Ivan Ramen

May 26, 2015 by 12 Comments

For today’s Travel Tuesday, I am taking you to New York City and Ivan Ramen. Located at Gotham West Market, which is like a food court but with eight really really nice food booth restaurants, in Hell’s Kitchen, Ivan Ramen is the brainchild of Tokyo Ramen Master Ivan Orkin. If you’re thinking that does not sound Japanese at all, you’re right. He’s an American, but lives in Japan (it seems he fell in love with Japan when he went there to teach English in the 80s and has never looked back). He even has a ramen joint there in Japan- and the only place to get his ramen outside Tokyo is in New York, at one of two locations. One of them is the Slurp Shop here at Gotham West Market.

Gotham West Market, New York

I was fascinated by the idea of a foreigner being able to break into the food scene in Tokyo, particularly with something as beloved as ramen. Ramen can differ by region – and in fact there are even Ramen Museums. Yes, entire museums… and more than one museum. You can also take a bath in ramen. I don’t really have anything to say about that, if only you could see my face when reading that article though… anyway.

So in New York, off I went to Ivan Ramen. I had been eating a progressive meal every day I was in New York, and honestly was about to go to dinner at Todd English Food Hall after this stop (and I had eaten earlier at Chelsea Market), so I told myself I would only eat half the bowl. But… yeah I ate the whole thing. The kitchen was pretty busy when I arrived, with most of the seats taken at the tables and bar countertop. Thankfully, shortly after I ordered at the register, some bar seats opened and I had a chance to carefully study the Art of the Slurp illustrated at the countertop of Ivan Ramen.
The bustling kitchen of Ivan Ramen at Gotham West Market Instructions of The Art of the Slurp from Ivan Ramen in Gotham West Market

This is the famous Spicy Red Chili Ramen with minced pork, scallions, smashed egg, fully loaded with egg, extra pork and roast tomato.
Spicy Red Chili Ramen with minced pork, scallions, smashed egg, fully loaded with egg, extra pork and roast tomato. Ivan Ramen, Gotham West Market, New York

I was not shy about adding all the garlic oil in the container. Look at how beautifully cut those scallions are. What makes Ivan’s ramen different than most you might try in the US is that he does a double soup, where they combine two broths to create a balance of flavors in the ramen bowl.
Spicy Red Chili Ramen with minced pork, scallions, smashed egg, fully loaded with egg, extra pork and roast tomato. Ivan Ramen, Gotham West Market, New York Spicy Red Chili Ramen with minced pork, scallions, smashed egg, fully loaded with egg, extra pork and roast tomato. Ivan Ramen, Gotham West Market, New York

If you visit Ivan Ramen, rest assured that he has vegetarian ramen available from his menu of about half a dozen noodle options. The only thing you should definitely be aware of is that the ramen is not cheap – it starts at $13, not counting any add ons or making it fully loaded like I did. As with all ramen, it’s always good to eat it relatively quickly because you don’t want the noodles to get too soggy as it absorbs the broth. I also recommend grabbing a glass of water for yourself – often just drinking the broth is enough for me, but it was a bit on the salty side for me so I needed the water as well.

Besides ramen, there are also rice bowls at Ivan Ramen NYC Slurp Shop, and most intriguing, a breakfast menu and a brunch menu involving scrambled eggs and breakfast buns (Japanese breakfast sausage, scallion omelet, yuzu hollandaise) or sweet silken tofu and more! Check out the Slurp Shop menu!

I leave this Travel Tuesday post with some great advice from Gotham West Market:
Gotham West Market advice: Sleep Til You're Hungry, Eat Til You're Sleepy

If you wish you could taste the creations of Ivan… there actually is an opportunity coming up in Portland on Saturday, June 13. As part of the Salt Fire Water series presented by Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen, with Ingredient Sponsor New Seasons Market at the Jacobsen Salt Co.’s headquarters and event space, Chef Earl Ninsom of Lang Baan and Chef Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen are working together to create a special dinner. The cost of the dinner is $135 ticket and includes five courses, four glasses of the featured wines, producer/chef discussions, and the ability to purchase special product, books, etc. at event.

