Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Little Big Burger - In the Pearl District (near Powell's) in Portland, OR

Also a location on 23rd ave, near Lovejoy.

There are a few of these places around, but I've only been to the one in the Pearl District. Of all the food places that use the business model of a limited menu (like In-N-Out and Five Guys), Little Big Burger is climbing to the top of my favorites list. I like Five Guys, but it's SO MUCH FOOD... When I go to LBB, I always want to get two burgers when I see other people eating that little burger, but I don't, and I haven't ever regretted it. It's the perfect amount of food, and it's quality food. I recommend this place when you just want something simple and you want to be full but not sick-full (which I never want and always regret when I get to that point). Their Chevre and Bleu are both good. FYI, they cook every burger to Medium which seems more like Medium-Rare to me, unless you tell them otherwise.

Little Big Burger Website

Yelp

On 10th ave.
Little Big Burger on Urbanspoon

On 23rd ave.
Little Big Burger on Urbanspoon


Crossroads Music - Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, OR

This shop is crazy! Like a few others, these guys keep it real. What makes this shop crazy though is that there are a few different suppliers. It's like a few guys "rent" space here and display their LPs separately. This means that if you are looking for something in particular, you have to go to five or so different places in the shop. It seems like it also means that it's more likely that at least someone in the shop will have what you're looking for. Once you have everything you want, you take all your finds to the front desk and they ring it up like it's all their stuff. Each renter has their own sticker on their stuff, and that's how the shop knows who to pay for what is sold. I can spend a lot of money here, just because the selection is good. Prices are reasonable too. Unfortunately I didn't see any budget bins.

Crossroads Music Website

Yelp


Music Millennium - Burnside St. (east side) Portland, OR

This place is pretty cool, and they keep it real. They have coupon books that are fun, and some good budget bins. Their budget bins are better than 2nd Ave Records, if for no other reason than because they are all in one place (although, sometimes it IS fun to dig around a shop). Great selection of new LPs and used older stuff. Not a lot of used new stuff, but that's pretty common.

Music Millennium Website

Yelp


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Riyadh's - The west end of Hawthorne near the carts in Portland, OR

This place is pretty dang delicious!!!! When I bit into the salad, I knew I was in for a treat! I will definitely go back. I savored every bite. If you like Lebanese food, or just want to try something new and/or different, give it a shot. Afterwards, go next door to Really Good Stuff, an amazing place stuffed full of vintage everything - bikes, phones, records, clothes, musical instruments, pocket knives, lighters, typewriters, etc, etc.


Riyadh's Lebanese on Urbanspoon


Fire On The Mountain - N Interstate Ave. in Portland, OR

If you take the Going exit (exit 303) off I-5, you will need to go south in Interstate Ave and it will be on your right (west side of the street).

This place is delicious and I highly recommend it. They have several different BBQ sauces to choose from that are available for sampling. You get lots of quality food for a reasonable price, and it's even a little messy in a fun way. Don't go here if you are in a hurry. The atmosphere is relaxing and happy. Their Ciabatta rolls are the good ones (they are NOT tough as leather). The fried Twinkies are scrumptious (and remind me of Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans), but the fried Oreos are unbelievable!

Fire on the Mountain Website

Yelp

Fire on the Mountain on Urbanspoon


Toast & Pho - Near the corner of NW 21st and Burnside in Portland, OR

This place has good location and is reasonably priced but the Pho is not amazing. I would go back if I was in the area and wanted Pho, but I'm not looking for an excuse to rush back. There are a lot of places to get better Pho in Portland.

Yelp

Toast & Pho on Urbanspoon


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Grand Central Bakery - Portland, OR & Seattle WA

There are a few of these places around. I have only been to the one in NW Portland and the one in Multnomah Village in SW Portland. I have always had a fantastic experience whenever I go to either one. Their Kalamata Olive bread is amazing and I don't generally like Kalamata olives. Every one of their sandwiches I've had was delicious, so there isn't much of a gamble when trying to decide what to have. The Bread Pudding is also good enough to warrant mention.

Yelp (On Multnomah Blvd)

Yelp (In the NW District)

Grand Central Bakery Website

Grand Central Bakery on Urbanspoon (On Multnomah Blvd)

Grand Central Bakery on Urbanspoon (In the NW District)


2nd Avenue Records - On 2nd and Stark in downtown Portland, OR


This place and their employees are classic Portland music-scene. It's great! Their selections of new and used LPs is pretty good, the location is convenient, and their prices are decent. I go here mostly for the $0.99 budget stacks. I like to hunt. They also have a good t-shirt selection. Unfortunately they don't carry parts for turntables or plastic/paper sleeves for LPs.


Briskets Food Cart - On Quimby Between 18th and 19th in NW Portland, OR

This place is delicious, and the combo box is less than $8. I almost couldn't finish it. I almost didn't even start the other half because I was so full from the first half and the mac&cheese. I will go back, but next time I'm taking toothpicks or floss...

Yelp


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

KC Teriyaki - Exit 7 (west side) off I-5 in Vancouver, WA

I keep going back to this place. I can't get enough Chicken Katsu, and this place makes it good. I like the side-salad that comes with it too. It's clean, reasonably priced, and you get your food fast.

Yelp (Off I-5)

Yelp (On Mill Plains Blvd)


KC Teriyaki on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

PHỞ LÊ - Fisher's Landing in Vancouver, WA


Closed

A really good bowl of Pho for about $9. The place was clean and the atmosphere was soothing. I look forward to coming back.

Pho Le Website

Yelp

Urbanspoon

Sunday, January 8, 2012

China Delight - Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy in Portland, OR

This place is awesome, and the food isn’t the only reason. The main guy (maybe the owner) is hilarious and keeps you entertained the whole time. He tells everyone “Welcome Home.”

I had the Honey Walnut Chicken and found it very enjoyable. It’s not cheap (not expensive either), but this is one of those places where you get what you pay for. I would go back. Also, I think I heard a live band in the bar; however, I did not investigate.

SanSai Japanese Grill - On NW 21st and Hoyt in Portland, OR


This is a great place. I would take friends here and be comfortable expecting them to have a good experience. It’s clean, reasonably priced, the atmosphere is great, the location is convenient, and the service is good. They have a great happy hour as well.

Yelp

Sansai Sushi on Urbanspoon