Chef’s Tasting Menu at Republica

In the evenings starting at 5pm is the switch to a 5 course chef’s tasting menu at Republica. Reservations are available for outdoors on their terrace or a handful of tables indoors. ️The menu changes daily based on ingredients at their peak and availability, but if you are wondering what the prix fixe will get you, let me assure you it’s an incredible value based on the flavors and the history of native Mexican ingredients and food, and if you opt into the pairing with wines from Mexican, Latinx, and women-owned wineries, an adventure. Luckily they sell all the wine bottles so you can take your discovery home. An agave pairing is also available or wine beer or cocktails by the glass.
Republica Terrace Seating Republica wine pairing introduced me to Chenin Columbard from Monte Xantic, I had never heard of it before but it was wonderful

I had an incredible dinner this past weekend. This dinner may not represent what you may receive if you go since the menu does change all the time. But in case you were not sure (and don’t like complete surprises), here’s a walkthrough of my experience. The high level outline is that two menus are available each night, either Vegetable and fruit menu or the Meat and fish menu. Both are gluten free but include dairy. Even with the Meat and fish menu version, you should not expect the meat heavy cheese laden food you may usually expect at Mexican places with huge burritos, salty chips and salsa and guacamole in a basket, etc. which are more Tex Mex or reflect food colonization or world fusion rather then reflective of Native Mexican and modern Mexican cuisine which is the heart here. You’ll notice the difference in courses between the two menus only appears a few times.

Para Picar

Basically an amuse bouche here of a memelita. A memelita is a masa that has been fried topped with fresh ingredients. They strive to use native ingredients when possible, and although a couple ingredients here were not (like the cheese, though I believe it is still sourced locally). The one this evening was Maiz Ancestral, chipotle, and quesot fresco, and nopalitos or cactus
Republica Para Picar. A memelita is a masa that has been fried topped with fresh ingredients. They strive to use native ingredients when possible, and although a couple ingredients here were not (like the cheese, though I believe it is still sourced locally). The one this evening was Maiz Ancestral, chipotle, and quesot fresco, and nopalitos or cactus Republica Para Picar. A memelita is a masa that has been fried topped with fresh ingredients. They strive to use native ingredients when possible, and although a couple ingredients here were not (like the cheese, though I believe it is still sourced locally). The one this evening was Maiz Ancestral, chipotle, and quesot fresco, and nopalitos or cactus

Course 1

Aguachile, literally translating to chilled water, usually includes marinated shrimp (though not in this case) and also raw vegetables or seafood in a seasoned liquid. The Aguachile Rojo here is from the Fruit and Vegetables menu and includes compressed fruits like watermelon, cherry, cucumber, cantaloupe and some magic lil cucumber balls that pop like caviar. Obviously this dish is representing modern Mexican – not many people making cucumber caviar in the home kitchen. The Aguachile Verde in this case included Kampachi and avocado mousse, cucumber, and chiles and citrus. The only drawback to the dish was the plating didn’t make it seem like I can drink every last drop from the bowl. The pairing for this was a bright with nice acidity Sauvignon Blanc Vina Kristel 2019 from Monte Xanic Bodega Vinícola, a winery from the Guadalupe region of Mexico. Dangerously easy drinking.
Republica Course 1. Aguachile Rojo here is from the Fruit and Vegetables menu and includes watermelon, cherry, cucumber, cantaloupe and some magic lil balls that pop like caviar Republica Course 1. Aguachile, literally translating to chilled water, usually includes marinated shrimp (though not in this case) and also raw vegetables or seafood in a seasoned liquid. The Aguachile Verde in this case included Kampachi and avocado

Course 2

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Nicholas Restaurant’s New Location