Only 50 seats are available…. and I am going to be in one of those seats! Of course I’ll share the recap after the dinner if you want to vicariously live through me. The IVAN RAMEN + LANG BAAN – Jacobsen Salt Co.’s SALT FIRE WATER tickets seem to be sold out (no surprise here since Earl Ninsom’s Lang Baan is basically sold out until November, and Ivan Orkin usually spends his time either in Tokyo or New York where his restaurants are so it’s a big deal for him to be in Portland cooking for us), but you can check out more SALT FIRE WATER events here at Eventbrite.

Are you a big fan of ramen? Would you go to a Ramen Museum (I am contemplating visiting one on a future visit to Japan)? What food would you like to see be a museum here in the US?
Have you seen the movie that celebrates the artistry and deliciousness of ramen, Tampopo? It’s one of my top food movies!

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Good Reverend’s Burger at Reverend’s BBQ

May 22, 2015 by 3 Comments

When I last visited, I had a mixed experience at Reverend’s BBQ.  It was still when they were relatively new though, and I wanted to give them another chance. Specifically, I vowed to return for the delicious sounding burger. And it has come to pass.

The Good Reverend’s Burger at Reverend’s BBQ is so good, I can only leave these photos for you and hope they argue for themselves. I truly believe this is among the best burgers in Portland. And, I can’t think of a more American way to celebrate President’s Day or Memorial Day or Independence Day or Any Day and America then this burger, and as I was eating this for lunch, I saw many a platter of this going out of the kitchen to the tables around me.

A look at Reverend's BBQ, Portland exterior A look at Reverend's BBQ, Portland exterior A look at Reverend's BBQ, Portland exterior Reverend's BBQ, interior of restaurant Reverend's BBQ, interior of restaurant Reverend's BBQ, interior of restaurant

The burger comes with 1 side, but why not get a second side? Like the side of mac and cheese, creamy and thick and topped with potato chips. Also good is the griddled polenta topped with creamed corn and tasso ham.
Reverend's BBQ side of mac and cheese, creamy and thick and topped with potato chips Reverend's BBQ side of griddled polenta topped with creamed corn and tasso ham

And finally, The Good Reverend’ Burger with Brisket Burnt Ends, Pimento Cheese, House Pickles, Iceberg, Mayo, and lots of Crispy Fried Onions
Reverend's BBQ The Good Reverend’ Burger with Brisket Burnt Ends, Pimento Cheese, House Pickles, Iceberg, Mayo, and lots of Crispy Fried Onions Reverend's BBQ The Good Reverend’ Burger with Brisket Burnt Ends, Pimento Cheese, House Pickles, Iceberg, Mayo, and lots of Crispy Fried Onions

No more words needed. America!
Reverend's BBQ The Good Reverend’ Burger with Brisket Burnt Ends, Pimento Cheese, House Pickles, Iceberg, Mayo, and lots of Crispy Fried Onions

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Recipe for Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw

May 18, 2015 by 12 Comments

Have you ever had this Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw? Supposedly it’s a common staple to see at potlucks and gatherings, but I’ve never seen it. I was sooo curious though, and I thought this would be a great dish to remind you of with Memorial Day weekend coming, up, as well as summer and potential potlucks and picnics.

There are other recipes I’ve seen out there using ramen which is making a strange comeback as an ingredient, such as Ramen Burgers and Ramen Grilled Cheese, Ramen Casserole or Ramen Snack Mix Ramen Omelet or even Ramen Pizza – all that I haven’t had the courage to attempt to make (see some example possibilities here). I thought I would take my first step with a Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw.
My take on Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw Easy and fast to make (also a great value in terms of cost of ingredients), Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw

Ramen is not the main ingredient of this slaw, which is super easy and fast to make – it is just the highlight that makes what would otherwise be a slaw into something else because of all the fun textures with every bite. The textures make this side dish fun as well as tasty, and as an accompaniment to a many times of proteins (especially bbq) can provide a great balance. Plus love having a slaw option that doesn’t involve Mayo but is not just a regularly expected salad.

