Henry’s Café
2508 SE Clinton, 236-8707
Tucked away on Clinton Street is Henry’s, a tiny breakfast haven you can’t afford to overlook. Omelets abound, stuffed with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. A favorite of mine is the Leafy Green: three fluffy eggs stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, red onions, and a white cheddar that counterpoints the flavor of the vegetables and eggs with an elegant sharpness. The Northwest Scramble is outstanding, filled with generous helpings of smoked salmon, scallions, and a dollop of crème fraiche that makes for a rich, otherworldly flavor. The side of potatoes are lightly roasted, rolled in just the right amount of savory herbs and oil. Other options include Parisian French Toast–two slices of brioche dipped in a heavenly nutmeg batter and served with fresh fruit and lemon curd. Henry’s offers all the usual breakfast sides, as well as a selection of freshly baked croissants and a full vocabulary of coffee drinks. Considering the care put into each dish, Henry’s prices are affordable ($6-8 a plate). It’s a little understaffed, so you may have to wait for a coffee refill, but all in all, it’s an exquisite and well-rounded breakfast spot. EJ
Khun Pic’s Bahn Thai
3429 SE Belmont, 235-1610
The best Thai food in Portland, served up in a quaint little house with a quaint little patio, buried behind rows of quaint, pretty shrubs. Since there is one server (and one server only), and the place is popular, get there early to snag a seat, and be prepared to wait a while. But, (oh, sweet Jesus!) is it worth it. Opens nightly at 6 pm, closed Monday. JWS
Pied Cow
3244 SE Belmont, 230-4866
This beautifully painted Victorian serves fruity Belgian beer, coffee drinks, and fancy tobaccos in steaming hukkas along with a tasty Mediterranean snack plate, and delicious desserts–don’t miss the exquisite ginger bread cake. The most astounding feature of the Pied Cow, though, is their sprawling grassy side yard, where you can toil away the summer evenings comfortable and carelessly. KS