After a failed first attempt with eating at Pok Pok (the wait was too long without a reservation) we went to Apizza Scholls instead.
Since then, this pizza joint is a frequent follow up location for when our restaurant trying whims end in the same result (We recently tried Toro Bravo - 2 hour wait at 8:00PM... umm no thanks!).
Being a Blind Onion loyalist, I was feeling skeptical going in. I wasn't sure I could go in open minded. Would Fred, the onion who represents Blind Onion, know we had cheated on him?!
That said, Apizza Scholls is the best pizza of its kind. The pizzas are completely different so I feel comfortable having two pizza loves =).
In the three times we've been there over this past year, we've grown to have a few favorites - their Margherita and New York White Pie are tasty. The pizza that makes Apizza Scholls worthy of love? Apizza Amore - margherita plus hot capicollo (cured pork shoulder). As Brent and his friend Mike would say, its "stupid good".
Cost: Not your average pizza. Big pizza, big flavor, big prices. Average cost of a pie is $19-$25.
Menu: No complaints. You can make your own if you're really not finding anything that tickles your fancy.
Food: I would rate it a 5/5.
Service: Good service. No major complaints. The wait for food is long, but there is a good sized indoor waiting area. They allow you to order beverages at the bar while you wait, which is nice. The only unexpected surprise to look out for is that they close the doors as soon as they run out of dough. As this is determined on a day-by-day basis, there really isn't any way of knowing if they're out unless you call ahead, and they can't promise you that they will still have some by the time you arrive. The earlier in the evening you go, the less you have to worry about this.
Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
#48 Gravy - Update
So, I know I'm behind and have a lot of other places to mention, but I couldn't let my slightly unimpressed entry about Gravy go without a correction.
We had the good fortune of having out of towners show up for my graduation. They're from the south and requested some good southern food. We suggested Gravy as an option because of my love for the french toast (I still commit it's the best french toast I've ever had).
I ordered my favorite, my father ordered an omelet, my stepmom ordered the fresh fruit Créme Brûlée Oatmeal, and my husband got the Monte Cristo - success all around. Not only were we excited to find other favorites on the menu, but most importantly, our guests were very impressed with the food! We stuffed ourselves until we couldn't eat anymore and left happy. I easily feel good about moving it up to a 5/5. My only advice - avoid the country fried steak!
We had the good fortune of having out of towners show up for my graduation. They're from the south and requested some good southern food. We suggested Gravy as an option because of my love for the french toast (I still commit it's the best french toast I've ever had).
I ordered my favorite, my father ordered an omelet, my stepmom ordered the fresh fruit Créme Brûlée Oatmeal, and my husband got the Monte Cristo - success all around. Not only were we excited to find other favorites on the menu, but most importantly, our guests were very impressed with the food! We stuffed ourselves until we couldn't eat anymore and left happy. I easily feel good about moving it up to a 5/5. My only advice - avoid the country fried steak!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
#4 Screen Door
The Screen Door Restaurant has quickly become a favorite of my husband's and I. My good friend Liberty suggested it. She is such a frequenter that when she walks in they know she orders a hot chocolate with every meal and they start one up immediately. I love that about small businesses! It makes you feel like part of a family and touches like that make lifelong customers.
It has become very apparent that my husband and I have a soft spot for most things southern - bbq, deep fried, and sweet.
The Screen Door does not disappoint. My husband and I recently ordered their Bananas Foster French Toast and I ordered their Praline Bacon Waffle.... umm yumm!!! Click here to see their menu.
Cost: Decently priced for a popular Portland brunch spot. Average cost per plate is $8-$12.
Menu: Nice sized menu with a wide range of options for meat lovers and vegetarians. No one gets excluded from these soulful flavors.
Food: I would rate it a 4/5. Nice big portions, great tasting food. Both my husband and I are anxious to come back to a dinner service and see if we feel equally impressed.
Service: The waiters are friendly and warm. The food comes out in a timely manner and you can see that their kitchen has figured out a winning combination. The kitchen is open and available to see all the hard work that goes into making the food - no "Hell's Kitchen" moments here! Fair warning - this place is VERY popular. Usually a good inclination that you're in for a treat. That said, be prepared for the long wait. My husband and I typically show up earlier than we hope to eat, grab a cup of coffee from the bar and walk around the local shops to kill time. Parking has never been a severe issue for us. Enjoy!