I have been a fan of Nicholas Restaurant for a long time and I’m probably not the only one – this family restaurant has been in business in Portland for more then 35 years. It all started when the original Nicholas, “Dad” to the current owner and daughter Hilda, and grandfather to the Nicholas I met during my recent visit (Hilda’s son), took a risk using his retirement and pension to found Nicholas Restaurant after immigrating from Beirut, Lebanon. Despite this being their first time running a restaurant, Hilda’s parents found their pizzas and calzones were a hit and they were able to expand to the larger Lebanese homey menu you see today. I was sad to see them close up their hole in the wall Grand location, but also thrilled to see Nicholas Restaurant’s new location on SE Madison which now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths and new bar. The second floor has a section perfect for a larger party of family and friends.
Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison includes a patio with heaters and umbrellas Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths and new bar! Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths and new bar. The second floor has a section perfect for a larger party of family and friends! Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths and new bar. The second floor has a section perfect for a larger party of family and friends! Nicholas Restaurant's new location on SE Madison now has room for a patio with heaters and umbrellas, plus more space (4x as much square feet) for distancing tables, and a medical grade air filtration system. And look at those cute booths and new bar. The second floor has a section perfect for a larger party of family and friends!

During the pandemic I was thankful and incredibly impressed by Nicholas Restaurant‘s quick pivot to their “Flatten the Curve Healthy Menu” to serve the community. This was one of the fastest reactions to the times – they closed the dining rooms on March 16 2020 and started offering this menu right then. The menu at the time still had the same generous portions, but at a reduced price of $10 or less (with entrees still including salad and rice) to help those suffering financially and enhance their diet from unhealthy or processed food that might be what they think could afford. And, they were taking care of their team and their family with food. I ordered multiple times, and then when I heard they would be closing the SE Grand even stopped for takeout just to see it one more time.
Nicholas Restaurant's takeout from their 2020 Flatten the Curve Healthy Menu that offered $10 or less menu items so people with financial concerns could still enjoy good healthy food

As much as I enjoy the takeout, and especially eating that garlicky toum without subjecting anyone else to my aromatic breath as I eat it by the spoonful, I was excited to check out the patio immediately. There is nothing like having that fresh pita bread hot from the oven presented to your table with the zaatar and oil dip. We love the hummus so added that on as well even though we knew we would also be ordering a Mezza that had more hummus because well, we love hummus. F has a regular order that he doesn’t even look at the menu: the Arabian Breeze Mezza which gives highlights of multiple dishes: Hummus, hamara, caramelized onions mixed with tahini, majadra, fried cauliflower, and falafel.
Nicholas Restaurant pita with an appetizer of hummus. There is nothing like having that fresh pita bread hot and fresh from the oven presented to your table. Nicholas Restaurant Arabian Breeze Mezza which gives highlights of multiple dishes: Hummus, hamara, caramelized onions mixed with tahini, majadra, fried cauliflower, and falafel

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Lincoln City Oregon Food

If you happen to be out at the Oregon Coast, whether passing through or staying at a rental, I have a few highlights from my own trip and the Lincoln City Oregon food I really enjoyed. My visit was short, but these 3 stops really stood out and I would 10/10 visit and order again. If you are traveling, stay safe, comply with whatever Covid-19 protocols the city or businesses have in place, and visit as many local businesses as you can along the way. They can use your support.
Trip to Lincoln City, Oregon Coast Trip to Lincoln City, Oregon Coast

Dory Cove Restaurant

Dory Cove Restaurant is a local institution. The current location that you can find this homey restaurant has been there since 2017, but it is the new location that carries on the more then 40 year tradition and recipes of the original location that used to be on the other side of town but which was a victim of an unfortunate fire. Dory Cove is open 7 days a week and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so is perfect for any day, any time eating. You may find yourself juggling the open days and times of other eateries, so knowing Dory Cove is a pretty safe bet is good to know. They have seafood omelets and egg benedict plates (woo hoo that crab benedict…) at breakfast, as well as a thick yet creamy and chunky clam chowder. Their specialty entrees are well-sized: just look at this Parmesan crusted 8 ounce halibut with parmesan cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and parmesan garlic bread. Grabbing this takeout to eat at your rental with a nice bottle of wine while overlooking the ocean is so luxe.
Dory Cove Restaurant at Lincoln City, Oregon Coast Dory Cove restaurant specialty dish of Parmesan crusted 8 ounce halibut with parmesan cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and parmesan garlic bread, here seen with their legendary clam chowder

