Blue Fin

First thing you should know before reading this review: I hate fish. Why am I then reviewing a sushi bar? Because there is more to sushi than raw fish.
Blue Fin opened a little over a year ago and during this time last summer, I spent many days perched in front of their carousel. By far my favorite item was their Avocado and Crab plates. In fact, it was the main reason for my visits.

But for some reason, the chefs there became less and less willing to make them for me. By the end of summer our waitress was having to cajole the chefs. Finally, my husband and I had had enough. Why patronize an establishment that refuses to prepare what is on their menu?
Last Saturday, our moratorium ended… and I’m glad it did. Not only were we satiated with 4 plates each of the Avocado and Crab, but we were thrilled with some of their new creations: the baked Sesame balls, the breaded and fried Teriyaki Chicken and a new favorite… Crab Stuffed Mushroom caps.

The price per plate is very reasonable and especially on their $1.50 per plate Saturdays. All in all I recommend Blue Fin for your sushi cravings.

My final word: One of the best in town.

Black Angus

415 East 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 695-1506

Last night I had a craving for steak. Having not found a great steakhouse in Portland, I decided to take a chance on an establishment that’s known for its steak: Black Angus. It was a bit of a drive coming from downtown PDX to Vancouver, but for good food… I’m willing to travel.
The décor is western with each booth having 5 foot high walls surrounding it, giving it a nice feel of privacy. The music did not fit the feel, décor or ambiance of the restaurant… but don’t get me wrong, I love pop music from the 80’s.
Our waiter was friendly and prompt, but it did take 15-20 minutes just to get our drinks served. The manager even came by to apologize. Apparently the bartender was new. Looking over the menu, there was a nice variety of steaks to be had. I chose the New York Strip, Center-cut which comes with fresh vegetables and choice of side: Idaho Baked Potato; Steakhouse Fries; Whipped Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Rice Pilaf. Wanting none of these, I asked for a double serving of fresh vegetables, with a side of Grilled Fresh Asparagus ($1.99) and Sautéed Fresh Mushrooms on top ($1.99). My husband ordered a half-order of the BBQ Baby Back Ribs, the veggies and the garlic mashed potatoes.
I was disappointed right away when our food arrived. My double order of fresh vegetables was actually a single order of veggies, being the same size as what my husband was given… and it was a small order at that. My side order of asparagus was 5 stalks and the sautéed mushrooms were 6 button mushrooms cut in half. Hardly worth the extra $4 for the pair. My steak, which was supposed to be cut butterfly and cooked medium-well, was not butterflied and was undercooked. All this could have been forgiven if the meat wasn’t 50% fat and gristle.
My husband enjoyed his Baby Back Ribs, fully expecting them to be fatty... and they were. The meat was very tender and falling off the bone. He also enjoyed the BBQ sauce that came with them.
All in all, for $75 it was hardly a value. My search for a the great Portland Steakhouse continues, as I will never be going back to the Black Anus… I mean, Angus.

My final word: Avoid unless you are Jack Sprat’s wife.

Overlook Family Restaurnant

1332 N Skidmore St
Portland, OR 97217-3253
(503) 288-0880

One of my favorite places to go for breakfast. On the weekends, it's typically busy from all the people just getting out from church. But even then, you won't have more that a 10 minute wait.
This is not a restaurant that you go for the ambiance... nor the service. Although the service isn't terrible. It's just not one of it's attributes. You go to the Overlook for a solid, down-home breakfast at a reasonable price.
I almost always get the B2 special: 2 eggs, 2 pancakes with 2 strips of bacon. The eggs are always cooked perfectly. The pancakes are fluffy without being too heavy and the bacon is thick-cut.

My runner up restaurants for breakfast include the Cadillac Cafe and Cricket. Both have good food, but limited choice pairing, higher prices and very long waits.

My final word: Best breakfast in town

Old Spaghetti Factory

715 S.W. Bancroft St.
Portland, OR 97239
(503)222-5375

My husband and I went here last night. I've heard people mention this place before and judging by the wait to be seated, it's a popular establishment.
Because there was just the two of us, we were seated quickly, ahead of the larger parties that waited up to 15 minutes. I am a big fan of their atmosphere. Beautiful hard wood floors, large tables, interesting chairs and unique decor.

It was after being seated that my good experience ended. Our waitress took so long just to take our drink order, that we had already read through the entire menu and had been waiting to give our meal order. Our drinks were delivered quickly... although she did get my order wrong. Rather than waiting for a replacement, I just drank it. I took notice that our waitress was serving a total of 6 tables. No one appeared very demanding or requiring too much time. None the less, we didn't see her again until our meals were delivered 30 minutes later... and she got the order wrong again. I ordered Chicken Parmigiana and was given Chicken Penne pasta. When I was finally given the correct dish, it was a bland, under cooked, small single chicken breast with a dolup of spaghetti and a splash of marinara sauce. Cost of material for the meal could not have exceeded one dollar. Cost to consumer: $12. I've had better Chicken Parmigiana from Hungry Man frozen dinners... and bigger portions. My husband order Chicken Vesuvius. Again, small bland portions and the noodles were too al dente.

After receiving our meals, our waitress vanished for the next 20 minutes. When I finally spotted her, I asked for a refill of my soda which had been empty since the meal arrived. My refill arrived at the same time as our 2go boxes. The check took another 15 minutes.

My final word: Over priced, under seasoned, under cooked, small portions with terrible service.

Thai Peacock

219 SW 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 228-2310

This is my favorite Thai restaurant in Portland. Not only is the food delicious, but the service, portion size and value are all excellent. The only negatives that I have for this place is atmosphere and parking. The tables are a bit small and the chairs on the uncomfortable side. If I had to guess, I would say that the restaurant could sit about 60 uncomfortably or 30 with room to spread out. This is not a reason to avoid this wonderful establishment though. It is not 'that bad' and most people would probably have no issue with it.

My favorite meals from Thai Peacock are:
Tom Ka (Coconut milk soup with mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions, flavored with lemongrass and lime juice),
Phad Thai (if you don't know what Phad Thai is, you've never had Thai food before),
Pad Kee Mao/Drunken Noodles (spicy rice noodles with veggies, basil leaves, and your choice of protein)
Chicken Pad Ga Prau (Chili, bell peppers, onions, and sweet basil leave).

I judge Thai restaurants by their Tom Ka. Phad Thai is hard to fuck up, but if you can make an incredible soup... then I'm sold. Now it's not the best Tom Ka that I've ever had, but it's a good second place.

Side note: the best Tom Ka that I've ever had was from a little place in Lompoc, California that went out of business soon after I moved. I seriously put their kids through college, I went there so often. When I left, they lost their best customer and couldn't keep the lifestyle that they had grown accustomed too with me coming in every day. :)

My final word: Best Thai in town

Introductions

I decided to start my own dining column because not only am I a natural born critic, but all too often I follow the dining crowds and end up being disappointed.
First things I should inform you:

• I am a picky eater. Which is not to say that I am a snob, but when it comes to my meals, flavor and quality reign supreme. I have tasted heaven at a greasy spoon and shit from upscale restaurants.
• I will only eat high quality meats. If it's fatty, gristly, tough or otherwise unappealing... it won't go in my mouth.
• I hate seafood. I've heard that there are certain types of fish that don't taste like the bottom of the marina... I'll let you know when I've had them.
• Lastly, I am willing to pay top dollar for something exquisite. Portion size, price, flavor and satisfaction are all added in to my decisions. A good deal is only a good deal if it left you wanting to return again and again.

VMS