Why I love Portland

I love Kennedy School on 33rd/Killingsworth area in Portland,...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:21:51 -0400

I love Kennedy School on 33rd/Killingsworth area in Portland, OR, but it does have some quirks. The public (21+) used to be allowed in the outdoor hot tub for $5/hr until 10 pm, now it’s only 8pm and it’s not adults only. I do NOT like being in a pool with children. Also, the service in the restuarant/bars is painful. Otherwise the space is amazing as it’s a converted school and has been updated beautifully.

I love to look at this!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:11:22 -0500

I love to look at this!

Donut Dash and Dine Results-Portland

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:08:49 -0500

So this past Saturday, we invited some people over for a Donut Dash and Dine. The idea is that everyone goes to different Donut Shops at the same time, gets the same kind of donut (in this case, raised chocolate frosted) and brings it back to a central location (our house), where hot coffee is waiting.

We tasted for Best overall, best smell, dough flavor, dough texture, icing flavor, icing texture and the ultimate loser. We tested (though not all pictured): Donuts Plus in Beaverton, Helen Bernhards, Fred Meyer, Annies, Krispy Kreme, and Acme. Missing is Tonallis, Coco, Delicious Donuts, Whole Foods, Safeway, New Seasons and Heavenly on Lombard.

Helen’s took top honors, Donuts plus had marginally more aromatic dough, but wasn’t a better overall experience, but definitely comprable. Krispy Kremes were the worst (and there were 9 of us). They were also the most expensive. Acme was the real surprise, because despite a non-competitive dough, they did go for the dark chocolate ganache instead of the classic milk chocolate icing - it was buttery and melted instantly.

Helen Bernhard, congratulations! You’ve won this round and move on to compete with the aforementioned shops at a date in the near future. The first time I had your donuts (http://www.helenbernhardbakery.com/), I thought they were dreamy and reminded me of my all-time favorite donut shop in NYC, The Donut Pub (http://www.donutpub.com/home.aspx : Make sure you turn off your speakers! Music is horrible). That’s the penultimate donut experience as it’s a proper counter where you can sit on your swivel chair at 4 in the morning and have a donut and a coffee.

Anyhow, there you have it-

Full Moon Thai thumbs up on Broadway

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:34:00 -0500

Full Moon Thai just opened on Broadway/39th, where the ill-fated Broadway Rose has recently shut down. Just opposite Gordon’s fireplaces. We were skeptical because restaurants just don’t seem to do well in that spot and-well, it’s always scary to try something new. Anyhow-we got: Mild Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Egg Rolls, Pork Pad See Maw (Drunken Noodles) medium spice and an order of medium spice Pad Thai. My review:

Nice atmosphere

Pleasant, attentive and not overbearing service

Presentation was an A+, they made the carrot flowers and cucumber fans, etc.

Everything was served hot and was absolutely delicious. They’re open Fri/Sat until 10 and rest of the week until 9p. They do offer delivery for orders over $25.

It’s maybe not the best ‘date’ place since the outside doesn’t look so hot, but hopefully that will improve in the summertime. If you like Thai food, I encourage all of you (especially those new neighbors) to get out and try the restaurants around there. This one has superb food (defined as: flavorful, not greasy, perfectly cooked meat and noodles presented beautifully) and, if you can overlook the entrance for now is an awesome new spot.

3445 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232

Pambiche is in a building that you kind of can’t miss and...

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:04:00 -0500

Pambiche is in a building that you kind of can’t miss and almost always has a line. It’s Cuban food that supposedly has a great reputation, but I thought the food was bland. And overpriced. Considering diners are outside on picnic tables while hovering hordes of hungry would-be patrons watch every bite you take, hoping it’s your last, the whole scene is just hype played out. We order the plantains and Moros & Cristianos ~ Black turtle beans and long grained white rice cooked with a bacon sofrito, pork, ham masitas and creole herbs and spices. Seems like something that’s hard to have come out bland. I will say the waitstaff was fairly efficient and, while not actually nice, were pleasant enough. Not sure I’ll be back anytime soon. I give it ** (two stars).

2811 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97232 : (503) 233-0511 : www.pambiche.com