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A Slow Return to Normalcy: Travel around the world with the best takeout in PDX

It’s been almost a year since I updated – as COVID-19 quarantine started in March 2020, I stopped dining out as we all went into lockdown. The last post I wrote was about missing the last time I saw my family in Thanksgiving of 2019, and missing travel. Today is a special milestone: it marks the day that I and F get our first Pfizer vaccination shot now that we qualify. It gives me a lot of hope that we will soon be on the road to a slow return to normalcy. I hope all of you out there are doing as well as you can be, and we can eventually return to sharing stories and experiences again over that universal connection of food and drink. I look forward when these quarantine parties of 2 or less (depending on whether F is eating anything) that I’ve had for the past year can expand to include more then my household. In the meantime, maybe it’s time to prepare for travel by traveling around the world with the best takeout in PDX.
Kacha - Latkes Party set with a platter of 12 crispy potato draniki and toppings. You can keep it vegetarian with the included Endive salad with creamy tarragon dressing, Roasted applesauce with toasted coriander, Maitake mushroom gravy (so creamy and a generous portion you can use on biscuits or turn into mushroom stroganoff!), Smoky eggplant ‘caviar’, Truffled farmer’s cheese spread, and Smetana (Russian-style sour cream) or add assorted seafood including Tsar Nicoulai Caviar and Beet Horseradish Cured Salmon. Latke Parties also come with a Dreidel, chocolate Gelt and instructions so you can play Dreidel at home.  I got the vegetarian version but added some deli meats of smoked Salo and Salami and House cured salmon roe. The horseradish vodka is sold at Aria Urdaneta, basque cuisine takeout feast

It has been a devastating year for Portland food and drink industry. Some beloved establishments have closed, and those in the industry who have persevered are still struggling, most having to pivot to fit these new times. I still have continued to try to be a patron by supporting take-out and delivery from local businesses at least once a week. Everyone on this list is local. That said, it is a limited list. Many of you know that we live in SW Portland and that we do not own a car so I definitely had a limited circle of distance, with only a few exceptions where I rented a ZipCar. Even with vaccinations though, I am definitely cautious of the current atmosphere and AAPI hate incidents that I have fortunately not directly experienced yet, but have heard about happening in Portland second-hand. So you will likely see a very slow uptick of more PDX food and drink highlights from me, but it will be slow. It will still mostly center on take-out and delivery.
Ranch PDX - Sicilian style pizza, this one is the The #4 with Red Sauce, Aged Mozzarella, Sausage, Ricotta, Calabrian Chilies, Pecorino Romano, Fresh Basil Grassa PDX Pork Belly  Mac and Cheese with barbecue pork belly, jalapenos, red onion, cornbread crumbs

That said, I thought maybe I would start with a year in review of the best takeout in PDX I have had in the past year and if you have not had the chance yet, I would recommend you give it a try. Travel around the world with me while still eating in your pjs with these delicious local food creators.

Asia

Khao Moo Dang

Order anything here that includes the crispy pork belly. My favorite is the Ba-Mhee Pi-Set, an egg noddle set with five spice pork loin, crispy pork belly, whole soft-boiled egg, pork dumplings, and yu choy, served dry, and then add on chinese sausage. For the vegs they have soy curl on rice or with egg noodle or in a house curry. Theses dishes bring me straight to eating on little plastic stools along the side of the road in Thailand.
Takeout from Khao Moo Dang Takeout from Khao Moo Dang: the Ba-Mhee Pi-Set, an egg noddle set with five spice pork loin, crispy pork belly, whole soft-boiled egg, pork dumplings, and yu choy, served dry, and then add on chinese sausage

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Review of Visiting Dole Plantation

I know we are still in the midst of COVID-19 times, but I was reminiscing about the last time I hung out with my family, which was when I was in Hawaii for Thanksgiving. And it reminded me I had not published this post yet that I had already prepared in March before these unprecedented times. I’m not sure when people will be able to vacation in Hawaii again, but I would definitely go if I could. Until we can travel again, here’s a little reminiscing and maybe future hopeful planning. I don’t have much motivation to blog right now but will still be posting on Instagram so you can keep up with my local food adventures there.