It has become very apparent that my husband and I have a soft spot for most things southern - bbq, deep fried, and sweet.
The Screen Door does not disappoint. My husband and I recently ordered their Bananas Foster French Toast and I ordered their Praline Bacon Waffle.... umm yumm!!! Click here to see their menu.
Cost: Decently priced for a popular Portland brunch spot. Average cost per plate is $8-$12.
Menu: Nice sized menu with a wide range of options for meat lovers and vegetarians. No one gets excluded from these soulful flavors.
Food: I would rate it a 4/5. Nice big portions, great tasting food. Both my husband and I are anxious to come back to a dinner service and see if we feel equally impressed.
Service: The waiters are friendly and warm. The food comes out in a timely manner and you can see that their kitchen has figured out a winning combination. The kitchen is open and available to see all the hard work that goes into making the food - no "Hell's Kitchen" moments here! Fair warning - this place is VERY popular. Usually a good inclination that you're in for a treat. That said, be prepared for the long wait. My husband and I typically show up earlier than we hope to eat, grab a cup of coffee from the bar and walk around the local shops to kill time. Parking has never been a severe issue for us. Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
#9 Le Bistro Montage
Le Bistro Montage is one of those places that if it wasn't recommended so much, you would probably never give it a shot. It's located right under a bridge in NE industrial. We've only gone for brunch, but I could see how it'd be a little sketchy at night. Location aside, the brunch was pretty good. From the reviews I've read, lunch and dinner seem like their star attractions. 1/2 price wine Monday and Tuesday. Worth checking out again for this, but I'm not in a rush.
Moving onto the good stuff - our experience and the food. Naturally, as seems to be the trend on this blog, my husband and I had brunch =). See their brunch menu here.
I ordered their Biscuit Sandwich and Brent ordered the Cajun Chicken Fried Steak.
My biscuit sandwich was really good with the right amount of spice in the country gravy and onion rings. To top it off, I ordered a "large" glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The glass was pretty small despite ordering a large, but we both watched her squeeze orange after orange to make this small glass. I might call it a large too ;). The OJ hit the spot and was both refreshing and delicious.
Brent also enjoyed his meal. He finished his and then worked on mine afterward. I warned him of the necessity for leftover though so he fought the compulsion we so often get with these brunches to stuff ourselves to the max. Why do you ask did we need leftovers? Because Montage is known around here for the creative ways they wrap up your leftovers. Here is what we got to hold the rest of my meal:
Awesome right?!
Cost: Very affordable. Average cost per plate is $6-$9.
Menu: Nice sized brunch menu. Their dinner menu is even more impressive with a lot of unique dinner options - gumbo, catfish, frog legs, you name it. It's like New Orleans moved to Portland!
Food: I would rate it a 3/5. We enjoyed our brunch, but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. I would be more interested in trying their dinner and see what I think then.
Service: The waiters are on their own clock. Do not expect timely and efficient. We didn't have any issues with them being rude or unkind. It's just got it's own pace here. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time and neither of us were openly frustrated with the service. After reading multiple reviews, it looks like this 'laissez faire' attitude can tend to be more frustrating when they are very busy, but we didn't experience them during a time where we had to wait. Until that time, I think this is a keeper and I expect we'll be back at some point for dinner.
Moving onto the good stuff - our experience and the food. Naturally, as seems to be the trend on this blog, my husband and I had brunch =). See their brunch menu here.
I ordered their Biscuit Sandwich and Brent ordered the Cajun Chicken Fried Steak.
My biscuit sandwich was really good with the right amount of spice in the country gravy and onion rings. To top it off, I ordered a "large" glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The glass was pretty small despite ordering a large, but we both watched her squeeze orange after orange to make this small glass. I might call it a large too ;). The OJ hit the spot and was both refreshing and delicious.
Brent also enjoyed his meal. He finished his and then worked on mine afterward. I warned him of the necessity for leftover though so he fought the compulsion we so often get with these brunches to stuff ourselves to the max. Why do you ask did we need leftovers? Because Montage is known around here for the creative ways they wrap up your leftovers. Here is what we got to hold the rest of my meal:
Cost: Very affordable. Average cost per plate is $6-$9.
Menu: Nice sized brunch menu. Their dinner menu is even more impressive with a lot of unique dinner options - gumbo, catfish, frog legs, you name it. It's like New Orleans moved to Portland!
