Eat N Wander: Portland

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places to recommend.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging Portland. 

EAT N DRINK LIST

Clyde Common, 1014 SW Stark Street, Pearl District

clydecommon.com

Recommended for: Dinner, cocktails

Price: Average

Tips: Order the board of the day to start, it comes with a side of Manhattan

I can't rave enough about this place. It's really inviting, warm, and the perfect place to hang out with friends or a loved one on a rainy night or even a beautiful Summer night. Its along side and connected to the iconic ACE hotel. There are tons of small shareable dishes to choose from, and the communal seating is perfect for it. The drinks are made with love and respect for the ingredients, bourbons are infused in house, and they even make their own ginger beer in house. Have cocktails here for sure, and if you need to stray there are just a handful of select beers to choose from. Plates are beautiful and well presented and you can see the cooks hard at work through the almost open kitchen set up. American food  done with really fresh ingredients, not that you expect anything less in Portland. 

Ned Ludd, 3925 NE MLK blvd, Northeast

nedluddpdx.com

Recommended for: Dinner, brunch,cocktails

Price: Average

Tips: Sit outside on the wooden communal benches when the weather is nice. Sip drinks out of mason jars and feel like you never want to leave 

This is a wood fired restaurant, meaning almost everything on the menu comes from the wood burning oven which is amazingly respectable. And what doesn't, is just overwhelmingly light and as fresh and in season as you can get. Handmade charcuterie, fresh garden picked vegetables. The food is just really genuine and respectful of the ingredient itself. Simple and clean, no fuss. 

Nongs Khao Man Gai, 1003 SW Alder Street, Downtown

khaomangai.com

Recommended for: Quick lunch, snack, hangover cure

Price: Cheap, under $10

Tips: There's nowhere to sit, so be prepared to take it with you somewhere else to eat. Or, if you look lost enough they'll let you stand and perch on the 6" sliver or of counter space at the window. Get a side of fried chicken skin, it's life changing.

Nong the owner who runs this food pod is not messing around. She's a tiny thai lady with a big, unmistakable, enthusiastic voice and will welcome you in her window like you've been there a million times before. In the heart of downtown's cluster of food pods, it clearly makes its presence known by the line up of people that spans down the block during lunch time. You wonder what all the fuss is about and simply put- it's just chicken and rice. The white rice is steamed, the chicken is poached, but then what makes it is the sauce. Soy, sugar, garlic, ginger, goodness... it's addictive. So addictive they even sell it by the bottle now. Comes as simple as it gets, wrapped up in white butcher paper instead of a to go box (environmentally conscious, AND food cost genius) Served with a side of clear broth- that, of course, does come in to go packaging.


Pok-Pok, 3226 SE Division Street, Portland Oregon
pokpokpdx.com

Recommended for: Afternoon Bite, Early Dinner, Dinner

Price: Cheap to Medium
Tips: Seating is limited both upstairs and downstairs, so get there early. Try the salted plum collins cocktail, just because you may never have tried anything like it.
Fine, I'm going to say it. I wasn't that impressed. There! Now why am I adding this to the list if I am not that impressed? Because I am charmed by the fact that it instantly transports you to a little shack somewhere in the PAC. and I found that part of it endearing especially when you consider where you really are. The dishes like the Papaya Salad, Beef Salad, Roast Fish  and Curry were in fact good; lots of vinegar, fish sauce, spice, and sweetness. And yes, the roast chicken, and Ike's chicken wings were good too, but based on the hype of expectations, I found myself wondering "Should I be blown away? Is this supposed to be the best Thai I have ever tasted?" The answer I think was no. But I couldn't help but think that maybe I would have felt differently if I hadn't heard and expected so much. Regardless, I still list this as a great place to visit given the experience. Try early afternoon before the rush, and it won't disappoint.

Portland Review: Nothing Common at Clyde Common

Clyde Common, 1014 SW Stark Street, Portland, Oregon 97205

www.clydecommon.com

Where do I begin with Clyde Common? I took a visit over 1 month ago and the fond memory of that dinner still burns on in my mind. It was my first "taste" of Portland, and I have to say if this is what Portland has to offer, pack your travel bags because you owe Portland a visit.

Situated in the historic Ace hotel and next to one of Portland's iconic Stumpps Coffee shops, it feels right in line with "Portlandia." From the minute you walk in from the light drizzle of the late afternoon rain that is so symbolic of Portland, you'll find yourself immediately engulfed in the warmth and buzz of this restaurant. Wooden communal bench seating throughout, an open kitchen of chefs and cooks doing their craft while laughing, bantering, meditating, and a good looking bar stocked with knick knacks, accoutrements, and fine spirits. A chalkboard covered wall filled with scribbles show off the extensive bourbon and whiskey selection. There wasn't much not to love at first glance.

If you didn't already know walking in to Clyde Common that the bar itself is also iconic to Portland's craft cocktail scene, you will quickly realize it. Known as one of the originals to hit the scene bringing Portland's cocktail culture to its nationally acclaimed prowess, this bar still makes everything from scratch; from punchy house made ginger beer to smooth barrel aged bourbons. 

If you love to share, this place is for you. And be it known, some dishes come with a side of Manhattan. There are starters, small plates, boards, and entrees made for communal dining. Needless to say the seating arrangements are ideal. Some favorites included roasted sweetbreads with roasted summer squash, brown butter and hazelnuts which came with an unexpected, yet welcomed sipper of manhattan, a dish of vegetarian perfection with roasted cauliflower dressed with pine nuts, raisins, and sharp, salty, Cabot cheddar, and a hearty beef sugo with cavatelli, pickled peppers, and chèvre. Now, I am a sucker for anything with squid ink or fideos, so the fideos dish with squid, scallops, sausage and aioli was a clear choice to try. Amongst the many great dishes we had, it didn't speak to me say, the way the fideos at avec have touched my heart, but regardless, each dish came out with soul, plated beauty, and flavorful harmony. Savories shined more than sweets, but the sweets did not disappoint. Oh, and in case you forgot, did I mention the sweetbreads board came with a side of Manhattan?