This recipe serves 4-8 depending on the size of the slaw side you are dishing up! 4 would be some pretty big sides, more like if it was the only side to your protein.

Ingredients:

  • For the Dressing:
    • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
    • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
    • 4 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
    • Seasoning Packet From one 3 ounce Ramen Noodle Package
  • For the Slaw:
    • 1 12 ounce package of Broccoli Slaw. This is in the refrigerated prepared salad/veggies section of your regular grocery store, or you can shred together your own mix of slaw. This one is a mix of red cabbage, broccoli, and carrots 
    • 1 Avocado, diced (I like to cut my avocado in half and remove the pit, and then just peel away the avocado skin and dice from there)
    • 1 cup of shelled edamame (I used a frozen package that I defrosted)
    • 1 3 ounce Package of Ramen Noodles, this is the kind that comes in a square shaped package, not the cups
    • 4 tablespoons of Butter
    • 1/3 Cup Slivered Almonds

Directions:

  1. Whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and seasoning packet all together to make the dressing. Mix in the broccoli slaw and shelled edamame so the dressing is coating all the slaw. If you are not serving right away, cover and chill this. As the dressing soaks into it, it will be even more flavorful.
    Making the dressing for the Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw, just olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and one seasoning packet from one of those packaged ramens! Whisk this all together. You can also use other vinegars, sesame oil, sub honey or agave, or use bottle Asian vinaigrette if you'd like Tossing the dressing and broccoli slaw, which is a mix of broccoli, cabbage, carrots that are shredded for Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw
  2. In a pan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Crush all the ramen noodles with your hands, and then toast the noodles and almonds in the butter until the almonds are fragrant, maybe 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. If you’d like, you can skip the step of toasting the slivered almonds if you purchase almonds that are already toasted.
    Crush the uncooked ramen noodles from the ramen package until they are bite sized, almost like croutons for Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw
  3. When you are ready to serve the salad, add the ramen noodle and almond mix and the diced avocado and toss until mixed, and then serve. By waiting to add the crunchy ingredients and the avocado (which will brown over time) until serving time the Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw will be at its peak texture, though it tastes good the next day too (just not as crunchy). So if you pack this for a picnic or outside gathering, consider bringing the noodle almond mix in a ziploc you add in – and I might only cut the avocado in half with a knife already, but leave the pit in, and then using a picnic or knive at the eating location cut the rest to keep it as green as possible.
    Broccoli Slaw, Edamame, Vinaigrette... then adding the last ingredients to toss in, the crispy fried ramen, toasted slivered almonds and the avocado for Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw Recipe, fast and easy but also tasty and full of fun textures!

I have seen some recipes that add fruit – such as mango or mandarin oranges – but that seems to not be a slaw anymore to me as much as a shredded slaw salad hybrid. You can also top this with bits of crispy bacon too, or diced chicken (like leftover orange chicken from takeout the day before…), but in what I wrote below I kept it vegetarian. Add even more crunch with sunflower seeds.

Other options are to use a different kind of vinegar (I’ve seen versions with white or red wine vinegar) or use sesame oil instead, substitute brown sugar with honey or agave, or even bottled Asian vinaigrette. The key is the dressing is a balance of tangy from the vinegaraitte but also sweetness.
A fast and easy cold vegetable side dish with lots of great textures, Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw A fast and easy cold vegetable side dish with lots of great textures, Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw

Have you ever had a ramen dish using ramen besides the typical ramen noodle soup way like this?
Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw gives you the refreshing taste of slaw without the mayo and without having to do another typical salad for your greens on your plate Easy and fast to make (also a great value in terms of cost of ingredients), Ramen Noodle Broccoli Slaw

