Portland, OR - A Michelin Pedigree, Part 1 of 2

Portland is fast becoming a gastronomers playground and is not far behind San Francisco or New York's Michelin pedigreed chefs. The food scene is becoming more sophisticated and innovative due to "the greatest chef culture" which has young and talented chefs making their pilgrimage to this city. It makes them take risks without calling on corporate backers and lawyers ... Lucky Portlanders!
Portland's a food destination with maximum flavor and a WOW factor that is unpretentious! Yes, I will be back for more.

The restaurants in this ravings page: Piazza Italia, Simpatica Dining Hall and Andina.

My ravings/rantings should not influence and stop you from exploring the city's food scene. Everyone has their own taste and whims, for your own gastronomic pleasure and for the pursuit of good eating -- GO! Experience and explore Portland's myriad eating options!

All restaurant listings will be updated accordingly so check back within a few months!

Last update: September 9, 2008

PIAZZA ITALIA

(Italian)
Neighborhood: Pearl District
1129 NW Johnson St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 478-0619
http://www.piazzaportland.com/
A small family owned restaurant that has transplanted traditional Italy into the heart of Portland's Pearl district. Just watch how the server's attitude and accents set the tone (talk to the servers a little longer and that Italian accent is gone.) Soccer banners posted on three corners and the soothing smell of authentic Italian cooking everywhere! Truly Italia ... Yum!
They use simple ingredients with full bold flavors that had all the correct seasons: Texture, Color, Flavor and Temperature! Vegetarians need not worry, they have an ample list of veggie dishes.
They serve "special" dishes not found on the menu, had the rabbit and is was mouthwatering good! Prices are very reasonable $10-$15 for an entree that is good for two!
Make a trip to Italy in Portland ... PIAZZA ITALIA, 5-stars!!!

Advance reservations a must!

SIMPATICA DINING HALL
(Breakfast - Nuovo cuisine)
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
828 SE Ash St
Portland, OR 97255
(503) 235-1600
http://www.simpaticacatering.com/
You will be going down to what seemed to be a basement hallway. It feels like you are walking through a theater corridor, and maybe you are ... The stars of the theater ... The FOOD!
A homey-feeling place with a homey-feeling meal! Simply divine, simply delicious, simply Simpatica (charming)!
It's eating "pretentious food" without the pretention. Sunday brunch was fabulous, they serve dinner on Friday and Saturdays ... The food was good that I only took one picture! There is more to be said and it's all good, yet let SIMPATICA pleasingly surprise you ... 5-stars!!!

ANDINA

(Latin America - Peruvian)

Neighborhood: Pearl District

1314 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-9535

http://www.andinarestaurant.com

The interiors impressed me, the food just verified my impression of Andina at every level ... Presentation eye catching and the taste - delectably heavenly. The bread and the three dipping sauces (in the array of spiciness) are a tasty hold-over till the appetizers come. The cocktail drinks - inviting and inventive! They have fuzed the Spanish tapa style to the Peruvian plate and the result is a burst of colors and flavors! Tapas or an entree ... This is a great place to impress.

They serve gluten-free dishes, too! Price is downtown fancy ...

Food was my first priority, taking pictures second ... fortunately, the food was sooo good, I forgot to take pictures! Better than Soho NY? ... Am giving it 5-stars!!! ... That means YES!

A continuation of this blog title thru this link "Portland, OR - A Michelin Pedigree, Part 2 of 2"