Acclaimed restaurants with organic farm to table ingredients, an unsurpassed craft beer community, a reputable food carts culture with authentic flavors from around the world make up the dynamic culinary scene that’s been marinating here in Portland, Oregon.
There’s Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Lebanese, Polish, Mongolian, Peruvian, Cambodian, Bosnian, Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles, Creole, and New York Bagels. Gluten Free options abound, and restaurants offering full vegetarian, Paleo, or vegan menus can be found in every region of Portland metro. The brunch scene is a phenomenon that has even warranted it’s own Portlandia episode. The dark quirky taverns and upscale lounges serve artisan cocktails that include house distilled liquors, and bitters in flavors like rhubarb and Jamaican Jerk. While the extreme coffee culture here allows snobbish sippers the opportunity to spend an hour or more discussing beans and chemex apparatuses with their local barista. It’s true, that this West Coast town is a gastronomical force to be reckoned with.
In the spirit of memorable meals, our Realtors Dish and reminisce about their favorite dining experiences and delectable dishes:
Kelly Stafford –
Mortons: A cajun style Ribeye and a dirty Martini. What more does a girl need?
Veritable Quandary: great patio for the summer, I have had the best salad and Creme brûlée of my life here. A Portland Classic!
Ravioli with Lemon & Fromage Blanc at Veritable Quandary in downtown Portland. Image courtesy, Ruth Harnup
Tasty n’ Sons: It doesn’t matter what else is on the menu, because its all about the polenta with poached egg and sausage ragu. YUM!
Boke Bowl, Boke Bowl, Boke Bowl, go see why you need to eat at Boke Bowl.
Luda shares her family’s favorite restaurant.
Luda Mayzus –
Nicholas Restaurant (Lebanese on SE Grand). Nothing fancy here. My family loves My children love their freshly baked pita bread, saffron rice, hummus, falafel with yogurt dip, and beef kebabs! If there is no dinner, we get a take out and they are so happy. That is why it is my favorite restaurant!
Tammie is no stranger to indulgence at a Portland favorite, Zell’s.
Tammie Ellis –
Zell’s: Hands down Zell’s on 12th and Morrison is the best breakfast in town. The lines on the weekend proves how great the food and service is. It is always a great time to visit Zell’s for breakfast or lunch but I love to start a lazy summer day off with a stop at Zell’s. If I get really lucky, the menu will have the delicious crunchy French toast topped with seasonal fresh berry crème fraiche mixture. YUMMY!!!!
Scones at Zell’s, a favorite brunch spot in Portland. Image courtesy, eyeliam
Caldera Public House : This might be the best known secret in town for an after work stop with friends. A cold adult beverage, crazy great food, and a patio canopied by trees that you can escape the day and just breath. I highly recommend a visit on a warm summer night, you will not be disappointed.
Ryan has a taste for top-notch sour beers.
J. Ryan Conklin
Por Que No: I applaud any restaurant with shirts that simply say, “I love tacos.”
Por Que No in Portland, always a line out the door.
Cascade Barrel House: Excellent food and award winning sour beers.
There Be Monsters: Good food and a generous happy hour.
Where ever your taste buds lead you, ENJOY!
Written by Jennifer Kane, Expanded Exposure LLC.