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Stray Birds by Stray Dogs PDX

May 15, 2015 by 18 Comments

Every Monday in May, Stray Dogs PDX (link to their Facebook account because sorry, their website is terribly uninformative and outdated), usually known for their popping up at various restaurants with their fancy take on hot dogs, has been hosting a Stray Birds concept at Beast. Nomadic chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach (aka the “Strays” as they have no brick and mortar home yet) for Stray Birds change the focus from Dogs (hot dogs) instead to Birds – which in this case, means Korean Fried Chicken (aka the real KFC).
Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach. The 3 courses + beer for $35 was inclusive, but there were alternate drinks also available for purchase additionally, like a bottle or shot of Chamisul Sojo or a bottle of Makgeolli, or cans of Asahi or Oriental Brewery Beer.

Oh, sold! I’m sold! I loooove Korean Fried Chicken because it’s always crispy on the outside with a glaze that is both spicy and sweet, and succulent and juicy on the inside. It’s not something you can easily find in Portland.

So after an email to straydogsPDX at gmail.com, we secured our reservations for an opening during their service from 5:30-9:30pm. For $35, three courses and a beer equaled on my visit

Beer: Rainier Beer Lager in a can
There were alternate drinks also available for purchase additionally, like a bottle or shot of Chamisul Sojo or a bottle of Makgeolli, or cans of Asahi or Oriental Brewery Beer.
Rainier Beer at Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015. The $35 included dinner and this beer Rainier Beer at Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015. The $35 included dinner and this beer

Course 1: Bibim Gooksu

Bibim Gooksu, a cold buckwheat soba noodles with kholrabi, cucumbers and nori with chicken clam and pineapple dashi
Bibim Gooksu, a cold buckwheat soba noodles with kholrabi, cucumbers and nori with chicken clam and pineapple dashi at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Bibim Gooksu, a cold buckwheat soba noodles with kholrabi, cucumbers and nori with chicken clam and pineapple dashi at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015

Course 2: Korean Fried Stray Bird

The glorious main protein of korean fried stray bird, 1/2 chicken with gochujang and tamarind glaze. You will need the moist towelettes they also give you, and I appreciated that they gave a bone bin.
Course 2: The glorious korean fried stray bird, 1/2 chicken with gochujang and tamarind glaze at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 2: The glorious korean fried stray bird, 1/2 chicken with gochujang and tamarind glaze at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015

Side dish of Black Sesame Seed Corn Bread with Warm Brown Rice Syrup and Charred Ramp Butter
Course 2: one of the side dishes to the Korean Fried Stray Bird of Black Sesame Seed Corn Bread with Warm Brown Rice Syrup and Charred Ramp Butter at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 2: one of the side dishes to the Korean Fried Stray Bird of Black Sesame Seed Corn Bread with Warm Brown Rice Syrup and Charred Ramp Butter at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015

Side dish (Banchan basically) of a Pickle Plate with bread and butter daikon, garlic chive stuffed cucumber, and dill pickled bean sprouts and kimchee
Course 2: one of the side dishes to the Korean Fried Stray Bird of a Pickle Plate with bread and butter daikon, garlic chive stuffed cucumber, and dill pickled bean sprouts and kimchee at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015

This second course is served family style to each dining party, which is what you would usually expect dining Korean style.
Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach

Course 3: Milk + Cookie

Two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder (basically a shaved ice dish), plus the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice
Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder plus the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder plus the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder plus the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 Course 3: one of the two desserts of the Milk + Cookie, the koji brown rice milk bingsoo with toasted barley powder plus the choco pie with coffee marshmallow and puffed rice at Stray Birds, a pop up by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015

A few shots of the staff at work. Since we had the 5:30 seating, and were literally the first guests to walk into the restaurant, I got to marvel and the beautiful tray of chicken awaiting the fryer and to have the glaze brushed on.
Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach

I really enjoyed the chicken, and hope to visit a Stray Dog event sometime in the future. Again, if you are interested in attending one of the Stray Birds by Stray Dogs PDX pop up, they are every Monday in May at Beast, and you make your reservations ahead of time for 5:30-9:30 at straydogsPDX at Gmail dot com.

