Pho Jasmine aka Pho Dza Thao 714 N. KIllingsworth 283-0398 It’s a fairly common occurrence in a “resurgent” neighborhood–those places you’ve come to rely on, your places, are often chased away or forced into exile by more affluent, comely establishments. Such may be the case with Pho Jasmine. They’ve already changed their name (restaurant suicide) […]
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Eat It
Pizza-a-Go-Go 3240 N Williams, 335-0300 A new, cute little joint right off the Kerby exit from 405, Pizza-a-Go-Go is a great place to pick up a thin crust, extra cheesy, steaming pie on your way home from work (one big size, $13.50-$21), or even better, have delivered (they deliver all over). They also have three […]
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Ancient Greek
Alexis Needs a Modern Makeover
Alexis Burnside and SW 2nd Avenue 224-8577 Sing, O Muse, of the legend of Alexis, great warrior of Hellenic Portland, whom Pithy Dionysus once lavished with wine and song, and with the fragrant essence of garlic and spices from the East. Sing, Muse, of the epic saga of Alexis the warrior, soon to be visited […]
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Eat It
Yuki 1337 NE Broadway, 281-6804 All of the Nigiri at Yuki is served in plump, beautiful pieces, the texture is soft and delicate, and not a trace of chewiness is detectable. The Sake (Salmon) is a one of their best; the fish is a deep, reddish pink, and so fresh that it sits almost perkily […]
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Self-Hell
Analysis for People on the Go
Which Pet Cause Will Give My Life Meaning? As we careen into the holiday season, it is not unusual for rich people to experience symptoms of depression as they realize that their existence is essentially meaningless, and that they are all doomed. But don’t worry, rich people! There are plenty of causes to champion that […]
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Meat Parade
Flavorful Mexican for the Creative Carnivore
La Calaca Comelona 2304 SE Belmont 239-9675 La Calaca Comelona serves what I would call high-end Mexican food, but not in the usual sense. Normally when I’m paying more than 10 bucks at a Mexican place, it’s for yuppie Mex–tacos with special sauces and sides, fancy margaritas, and special cheese blends–but not here. This is […]
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The Savvy Diner
Paul Spends His Dollar Like a True Expert
Daily Café 902 NW 13th Ave, 242-1916 It’s been six months since the small plate craze hit Portland. You know, the Buckman Bistro, the Noble Rot, et al, where you and a group of smartly dressed friends order rounds of small yummies priced in the six to $10 range. This is supposed to be cool, […]
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Good Bento, Baaad Bento
Join Paul on a Bento Bonanza
Du’s Grill 5365 NE Sandy, 284-1773 Bentorific 826 SW 2nd, no phone Du’s Grill. Bad. Bad like Michael Jackson. Mean, nasty, bad-assed bento. Trolling along Sandy Boulevard like a tarted up woman of the night. Sweet, chewy, and sinful. Grilled so masterfully as to produce crisp carcinogenic corners. Vegetables? Fuck ’em. A sorry little salad […]
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Self-Hell
Analysis for People on the Go
What About My Future? Can’t find a job? Considering law school? Looking into a handgun permit? Wait! Before you decide what to do with your life, take this easy multiple-choice quiz. This test is scientifically proven to determine once and for all what you should do with your life! Good luck! I like to read: […]
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Loveless Fare
Mexican Joint Lacks Heart
Javier’s 121 N Lombard 286-3186 I do not like to make a habit of writing a crappy review about the local hole in the wall. What’s the point? The restaurant business is grueling, and regardless of what I say, if the place sucks, they’ll drive themselves out of business eventually. In the case of a […]
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Last Supper
Double Trouble Two Restaurants, One Evening, A Bust
Vat & Tonsure 911 SW Taylor 225-9118 Zeba 1222 SW Salmon 227-1655 Andrea and I went strolling through the South Park Blocks, taking in the cool autumn breeze en route to dinner at the Vat and Tonsure. I’d read how this hallowed restaurant would be a reincarnation of the previous V&T that was killed in […]
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Homestyle for Herbivores
Soul Shack’s Got Your Back
Soul Shack 521 SW 9th Like most every twenty-something person I know here, I am not originally from Portland. Not too long ago I followed the example set by numerous other former Southern Californians and moved north. And for that, I’m very sorry. One of the first local customs that threw me for a loop, […]