Portland Spoke – The Official Blog of Travel Portland

When it comes to microbrews and wine, Portland’s cup has notoriously runneth over, but in recent years, our plate has also been full with daring dishes and high-quality cuisine. Fortunately for foodies, the trend is only building, with several top-notch dining spots opening recently in downtown, along with a new star on one of the country’s most up-and-coming streets for eats.

First up, Lardo, is no stranger to the Portland’s pork-crazed masses, as it has existed as food cart since September 2010 and has another location on the east side of the river. But their new downtown location on Southwest Washington Street brings the shop’s rotating menu of porcine sandwiches to the city center, where working stiffs and visiting tourists alike can stuff their faces with classic Italian eats like porchetta and mortadella, plus a burger topped with pork belly and even a few veg options.

Nearby on Southwest Broadway Street, Imperial, brings diners Pacific Northwest-styled offerings from legendary local chef Vitaly Paley. Located in the stylish Hotel Lucia, the warm, wood-clad restaurant aims to unite diners with the region through their food, using an open kitchen with a grill meant to invoke the campfire warmth that historically lit the Northwest, along with uncomplicated food steeped in historical significance, like wild king salmon in roasted shallot green sauce, or quail with oyster stuffing. Also in the Hotel Lucia, Paley has opened a smaller, casual diner called the Portland Penny Diner, where the specialities include fry-bread sandwiches.

Up the street in the 130-year-old Ladd Carriage House, one of the few surviving structures from downtown Portland’s days of grand estates, Raven & Rose aims to make history itself, with a wood-fired gastropub downstairs and an upstairs bar (in a former hayloft), which serves drinks that evoke the building’s era. Pairing former Park Kitchen head chef David Padberg with erstwhile Beaker & Flask bartender Dave Shenaut, the venture looks to have all the ingredients for success.

Photo courtesy of Portland Monthly

Out on Southeast Division Street, Ava Gene’s turns what was already a culinary hot zone into a full-fledged gourmet playground. Founded by Stumptown Coffee and Woodsman Tavern owner Duane Sorenson, the New York-style Italian restaurant specializes in hard-to-find pastas (made in-house), and pairs them perfectly with both charcuterie and wine. Add soft lighting and vintage decor, and you’ve instantly got some of the most romantic tables in town—and a prime example of how Portlanders love their food scene.

This weekend is one of my favorite events of early spring — the SE Portland Artwalk. For two days, you can walk through inner Southeast Portland and enjoy the work of more than 80 artists in their homes, studios and hosted business locations!

I have been a participating artist for this event for 5+ years, and I love meeting people as they walk through the doors of local studios and get to talk about art, the creative process, that new coffee shop that opened down the street … just about anything!

The event is free, and you can download a map of artists and locations from their website.

Go out, take a walk, see some art. You just might discover something new!

Ramen reigns supreme at Boke Bowl, but don't miss the kimchi or the brussels sprout and cauliflower salad.

I’ve been spending a lot of time exploring the Central Eastside Industrial District lately, preparing for the arrival of the new Portland Streetcar in September. Since it’s winter in the Rose City, that can mean for some chilly days weaving in and out of the old warehouses and back and forth across the train tracks. But it also means warming up to a steaming helping of ramen at Boke Bowl — my new favorite lunch spot.

Ramen purists may not enjoy Boke’s chewy handmade noodles, which are a tad thicker than I’ve had at so-called traditional places. Me? I love them and think they go well with any of the broths offered. My personal favorite is the seafood miso topped with a poached egg and pork belly, but it’s easy to mix and match the many options. If you’re a kimchi fan, give it a go, too. The most “traditional” kimchi I’ve had was made by a friend’s Korean wife in Montana, and let’s just say I’ll take Boke’s any day. Check them out for lunch or their Korean fried chicken dinners on Thursday nights.

While you’re at it, spend some time exploring this up-and-coming neighborhood full of interesting destinations. Grab a beer at Hair of the Dog — legendary among beer aficionados — or an espresso at Water Avenue Coffee (or just drool over the high-end home espresso makers at Clive Coffee next door). If you play your cards right and manage your time, you’ll be ready to hit Bunk Bar right next to Boke Bowl for dinner.