Stray Dogs is also popping up Fridays at Kitchen Cru serving their haute hot dogs for lunch only from 11:30 – 3 every Friday in May as Stray Dogs Luncheonette.  

Stray Birds, a pop up at Beast by Stray Dogs PDX in May 2015 on Mondays led by Stray chefs Peter Cho and Johnny Leach

Have you been to a Stray Dog event, or had Korean Fried Chicken?

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Restaurants for Raphael House dine out fundraiser on Wednesday, May 20th

May 13, 2015 by 8 Comments

Wednesday, May 20th is the 6th annual Restaurants for Raphael House dine-out fundraiser. This event is one day only where many delicious restaurants, and you as diners, can show your support for families escaping domestic violence simply by dining out at one (or more!) of a list of 25+ establishments throughout Portland and Lake Oswego. All of the eateries are donating a percentage of the proceeds (10-25% of their day’s proceeds) to Raphael House of Portland.

Restaurants for Raphael House dine out fundraiser

Founded in 1977, Raphael House of Portland is a domestic violence agency dedicated to fighting the causes and effects of domestic violence. They offer emergency shelter in a confidential location, a 24-hour in-house crisis line, transitional housing and advocacy programs, non-residential advocacy in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, and also work to bring an end to violence through community outreach and education. Raphael House is the largest domestic violence shelter in Multnomah County. Annually, Raphael House provides 10,000 safe nights for women and children in their emergency shelter and support as many as 5,000 callers on their 24/7 crisis line.

It’s so easy for you to help this valuable cause and support this local agency. Just find a participating restaurant that is convenient to you and dine out! With so many on the list with different cuisines, you will probably find a place that can fit your food preferences. Keep in mind that every $100 that the fundraiser is able to raise during the event will provide one night in our shelter for someone.

So take your family, or go on a friend date. Order generously anything you want from the menu, all food and drink, and any time the participating restaurants are open (so all DAY in many cases), it all counts!

A full list of businesses participating Restaurants for Raphael House can be found online here at the Raphael House website, organized by quadrant of Portland. The list that I saw includes