Food: I would rate it a 3/5. We enjoyed our brunch, but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. I would be more interested in trying their dinner and see what I think then.
Service: The waiters are on their own clock. Do not expect timely and efficient. We didn't have any issues with them being rude or unkind. It's just got it's own pace here. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time and neither of us were openly frustrated with the service. After reading multiple reviews, it looks like this 'laissez faire' attitude can tend to be more frustrating when they are very busy, but we didn't experience them during a time where we had to wait. Until that time, I think this is a keeper and I expect we'll be back at some point for dinner.
Friday, January 14, 2011
#76: Blind Onion Pizza & Pub
What is there not to say about this pizza joint?! I'm obsessed, that is the only way to put it simply. I don't like to consider myself a pizza connoisseur because I'm about as boring as they come with my pizza preferences. I am on the search for the best cheese pizza. In my opinion, this is the hardest pizza to make. The ingredients are few and they have to count.
This said, Blind Onion Pizza has the BEST cheese pizza I've had in Portland hands down. They know how to do the classics well and I'm never disappointed. They work with amazing ingredients, and don't get me started on their crust (the crust HAS to be amazing or you haven't sold me, sorry). My husband loves their pepperoni pizza ("It's got a good spice to it," he says), and we drive 45 minutes to go to it. Anytime were in Vancouver, WA we visit Blind Onion. We are that committed people!
There is a location in NE Portland off Broadway. I've never visited that location, but I've heard there are two separate owners, one for the Washington locations and one for the Oregon locations. Do they make their pizza differently in Portland now after the split? I can't answer this question! My only sadness is that there isn't a Blind Onion near me.
PS. Fred is the name of their onion (yes, their onion). If your name is Fred, you will receive a discount on the price of draft beer anytime. Lucky.....
This said, Blind Onion Pizza has the BEST cheese pizza I've had in Portland hands down. They know how to do the classics well and I'm never disappointed. They work with amazing ingredients, and don't get me started on their crust (the crust HAS to be amazing or you haven't sold me, sorry). My husband loves their pepperoni pizza ("It's got a good spice to it," he says), and we drive 45 minutes to go to it. Anytime were in Vancouver, WA we visit Blind Onion. We are that committed people!
There is a location in NE Portland off Broadway. I've never visited that location, but I've heard there are two separate owners, one for the Washington locations and one for the Oregon locations. Do they make their pizza differently in Portland now after the split? I can't answer this question! My only sadness is that there isn't a Blind Onion near me.
PS. Fred is the name of their onion (yes, their onion). If your name is Fred, you will receive a discount on the price of draft beer anytime. Lucky.....
Thursday, January 13, 2011
#7: Pine State Biscuits
Having lived in the south with my father for several years I have learned to appreciate good southern style cooking. My stepmother Jami opened up a world of sweet tea, grits, fried chicken, and gravy... love me some gravy!
Pine State Biscuits brings me back! Every time we're there I think of my family down in Texas. There is literally NO WHERE else in Portland that I have found sweet tea. Every time Jami visits she asks for sweet tea and the poor waiters look confused. We have tea and we have sweetener, that's what it is right?? Wrong. Check it out peeps, it's good (though not good for you.. I did mentioned it's called sweet tea).
For all of you out there who love and miss fried green tomatoes, collard greens, grits and the like, head over to Pine State Biscuits! For all of you Food Network junkies, this is also a 'Triple D' (Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) PDX spot. You can go to the Pine State Biscuit website to see the episode and what Guy Fieri thought of it.
My husband got the 'Reggie' and gobbled it up. His opinion? "Amazing". I got the 'Moneyball' and it was also very tasty although too much for me to finish. That wasn't a problem though, my husband and I did a little plate swap and he cleaned up my plate too!
Cost: Pretty cheap eats. Average cost per plate is $6-$8. I have heard some complain that is expensive for what you get... depends on the person I guess.
Menu: Nice options for such a focused menu. There are so many combinations I can think of for biscuits and gravy. Vegetarian gravy is an option for those who wish it.
Food: Delicious biscuits and gravy, which is the very purpose of their restaurant. I'd give it a 5/5
Service: BIG WARNING. Pine State Biscuits is SMALL. You will wait outside and with the Portland rainy weather, it can be a HUGE bummer. They have a system. Your whole party has to order at the same time (eg. you must ALL be there or you won't eat together). There is VERY limited seating inside and many take it to go. The idea is that you order as a group, receive your items together and sit together (if you can find a seat). They ask you don't linger. This is not a place to chat and hang out. People are hovering around you waiting for your seat.
