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There are certain foods that are distinctively summery, and fish and chips isn’t necessarily one of them. Gazpacho, sure. Watermelon, of course. But a flaky, fried plate of fish and fries–well that sounds more like a winter dish. Strangely enough, though, fish and chips have found their footing as a summer meal, served on sunny […]

Patanegra 1818 NW 23rd Pl. 227-7282 In restaurants, there are lots of things I can forgive. Overcooked food isn’t one of them. In almost every case, I like food rare or just done. Broccoli that’s still crunchy, beef that’s bloody and flavorful, and even pork that’s cooked just enough not to give me trichinosis. Patanegra–while […]

820 Lounge 820 N Russell, 284-5518 820 would be way more cheesy and yuppie were it not located in North Portland. Thankfully, this non-smoking liquor haven keeps its boozer cred by serving incredible drinks–the Passion Fruit Twirl is my latest favorite, followed by the citrusy Fresh. Before you go, though, just make sure you’ve got […]

The exact cause of hangovers remains elusive. Dehydration, blood acid levels, and impurities in last night’s drink(s) are all possible culprits in making you feel like a swollen hemorrhoid on a camel’s ass. And unfortunately, there is no real cure–“hair of the dog,” coffee, cold showers, and any other remedies you’ve heard about are a […]

Recently, I realized something. If my debaucherous behavior didn’t have consequences, I’d be a raging alcoholic all the time. On Monday mornings, I’d wake up, call in sick to work, have a few mimosas, ring up one of my restaurant industry friends, have ’em bring over some blow, snort it, and then engage in some […]

Almost five years ago, at the end of a particularly hedonistic summer, I decided I was an alcoholic and checked myself into a treatment center. I fondly call this place “The Dryer.” In the year following I did everything an alcoholic who had checked into a dryer should: I reflected deeply, I appreciated greatly, and […]

True confessions: When I’m really hungover I order Domino’s pizza and hot wings and eat them in bed while watching TV. At least once a week I drink no less than three whiskey cokes at Club 21 and then order and subsequently demolish a delicious Club burger–soon after, I pass out. I do my best […]

Sure, I go on a hike about twice a year and tube down the Sandy River at least once (note to self: put car keys in a zippered pocket this year). I don’t, however, spend all that much time in the outdoors just relaxing and breathing in the air. My foolproof method for increasing the […]

Buckman Grill 207 SE 12th 230-0945 Immediately upon sitting down at the Buckman, a bowl of bright red steamed crawfish at a neighboring table caught my eye. When I settled in and my focus turned to the menu, I realized there were difficult choices ahead. For appetizers, I mulled over the jambalaya and the chicken […]