Southeast

  • Accanto | Serving Italian fare like handmade pasta, and making the most of lots of local seasonal ingredients for lunch and dinner. Everything here is good!
    Accanto: potato gnocchi, lamb bolognese, mint and pecorino Accanto: capellini with samphire, garlic, chili, and fennel seed
  • Bread and Ink Cafe | Roomy, long-lived American restaurant with a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
  • Chiang Mai | Dishing up traditional specialties from Northern Thailand for lunch and dinner,  look for dishes you haven’t seen at a typical Thai food menu
  • Oaks Bottom Public House | Pub located in the heart of Sellwood offering food for lunch and dinner along with craft brew Lompoc beers and a full bar in relaxed atmosphere including a covered private patio out back.
  • PaaDee | Amazing Thai food that is among the top 3 best Thai in Portland right now with craft cocktails along with some Thai menu options you don’t normally see. Don’t miss the Peek gai tod, fried wings glazed in Sriracha fish sauce, which was among several highlights in my previous Paadee visit post when you come visit for lunch or dinner.
    PaaDee Thai comfort food พาดี, Peek gai tod, fried wings glazed in Sriracha fish sauce. If you come here, you must get this, happy hour or not. PaaDee Thai comfort food พาดี The Waterfall cocktail, with Jinro shochu, shrub, muddled cucumber, lemon and thyme
  • Pacific Pie Co. | Handmade sweet and savory pies (hello Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut pie, but also Chicken Pot Pie and Shepherd’s Pie and more),  plus other snacks and entrees like polenta with mushroom sauce, sausage rolls, chicken schnitzel, bangers and mash and more for lunch and dinner. I wrote a bit about the Northwest location in this Pacific Pie post here.
    Pacific Pie Food Blogger Event - mini pies! Pacific Pie NW 23rd, Polenta with mushroom sauce, baked polenta with creamy organic crimini mushroom sauce Pacific Pie NW 23rd, Chicken Schnitzel that is skillet fried, seasoned and crumbed chicken breast served with your choice of potato and with a small green salad. I upped it by adding ham and melted Tillamook Cheddar
  • ¿Por Que No? | Hole-in-the wall taqueria that uses sustainable meats and line caught fish in their tacos they serve for lunch and dinner.
  • REDWOOD | American restaurant & lounge offering brunch everyday along with lunch and dinner that is a mix of classic (chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, fried brussels sprouts, cheddar and corn fritters) and new (grilled eggplant sandwich, braised tongue sandwich, mussels in house curry).
  • Stickers Asian Cafe | Pan-Asian street fare that offers small dishes, snacks and street foods of Asia: Chinese, Thai, East Indian, Korean, Malaysian and Vietnamese for lunch and dinner.
  • The Country Cat | Southern food serving brunch (including classic cast iron fried chicken, or chicken fried steak or smoked bbq brisket sandwich) and dinner (from that fried chicken again to a fish fry, duck leg, lamb meatloaf or a dish of whole hog) every day.
    The Country Cat, Portland Oregon, Grilled peaches with Lamb Bacon
  • Ya Hala | Family owned restaurant specializing in the homey traditional Lebanese cuisine for lunch and dinner. They are getting a big buzz right now for their brunch (which is only on weekends) but their lunch and dinner menus are several times larger than their brunch one!

Northeast

  • Bella Faccia Pizzeria | Funky neighborhood pizza with New York style pizza, including vegan pizza options for lunch and dinner.
  • Beulahland | Coffee and Alehouse offering breakfast, and then beer alongside American eats such as sandwiches & games including pinball or on the TVs (particularly futball/soccer from Europe, as well as local Timbers) during lunch and dinner.
  • Cocotte Bistro | French food in an intimate bistro atmosphere by amazing chef  Kat LeSueur. Dinner only.
  • Dove Vivi Pizza | Pizza with a cornmeal-crust pizzas, there are also vegan pizza options from 4 PM on.
  • NePo42 | A dog-friendly hangout that offers draft microbrews & American pub food, plus weekly trivia night on Wednesday at 7, pool table, and patio from lunch through dinner.
  • Smallwares | Asian fusion restaurant from chef Johanna Ware who herself calls it “inauthentic asian” for for dinner.
    Grilled shrimp, aji amarillo, lychee, pink peppercorn, chive + Smallwares Saison made with lychee, pink peppercorn and aji amarillo, was inspired by another dish at Smallwares, Smallwares PDX, Breakside Brewery, Smallwares and Breakside Beer Dinner
  • The Alameda Cafe | Brunch and dinner everyday that is a neighborhood lil restaurant.

North

  • Las Primas | Peruvian eatery serving sandwiches, empanadas & other traditional street food & cocktails for lunch and dinner. I love their happy hour with their pisco sours (the national Peruvian cocktail) and I can’t resist getting the appetizer of Tequeños (Venezuelan Cheese Sticks), a queso blanco filled fried wonton snack served with avocado-lime dip. It’s a popular street food and I see why because they go down very fast. Though it comes with a dip already, I also endorse getting all the little sauces and using this as your vehicle for all of them. Also try the empanada, and a main dish.
    Las Primas Happy Hour, pisco sour (the national Peruvian cocktail) Las Primas addictive appetizer ofTequeños (Venezuelan Cheese Sticks), a queso blanco filled fried wonton snack served with avocado-lime dip. Las Primas addictive appetizer ofTequeños (Venezuelan Cheese Sticks), a queso blanco filled fried wonton snack served with avocado-lime dip. I also endorse getting all the little sauces and using this as your vehicle for all of them
  • ¿Por Que No? | Hole-in-the wall taqueria that uses sustainable meats and line caught fish in their tacos they serve for lunch and dinner.
  • TILT Handcrafted Food Built For The American Workforce | Unfussy breakfast fare, cocktails & HUGE juicy burgers for lunch and dinner, all in blue-collar industrial-themed digs on Swan Island. Get a Biscuit or Burger to fill your tummy and share a side of fries. Make sure you save room for pie for dessert.

