Best dishes at Afuri

Afuri Ramen opened to great fanfare towards the end of 2016 after articles about how this famous Japanese chain picked Portland as their first location outside Japan because of the water here. They still don’t take reservations, although the location is pretty big that if you don’t hit a busy weekend evening prime time you will probably find a table often without a wait (I recommend grabbing a beer at Commons Brewery next door). Now with the wonderful weather they also roll open their garage door walls so it almost feels like a patio. I’ve visited several times – here are my recommendations for the best dishes at Afuri.
Afuri door to the location in Portland, the first location outside Japan for this famous Japanese ramen chain Afuri place setting  [Read more…]

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Icelandic Popup Fimbul PDX

Icelandic Popup Fimbul PDX was on my Eater article of popups in Portland, and if you were wondering what an Icelandic dinner entails, here’s a look from their pop up dinner at the back of Old Salt Marketplace on June 4. Fimbul is run by Kachka co-workers in their dayjob Matthew + Aurora Wickstrom with sommelier Matthrew Hunt. Chef Matthew currently works as a sous at Kachka, and worked at Dill in Reykjavik. There were two seatings – 6 PM and 8 PM – and I attended the 8 PM seating. $65 netted me the dinner that included 2 snacks, 5 small courses, and dessert, and $45 7 wine pairings plus a couple extra surprises! Gratuity is additional.
Fimbul PDX, an Icelandic Pop up Fimbul PDX, an Icelandic Pop up
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OP Wurst Division

Memorial Day is almost here! Bring on the summer sunshine and backyard (or balcony) bbqs of burgers and hot dogs and picnics please! In between bbqs, you can also get your fix on for fun American food at OP Wurst, which now has 3 locations. I’ve visited and enjoyed a couple times the haute hot dogs of OP Wurst at Pine Street Market, but given how that indoor gourmet food court is the home of several mini restaurants, there is always a lot of hustle and bustle and it doesn’t seem like a place to sit down for a long spell with sausages and drinks. Now I do have a place to do both though – OP Wurst Sausage Bar on Division has opened and with the larger kitchen, offers more options then the Pine Street location, has a big outdoor patio, plus offers a full bar. Here’s a look!
OP Wurst on SE Division, several of their gourmet haute hot dogs OP Wurst on SE Division

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Shipwreck PDX

I was able to attend Shipwreck PDX at their first pop up in March at Jacqueline, and they made my Eater PDX top pop up list. I plan to attend again at their next pop up in May 15 next from 5 PM to 2 AM at Taqueria Nueve, which is now additionally partnering with Rum Club while waiting for your table. It’s a strong sign how they are continually improving and actively making choices by learning from their experience in March.

Shipwreck PDX food menu Shipwreck PDX drink menu
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Fukami Dinner Recap

Fukami was included recently on my Eater PDX roundup of Portland Pop Ups. Fukami currently is popping up at Davenport on Sundays and Mondays only at 7:30 PM at their bar so limited to 8 seats per dinner. On the menu is an $95 omakase menu (gratuity not included, additional beverages available a la carte). In case you were wondering what the omakase dinner might be like, here’s a look at an example dinner I enjoyed in March that includes 19 bite size courses of which a dozen are seasonal nigiri courses.

Fukami - a 19 course small plates dinner

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