Sometimes what makes a restaurant work is a mystery. On its face, Normandie isn’t all that different from the restaurant that was there before, Rue. Both draw French inspiration but are far from orthodox. Both also do much with seafood and seasonal vegetables—and yet Rue folded after about 18 months, having never found an audience. […]
Andrea Damewood
Andrea Damewood is a food writer and restaurant critic. Her interests include noodle soups, fried chicken, and sparkles.
Posted inTV
My Top Ten TV Show Must-Watches of 2017!
Big Little Lies Courtesy HBO As everyone’s favorite food critic, you may have noticed I have opinions. And while 2017 continued to be a grinding hellfire crawl through a spike-filled tunnel whose end we cannot see, TV was a great respite. It gave us diverse leads and voices, gorgeous scenery, and so many lacquered layers […]
Posted inFood and Drink
The Merc Food Critic’s 2017 Favorites
New Restaurants This Pro Eats on Her Own Time and Dime
New restaurants this pro eats on her own time and dime.
Posted inFood and Drink
Review: The Pearl’s New Restaurant, Can Font
NATALIE BEHRING I’ve never taken a cruise, but I imagine that it must be like a meal at Can Font, the new Catalan-influenced vessel moored at the northern edge of the Pearl District: relaxing and glossy, but ultimately unchallenging and not the best way to get to know the lay of the land. It’s an […]
Posted inFood and Drink
Can Font: A Challenge for the Memory
Sangria, Starters and Paellas Shine at NW Northrup’s Spanish Spot
Can Font: A challenge for the memory.
Posted inFood and Drink
Food Review: All Hail, the Mighty Peking Duck!
JOHN VALLS/ DEPARTURE Peking duck is a plan-ahead meal: There aren’t many places that make it, and those that do usually need at least two days’ notice to prepare your feast. But dear lord is that duck worth the effort, since Peking duck is like the very best of Thanksgiving, with more flavor and a […]
Posted inFood and Drink
The Mighty Peking Duck: The Best Holiday Bird
Six Places Serving Peking Duck That’s Worth the Effort (And Money)
The mighty Peking duck is the holidays’ best bird.
Posted inHoliday
Food Critic Andrea Damewood’s Wish List
It’s the Mercury staff wish list—and we’re very greedy.
Posted inFood and Drink
Review: After Six Decades, Chin’s Kitchen Is New Again
Aaron Lee I’ve eaten at Chin’s Kitchen more times than I should have over the last decade, considering the sad state of its cuisine. But I’m often in the Hollywood District; I love Chinese food of all stripes, and have long been drawn to the fabulous retro neon sign on the front, featuring Mr. Chin […]
Posted inFood and Drink
After Six Decades, Chin’s Kitchen Is New Again
Portland is Hungry for Dongbei Cuisine
Six decades later, Chin’s Kitchen is new again.
Posted inFood and Drink
In a Crowded Market, La Leña Picks Up Steam
With a solid stable of casual and homey dishes, this Peruvian restaurant is worth several visits.
In a crowded market, La Leña picks up steam.
Posted inFood and Drink
Review: Ichiza Kitchen & Tea House Brings Tokyo to Herbivores
K. Marie Tucked to the side of the Vtopia vegan cheese shop and behind a curtained door, stepping into Ichiza Kitchen & Tea House recalls a trip to the cramped and rowdy stalls in Tokyo’s famous drinking and yakiniku-heavy Golden Gai district, with two key differences: Ichiza serves no alcohol and the menu is entirely […]