MJ Skegg

Delivery service Instacart, which has been described as having the potential to become the Amazon of groceries, is a service that basically offers to pick up your order from the store. You use their app or the web to select what you want from different stores—in Portland they are partnered with Whole Foods, Costco, Umajimaya, […]

The Caesar salad is ubiquitous, a standby for restaurants great and small, but not done correctly it can be the most inane and dull going. Too often the dressing is light and uninspired and I’m not a fan of huge lettuce leaves that can’t hold the sauce or, even worse, croutons that are so large […]

Being able to shuck your own oysters sounds like something found on an Esquire list of the top 10 skills every man should have, along with being able to mix the perfect Martini and tie a half Windsor. It suggests sophistication and a modicum of temerity—get it wrong, and the end result is a visit […]

Truffles are the ultimate gourmet food—seasonal with a short shelf life, unique and rich in flavor, and rare (which makes them expensive). They are also going to be big in Oregon. Right now the situation seems akin to the state’s wine industry in the 70s just when it was becoming apparent that Northwest Pinot Noir […]

Aviary has an all-vegetarian dinner coming up and, though no stranger to vegetables on their regular menu, it is always interesting to see what a non-veggie-centric restaurant comes up with when they go all out. The set meal is seven courses and retains Aviary’s trademark French-Asian influence through what is an arresting menu—highlights include chanterelle […]

Put the New Year’s diet on hold: Pearl patisserie Nuvrei are holding a brioche week starting today. Nuvrei is known for its remarkable pastries, while their warm croissants and macaroons have to be amongst the best in town, so when founder Marius Pop says he’s making brioche, it’s time to take notice. Brioche is made […]

Cheese fans will already be familiar with the Cheese Bar and perhaps its owner, Steve Jones, who learned his trade at the legendary Neal’s Yard Dairy in London. He’s an advocate for fresh, quality farmhouses cheeses, appearing at events and tastings around town, and is always keen to share his enthusiasm and knowledge. For cheese […]