Etouffe. Both were absolutely delicious.

This place is just outside the French Quarter and is very "low key"... this is where the locals go. The staff are especially warm and welcoming.

Also, of note, across the street is a great jazz club called The Spotted Cat. There is FREE jazz there nightly and a bottle of Bud is only $2. Again, the locals and bartenders are fun and welcoming.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

626 Frenchmen Street

New Orleans, LA 70116

504.949.0696

Tasty Tomato Sandwich

2008-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

A week or two ago, I had a wonderful tomato harvest. It seems like I had a tomato sandwich, or a variation of it, every day for quite a while. Some good toast, mayo, fresh basil, garden fresh tomato's and salt and pepper makes for a very tasty sandwich

Three Square Grill in Hillsdale, OR

2008-09-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Went to dinner with my daughter, Megan, at Three Square Grill in Hillsdale a suburb of Portland. It is very much a restaurant in the "slow food" tradition. The venue is small and intimate. Seems to be very much family run. The food is superb ! ! !

To start, we shared:

Potato-Leek Pancake with our Coho Salmon Lox + Cultured Creme Fraiche.

Spicy Garlic Fries with Habañero Salt and Malt Vinegar.

Fried Okra, Pickles + Hushpuppies with Jalapeño Jelly.

For dinner, I had:

Fried Catfish with Oyster, Shrimp + Crawfish Etoufée over Corn Grits and Collards.

And, Megan had:

Penne Pasta Baked with Chicken, Roast Tomato + Tiny Eggplant, Pesto and Tumalo Tomme.

They also make their own hot sauce. Both were tasty and the habenero one wasn't to hot.

Three Square Grill

6320 SW Capitol Highway

Portland, Oregon 97201

Phone: (503) 244-4467

Dungeness Crab Quesadilla

2008-09-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Finished off the crab by making a basic quesadilla... And, did some barbeque salmon.

Dungeness Crab Omelette

2008-09-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of the Pacific Northwest is when Dungeness crab is plentiful and the price comes down to $2.99 / lb..... A favorite of mine is a Dungeness crab omelette. A generous amount of crab, basil and tomato make this dish fast, simple and delicious !

Tasty Halibut Wraps

2008-09-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Gosh, halibut sure has gotten expensive... so, to put some delicious leftovers to work I made these halibut wraps.

Metropolitan Grill - Seattle

2008-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

I indulged myself with a train ride to Seattle to watch an exhibition game between the Seattle Seahawks and my Oakland Raiders. The train ride was peaceful and I enjoyed reading an interesting book on the round trip. The game was as to be expected (more or less, the final tryouts for both clubs); however, an excellent seat on the 50 yardline made this an exceptional treat.

Before going to this night game, I had the chance to visit the Metropolitan Grill. It was highly recommended by a friend and I read that it is one of the best steakhouses in the country. Coincidentally, it was located two blocks from my hotel ( Arctic Club) and walking distance to the stadium. I was able to slide in at 4:30 and enjoy a fabulous filet and lobster dinner. Started with a Ceasar Salad that had delicious fresh anchovies, enjoyed a fine Seven Hills Merlot and finished with a Creme Brule'... only had half.. :-) This restaurant specializes in prime aged beef and what a treat it was. Everything about this place is splendid and if you have an occasion in Seattle, it would be hard to find a better place.

P.S. Sorry for the mediocre pictures... from my phone.

820 2nd Ave

Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-3287

Wall Garden, Buddha, Green Beans and Hog's Head Cheese

2008-08-28T11:43:00.001-07:00

Well, I finally put up the flower sconces so that Buddha would be honored... This has turned the porch into a wonderful sanctuary with the border lined with potted tomato's and herbs.

Also, I celebrated completing my blood tests with a slice of tasty Hog's Head Cheese from a place near New Orlean's... very good indeed. As I'm scheduled to go there in about six weeks, I sure hope Hurricane Gustav spares the Gulf of bad damage...

Mmmm, looks like green beans for dinner... maybe, tossed with some BACON and onions!!!

Raspberry Hazelnut Salmon

2008-08-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well, two days left till a follow-up test for cholesterol and tryglycerites... what a brilliant idea... have some salmon. Just microwaved it with some low fat salad dressing and it came out moist and delicious.... And, I have really been enjoying a mix of rice and veggies with a bit of grated cheese... yum !

Salvador Molly's For Lunch

2008-08-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful lunch with my daughter, Erin. We always enjoy Salvador Molly's for lunch and it was a beautiful day to sit outside. I had the Fish Taco's and she had the Mojo Veggie Burrito...

BAJA FISH TACOS Sal’s Famous beer battered cod topped withEnsenada aioli, salsa fresca, Yucatan pickledonions, cotija cheese and cabbage with coconutrice and black beans.

MOJO VEGGIE BURRITO Choose from our Mojo Kalua pork, jerk chickenCaesar, Yucatan chicken, or Mojo veggie – we’llstuff it all into a huge flour tortilla with coconutrice, black beans, salsa fresca and three cheeses.Topped with cream and guacamole.

Salvador Molly's
1523 SW Sunset Blvd.
Portland, OR
(503) 293-1790

Weekend fun and games...

2008-08-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

My friends Rick, Deb and JR had a fabulous barbeque on Saturday... unfortunately, I forgot my camera but I will hopefully take loan of others pictures for future reference... That said, the event was the unveiling of Ricks birthday gift from Deb.... A GAS POWERED BLENDER ! ! !

A suvivalists necessity, it is perfect for camping, block parties or early morning smoothies as payback for the neighbor running his leaf blower too early last weekend.

Deliciously smoked brisket and tasty sides were the fare of the day. For my part, I baked some thyme infused loaves of bread and a black bean and corn salad. Fortunately, my bread turned out OK after accidentally turning the oven off after 20 min.... luckly, I had two pizza stones in the over so it held heat for the 10 -15 min. it took me to turn it back on... :-)

It was a wonderful night and the food was perfect and it was especially nice to be with such a great group of friends.... Thanks to all !

Diet and Prepared Foods

2008-08-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Well... I just didn't feel like cooking last night so I went to the freezer to see what the possibilities were. AND, I sure didn't want to mess up my diet ( down 30 lbs. in 12 weeks ). Came upon two tasty things. One was a vegetarian chili that I dressed up with some non-fat Greek yogurt and the other was some delicious gnocchi w/tomato and cheese from Trader Joes... As you can see, sodium aside, the nutritional breakdown was pretty darn healthy... very low fat... AND, lots of fiber for to get the chloresterol and triglycerides down... got an important follow-up blood check soon...

Ham and Pasta Salad

2008-08-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, with several days at around 100 degrees, this cool refreshing salad is most welcome. Some fresh basil, crunchy celery, onions, peas and peppers make this one a real champ.

Tasty Focaccia

2008-08-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Just add a nice salad and you have the perfect light dinner.