Off the hook good food
On my quest to reach the best restaurants in Portland, I've found two gigantic contenders for some of the best food I've ever had. I'm even writing about these separately from my Favs page.
With everyone talking about this Mediterranean restaurant called Toro Bravo and me having two Spanish teammates, I thought it essential that I check out the authenticity of this place.
I was blown away by how good their tapas were. I don't know what tapas is or means, but the way they cook it is awesome. If this is what all Spanish food tastes like, please book me two tickets to Spain after June 30. People were all having a good time eating and drinking wine. There seemed to be no problems with anyone anywhere in this place.
I give it 5 patatas with extra mole sauce because it was legit.
The second contender is Pok Pok. Okay, what's a sign of a place being freaking off-the-chain good..? Maybe a line in 35-degree weather waiting for a table OUTSIDE. Yes, I waited. I've heard many, many things so I chose this Friday to venture east and go see what's up. I can only imagine how sweet this place is during the summer.
The table heaters and the water with a huge branch thingy in it are just two things that caught my eye when I first sat down. I then had the pork skewers and the world famous wings... Someone call the
police because I did a serious 187 (murder) on it. I sat there almost in awe of how good everything was, no lie. I even tried to lick my plate. Bad manners, I know, but it's worth it. Every dish that we had was so fresh I wanted to slap its mamma. I mean, it's hard to find a place where everything is organic and fresh and you can taste the difference.
Where have we been, Portland, that this place isn't nationally nominated for best Restaurant of the World? I have a new favorite. If you like great food, this is the spot. I'm gonna keep looking around though to see if anyone can dethrone Pok Pok. If it's possible, I'll find it.
Oh, and thank you to our friends The Sanfords for telling us to go there.
February 11th, 2009 - 13:15
found this on the internet for ya:
A ‘tapa’ is a ‘lid’ or ‘cover’. In the early days of tapas, a slice of cheese or ham was given with your drink and placed over your drink.
so, it’s highly evolved happy hour food.
February 11th, 2009 - 13:30
Impossible to beat Pok Pok. Went there last year and immediately decided it was the best restaurant I have been to in Portland.
Every single thing we ordered was devoured in minutes. I’m not a dessert person, but we also went that route and tried almost all of their desserts which were to die for.
And we also waited in line in the cold which was completely worth it.
February 11th, 2009 - 15:02
Heh, you hit two of the best there with TB and 2Pok. Can’t wait to here where else you end up.
February 11th, 2009 - 17:01
good call channing…If you are ever in San Diego in your free time, check out a place called “Las Cuatro Milpas”. Any cabbie will be able to get you there…it is similar to the lines of Pok Pok. You get to wait a good half hour in line (but it’s san diego, so never cold) and get the most fresh mexican food i’ve ever had in a dining establishment. Try the Chorizo (it’s a chili, not a platter or burrito) and the pork tacos (though you can’t go wrong with anything on the small menu). EVERYTHING is made from scratch daily with the freshest of ingredients. The place has been in the same dingy old building since sometime in the 30’s! That should give you a brief idea of how good it is…
February 11th, 2009 - 17:46
Oooh Pok Pok, I dreamed about those chicken wings for days! Yummers.
If you ask they’ll make you a Thai Iced Tea with alcohol in it, I went with brandy and it was delicious.
February 11th, 2009 - 19:54
CHANNING, you still have not FLYING PIE PIZZA!!! I KNOW that a bunch of your fans suggested FLYING PIE,…. and you have not checked it out!?!
it is on 71st and SE STARK!!! You can do “take out” so that no one bothers you, or EAT IN and ENJOY.. please try it.. my family ALWAYS gets the “Ms. Piggy” it is THE BEST!!!!! Just try it….
February 12th, 2009 - 09:32
Channing, you have endured this same pressure before while at AZ. You did well with it and just got better and better as a player. Since this is a food message, have you been to Dan & Louis Oyster Bar? Fun place with a lot of old-timers.
It’s great to see you online, if not on the court.
February 12th, 2009 - 14:07
Yo Frye,
Hope you’re doing well. You should certainly check out EAT on N Williams. Its New Orleans food (AWESOME jamnalya, legit seafood gumbo, trust me, im from NOLA) with an oyster bar. I challenge you to an all you can eat oyster fest! Loser drinks Absinthe.
PS. i was in New Orleans for the blazers hornets game. Had my 2 year old nephew wearing a Red Roy jersey.
February 19th, 2009 - 16:35
Sorry to rain on everyone’s parade, but Pok Pok is so-so, at best. I mean, I appreciate the effort the guy has put into the place and the food’s better than a lot of SE Asian restaurants in town … but as someone who’s been around that part of the world (especially Malaysia), what’s on the table at Pok Pok doesn’t hold a candle to what you find at the street vendor stalls in, say, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Good stuff by Portland standards, but I was disappointed when I went there.
February 21st, 2009 - 11:44
Channing-
I know you like the Buffalo Gap, so I know you cruise up Macadam. So, you gotta check out Cafe Du Berry for breakfast- you will be blown away- It’s like 2 blocks from Buffalo Gap. Ok, now the important part- French toast is a must have, and then either the eggs benedict or the steak. The place is kind of run down, but you will go there at least 2-4 times a month after you check it out. Make sure you get 2 of these three things and split with your fiance.
By the way- My wife and I are really glad you didn’t get traded. There are a lot of haters out there- but you give it your all each and every night. Plus, you’re probably the most personable person on the team. We’re glad you’re still in Portland Channing. Keep up the great work and hustle.
-Will
February 24th, 2009 - 22:26
If you have never been, you should try Simpatica Dining Hall for dinner and especially brunch! John Gorham (of Toro Bravo)started Simpatica as a supper club with Ben Dyer, who is the meat guru behind Viande meats(formerly in City Market). Check out the website simpaticacatering.com and then check out brunch. Saturdays and Sundays 9-2
February 25th, 2009 - 12:11
I love Pok Pok! Hey, it may not compare to the authentic thai food that you can get in Bangkok, but for Portland, it’s great! I’d like to recommend Cafe Naoko – it’s a bento place, but very organic. You might encounter a wait, but it’s worth it.
February 28th, 2009 - 20:06
Man- Thats all good but Merrakesh in on NW 22nd is fantastic. Morrocan food. Lots of courses, and belly dancers on some nights. Sooo good.
March 3rd, 2009 - 22:35
Pok-Pok may not have yet been named “best restaurant in the world,” but the New York Times raved about it a month or so ago.
Lauro just up the street is good, too.
July 28th, 2009 - 22:49
While in Portland a couple weeks ago Pok Pok came highly recommended by Brandon at Bamboo Sushi, by the way some of the best sushi I have ever had. And I have eaten sushi from San Diego to New York. Just let Brandon “take care of you”.
We went to Pok Pok the next night, we are still not sure which was better food. Again we let the waiter “take care of us”.