When on Oahu, there are certain must dos that I have in my head after 5 visits to Hawaii over the years. I think if you have any reason to drive up to the North Shore, aka the northern part of Oahu island, then I like to recommend also stopping by for just a couple hours at Dole Plantation.

The Dole Plantation is free to enter, but there are a few attractions you can also buy individual tickets for – the Pineapple Express Train, the Plantation Garden, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. There are combo tickets of these available. I will be upfront that you are really here for two reasons: to eat Dole Whip and if you’d like to earn your Dole Whip/work it off, wandering the Pineapple Garden Maze.

The Pineapple Express Train is a cute train, but you may find yourself waiting in line for an equal amount of time as the train tour will be. The tour itself is a recording telling you the history of Dole plus advertisement to buy a music CD that lasts 20 minutes through the plantation. Unless you are lucky to see harvesting at work, looking at the fields with all the plants from a distance (you are always many meters away from the actual plants) will all look the same after the first 5 minutes or so.
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation
Brother in law, nephew, niece, my sister on the train with the fields of pineapple behind

For the time spent, and the separate admission of $11, I do not think it is worth it. You can get a closer look at the pineapple plants for free in the main area. I would rather recommend you save the time for other activities on the North Shore.
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation Review of Visiting Dole Plantation
My niece posed with a pineapple emerging from a pineapple plant in the free main area of the Dole Plantation

Another attraction available is the Plantation Garden Tour. Tour is a misnomer – you are left to wander yourself in the area here.They advertise 8 different gardens, but they all blend together and there is limited signage and most merely might identify the plant. You will have to rely apparently on downloading the Dole Plantation app for additional contextual information. The only highlight was getting this nice framing of a photo by some pandan trees, so not worth $7 admission. At least we got this cute photo of me with my mom, sisters, and niece.
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation

If you have about an hour extra though, I would recommend the Pineapple Garden Maze. This maze is three acres large, and even with a map on your ticket hinting at the answers, you will still find yourself sometimes a little lost and backtracking. They have designed it well in that it is not just trying to wander in and out – you try to find eight stations within the maze to trace stencils at each checkpoint as proof of finding the station. Try timing yourself to see how long it takes – the fastest times range around 12 minutes to an hour.
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the Pineapple Garden Maze is fun and worth the admission price as you try to find eight stations within the maze to trace shapes as proof of finding the station Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the Pineapple Garden Maze is fun and worth the admission price as you try to find eight stations within the maze to trace shapes as proof of finding the station: it may take you an hour even with a map on your ticket!

You can do the maze before your treat to feel like you’ve earned it, or to help work off the Dole Whip – though Dole Whip is actually relatively healthy, its supposedly only 90 calories per serving. You can order it plain, or topped with pineapple or red Li hing powder, a salted plum that gives a nice contrast of sweet, sour, and salty to the pineapple. If you want to try the li hing beforehand, in the gift shop they do demonstrations of cutting pineapple, and then serve up slices of the pineapple plain or with li hing as samples – check what time they are doing the demo!
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip

If you want a more substantial lunch, drive 10 minutes north to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck to their Haleiwa location. Or, continue on now that you’ve spent your morning here to Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about the various island cultures and go to a luau. The show after the luau at Polynesian Cultural Center is the best in terms of performances, and for almost the same price/slightly more you get more time to learn about the culture through their island villages. Since PCC does not open until 11:45 AM you could conceivably stop at Dole first.
Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip Review of Visiting Dole Plantation: the main reason is to have Dole Whip. Admission to the plantation itself is free if you don't do the activities - though of course you have to pay for your serving of Dole Whip

Have you had Dole Whip? Which version would you like to try – plain, with pineapple, or with li hing?

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