Pine State Biscuits brings me back! Every time we're there I think of my family down in Texas. There is literally NO WHERE else in Portland that I have found sweet tea. Every time Jami visits she asks for sweet tea and the poor waiters look confused. We have tea and we have sweetener, that's what it is right?? Wrong. Check it out peeps, it's good (though not good for you.. I did mentioned it's called sweet tea).
For all of you out there who love and miss fried green tomatoes, collard greens, grits and the like, head over to Pine State Biscuits! For all of you Food Network junkies, this is also a 'Triple D' (Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) PDX spot. You can go to the Pine State Biscuit website to see the episode and what Guy Fieri thought of it.
My husband got the 'Reggie' and gobbled it up. His opinion? "Amazing". I got the 'Moneyball' and it was also very tasty although too much for me to finish. That wasn't a problem though, my husband and I did a little plate swap and he cleaned up my plate too!
Cost: Pretty cheap eats. Average cost per plate is $6-$8. I have heard some complain that is expensive for what you get... depends on the person I guess.
Menu: Nice options for such a focused menu. There are so many combinations I can think of for biscuits and gravy. Vegetarian gravy is an option for those who wish it.
Food: Delicious biscuits and gravy, which is the very purpose of their restaurant. I'd give it a 5/5
Service: BIG WARNING. Pine State Biscuits is SMALL. You will wait outside and with the Portland rainy weather, it can be a HUGE bummer. They have a system. Your whole party has to order at the same time (eg. you must ALL be there or you won't eat together). There is VERY limited seating inside and many take it to go. The idea is that you order as a group, receive your items together and sit together (if you can find a seat). They ask you don't linger. This is not a place to chat and hang out. People are hovering around you waiting for your seat.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
#48: Gravy
I have now had two experiences with Gravy. The first time, my husband and I invited two of our close friends Mike and Mandy with us. We went on a Sunday afternoon (our mistake) and sat for, wait for it, two and a half hours! By the time we had been sat, ordered and received our food I'm pretty sure anything would have sufficed. We were even more pleased when we took that first bite. It was good. I'm not talking sufficient, but clean up the plate good. Another important note: If you get a hankering for breakfast and are hoping for some 'brinner', no such luck. Gravy closes by 3:00PM.
All that said, nobody will be cleaning up their plate because the portion sizes are HUMONGOUS, but all in all a great experience. My husband got the challah french toast, I got banana chocolate chip pancakes, and we shared a portion of biscuits and gravy. Is this why its called Gravy? I sure hope not. It was okay. Nothing to call home about though. If you're looking for some good biscuits and gravy, check out Pine State Biscuits(I'm drooling just thinking about it). The banana chocolate chip pancakes were delicious although very sweet. Banana chunks were hidden inside the batter and each cut had a nice slice of real banana. Slightly melted chocolate chips and fresh banana slices were on top for a nice touch. The highlight of our meal? The challah french toast... wow. This is not only the best french toast I've had in Portland thus far, but the best french toast hands down. Perfectly cooked and amazing flavor. If you like french toast, you MUST GO!
I'm trying to remember what our friends got.. I believe it was one of the signature 'Scrambles & Omelets' in addition to the veggie version of the biscuits and gravy. The veggie gravy was much better than the country gravy, but still nothing spectacular. I didn't hear any complaints about the scramble either.
Our second visit was less successful. I was determined to order the french toast for myself, a half order of course. My husband, wanting to venture out asked for the 'Country fried steak & eggs' with a side of buttermilk pancakes. Again, remember the portion sizes are HUGE. If you're unhappy, a lot of food goes to waste.
I was pleased as punch with my french toast.. another ten in my book. My husband, was less than happy with his dish. The country fried steak was thick and chewy and the fried shell was broken and thin. He ended up having two bites and moving his eggs to his pancakes plate. The pancakes he liked, but wasn't impressed. He is a breakfast critic and expected more with how amazing the french toast is. All in all, one left satisfied the other disgruntled and grumbling that Gravy is only good for one thing... french toast.
Cost: decently priced for the portions. Average cost per plate is $8-$12
Menu: Nice breakfast breakdown with sweet and savory food for everyone. Vegan and vegetarian options also included.