Southwest

  • Bento Box | A downtown food cart offering chicken with with vegetables, rice, and sauce (teriyaki, grilled onions, sriracha, and/or sweet chili sauce) for a simple and effectively filling lunch from 11-4.
  • Cheryl’s on 12th | Cute cafe, bakery & market offering American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have simple but good salads and wraps and burgers and pasta, but also a stuffed meatloaf stuffed with ham and cheese, and an affordable homey prime rib. They are generously donating 25% of the day’s proceeds, so a great choice for dining and doing good at the same time!
  • Masu Sushi | Japanese sushi served on the 2nd-floor spot of the Indigo building with validated parking in the Indigo Garage, for lunch and dinner.
  • Mother’s Bistro & Bar | Cafe and bar with homey decor made a bit more fancy with beautiful chandeliers specializes in hearty comfort-food by moms (traditional, homey, comforting, made from scratch), if your mom really knew how to cook, serving breakfast lunch and dinner. They also serve great Cocktails at the bar, and fabulous French pressed coffee.
    California Avocado Commission and Chef Lisa Schroeder of Mother's Bistro & Bar celebrate June California Avocado Month with an Entree of Grilled Chicken Breast with sauteed onions and peppers topped with avocado and salsa, served with a Macaroni and Cheese with bacon, avocado, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and topped with cotija cheese and green onions

Northwest

  • Justa Pasta | Hidden secret with handmade pastas and other Italian classics (mmm their mushroom lasagana) for lunch and dinner.
  • Pacific Pie Co. | Handmade sweet and savory pies (hello Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut pie, but also Chicken Pot Pie and Shepherd’s Pie and more),  plus other snacks and entrees like polenta with mushroom sauce, sausage rolls, chicken schnitzel, bangers and mash and more for lunch and dinner.  I wrote a bit about the Northwest location in this Pacific Pie post here.
    Pacific Pie, Classic Chicken Pot Pie
  • TILT Handcrafted Food Built For The American Workforce | Unfussy breakfast fare, cocktails & HUGE juicy burgers for lunch and dinner, all in blue-collar industrial-themed digs in the Pearl. The Burgers and Fries are monstrous and sooo good Make sure you save room for pie for dessert.
    Tilt Restaurant, burger Island Trucker includes their fresh ground, 100% natural, local chuck patty, topped then with house baked honey cured ham, beer battered onion rings, grilled pineapple, house recipe teriyaki sauce, swiss cheese, lettuce, mayo on their house recipe bun. Also their beer battered house fries in large

Lake Oswego and Happy Valley

  • Chuckie Pies | Neighborhood pizzeria offers classic Neapolitan-style pies in Lake Oswego.
  • Chuck’s Place | Neighborhood cafe with coffee, tea, and baked goods (particularly the scones) in Lake Oswego.
  • Petite Patisserie |  Bakery & coffee shop offering European-inspired baked goods, plus crêpes & sandwiches in Happy Valley.

I hope if you do plan to dine out on Wednesday May 20th, you will choose from that list. Eat well while also supporting an important and worthy cause.

You can post on social media about your support and encourage others to also dine out for the Restaurants for Raphael House dine out fundraiser using the hashtag #R4RH. I will definitely be out, though I still haven’t quite decided where to go yet. Will you be dining out on Wednesday, and where do you think you’ll go?

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