Food: There are some gems on the menu that make this rating higher than it might be if we tried everything on the menu. I would rate it a 4/5
Service: The wait stinks, but there is no way around it with these popular one of a kind restaurants. Know about it and be prepared. Service is relaxed and not a good place to go if you're looking for quick and attentive. You're not ignored and the staff are pleasant, but you're going to be there a while.
All that said, nobody will be cleaning up their plate because the portion sizes are HUMONGOUS, but all in all a great experience. My husband got the challah french toast, I got banana chocolate chip pancakes, and we shared a portion of biscuits and gravy. Is this why its called Gravy? I sure hope not. It was okay. Nothing to call home about though. If you're looking for some good biscuits and gravy, check out Pine State Biscuits(I'm drooling just thinking about it). The banana chocolate chip pancakes were delicious although very sweet. Banana chunks were hidden inside the batter and each cut had a nice slice of real banana. Slightly melted chocolate chips and fresh banana slices were on top for a nice touch. The highlight of our meal? The challah french toast... wow. This is not only the best french toast I've had in Portland thus far, but the best french toast hands down. Perfectly cooked and amazing flavor. If you like french toast, you MUST GO!
I'm trying to remember what our friends got.. I believe it was one of the signature 'Scrambles & Omelets' in addition to the veggie version of the biscuits and gravy. The veggie gravy was much better than the country gravy, but still nothing spectacular. I didn't hear any complaints about the scramble either.
Our second visit was less successful. I was determined to order the french toast for myself, a half order of course. My husband, wanting to venture out asked for the 'Country fried steak & eggs' with a side of buttermilk pancakes. Again, remember the portion sizes are HUGE. If you're unhappy, a lot of food goes to waste.
I was pleased as punch with my french toast.. another ten in my book. My husband, was less than happy with his dish. The country fried steak was thick and chewy and the fried shell was broken and thin. He ended up having two bites and moving his eggs to his pancakes plate. The pancakes he liked, but wasn't impressed. He is a breakfast critic and expected more with how amazing the french toast is. All in all, one left satisfied the other disgruntled and grumbling that Gravy is only good for one thing... french toast.
Cost: decently priced for the portions. Average cost per plate is $8-$12
Menu: Nice breakfast breakdown with sweet and savory food for everyone. Vegan and vegetarian options also included.
Food: There are some gems on the menu that make this rating higher than it might be if we tried everything on the menu. I would rate it a 4/5
Service: The wait stinks, but there is no way around it with these popular one of a kind restaurants. Know about it and be prepared. Service is relaxed and not a good place to go if you're looking for quick and attentive. You're not ignored and the staff are pleasant, but you're going to be there a while.
Urban Spoon Challenge
Over this past year, my husband and I have been trying to find a way to connect with each other and our city in the midst of busy lives. I, a graduate student, avid reader, Junior League member and volunteer, and my husband, an Intel computer nerd, on the side video game aficionado, hockey player and Red Wing fanatic are trying to find something that we both enjoy that brings us closer. As you can see, our interests are terribly similar and we were dripping with options... not! Food, in the end, is what brought us together on this date nights turned Sunday institution. I hope to update this weekly, but lets be honest, my first blog hasn't been updated in seven months!
I'll do my best to take notes regarding cost, menu, food (obviously), and service of the places we've tried and hopefully tackle the Urbanspoon 100 Best Portland Restaurants list while we're at it. Being someone who follows what sounds delicious, I can't imagine this list will always work for me. Sometimes the suggestion given on the fly is more appetizing then the long list I've had on my iPhone Wishlist that ironically keeps getting longer every week! That said, here is the current list. I realize you might be thinking, "Don't they update that"? I'm sure, but I can't possibly catch up.. 100 places on a grad school budget! We'll see where this adventure takes us. Here is the list as of today:
I'll do my best to take notes regarding cost, menu, food (obviously), and service of the places we've tried and hopefully tackle the Urbanspoon 100 Best Portland Restaurants list while we're at it. Being someone who follows what sounds delicious, I can't imagine this list will always work for me. Sometimes the suggestion given on the fly is more appetizing then the long list I've had on my iPhone Wishlist that ironically keeps getting longer every week! That said, here is the current list. I realize you might be thinking, "Don't they update that"? I'm sure, but I can't possibly catch up.. 100 places on a grad school budget! We'll see where this adventure takes us. Here is the list as of today:
Best restaurants in Portland
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