Horn of Africa, Ethiopian

Date of last visit:  December 2009: returned April 2010
Address:  5237 NE Martin Luther King Blvd
Phone: 503-331-9844

Hours:  Tu-Fri, 11-9; Sat & Sun, 5-9; closed Monday
Link:  Horn of Africa

UPDATE: April 2010 visit...oops--what happened here. the food was not nearly as good, the chicken over cooked , the vegges not spicy. The service was still very friendly and at least we didn't freeze (like on our last visit)-Something has gone wrong in the kitchen.  We won't give up--we will go back. But if we discover that this isn't a fluke, we will look elsewhere for some more substantial Ethiopian flavor. 
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General Impressions of the place itself:  This restaurant had recently moved to a new location further north on MLK Blvd.  The space was attractive though sparsely decorated.  But the real problem was the temperature, in mid December it was very cold. 

What we ordered: we had the four person sampler (see plate pictured at right) which we shared with, of course, all four of us.  We were supplied with as much of the spongy bread (bideena) as we could eat. 
Things we liked and disliked: the owners were wonderful people, the food was great, but it was cooooold, they couldn't seem to get the thermostat to work right.  It had very high ceilings and the heat was stuck up there!
Number in our party:  4

Recommended?  definitely recommend this place, but then we love Ethiopian food, until they get the heating figured out we would stick with spring and summer.
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place?  3+

BUNK SANDWICHES

Date of last visit:  January 2010
Address: 621 SE Morrison St., Portland, Oregon
Phone: 503-477-9515
Hours: 8am to 3pm
Link:  Bunk Sandwiches

General Impressions of the place itself: hole in the wall, easy to miss driving by, but you may notice a line of people waiting out front, word on the street has been that this is a place to know about. Inside is Big --to the ceiling--blackboard with the day's menu. (I am told it changes daily.)  There are a few tables for two lined up at the window -- then that there is a long counter, with old fashion counter stools, to seat about a dozen people. Finally there are some more tables-for-two along the wall. All the cooking is being done behind the counter.  They are busy. The downsides are you are not going to sit down with a group--no space for that.  And, somebody really NEEDS to clean the floor. It is filthy.  You have to wonder about the overall hygiene, and  having those kind of thoughts does not sit well as you wait for your sandwich.

What we ordered:  We got a grilled cauliflower, cheese and hot pepper sandwich-- and a tuna melt.  The first was outstanding--well worth standing in line for and reason to agree that the buzz about this place is well deserved.  But, then we tried the tuna melt--and, well, it was not so good at all.  It had a strong fishy taste, like the cheap tuna you get in cans-- it was suppose to b albacore--but it didn't taste like it. 
Things we liked and disliked:  Bad to have questions of hygiene come into a customer's mind.  The bread they use for the sandwiches is wonderful.
Number in our party: 2
Total Bill: $16.00
Recommended? Yep --and we will go back for sure.  But we won't be ordering any more tuna melts
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? Right now we will say  3 But that could get revised after another visit.

Hoda's Middle Eastern Cusine

Date of last visit: January 2010

Address: 3401 SE Belmont, Portland, Oregon
Phone: 503-236-8325
Hours: open daily for lunch and dinner--closes around 9pm. call for exact times
Link:  Hoda's

General Impressions of the place itself: --on the corner--expanding into two rooms (and maybe there is an upstairs too) -- tables spaced appropriately to maximize the number of guest without having your chair bump the person behind you.  Comfortable. Part of the kitchen is in the dining area.  Very little space to wait indoors--and only a small covered area to stand in outside the door --so if it is raining (this is Portland), and it is crowded, it is a hassle.

What we ordered:  We have had many dishes here--or favorite is the grilled vegetable plate--(which they are sometimes out of) You always get a nice very fresh, smallish salad when you order a meal. Their pita bread is fresh made and delivered to the table warm--and it keeps coming as long as you want more.  One of us thinks the falafal sandwich is good--another thinks it is a bit dry, but you can always a get a little extra sauce. And their Baba Ghanouje is better than average
Things we liked and disliked:-- not so great to wait outside in the rain, service is sometimes slow but the food is reliable -- and while we can't claim it to be exceptional food we can say for certain that we have never had a bad meal here. 
Number in our party: varies every time we go
Total Bill:  really well priced
Recommended?  for sure

With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? Strong 2+ to 3

The Original, A Dinerant

  Date of last visit:  January 2010


Address: 300 West 6th Ave., (at Oak) Portland, Oregon
Phone:  503-506-2666
Hours: breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily --call for exact hours
Link:  Original Dinerant

General Impressions of the place itself:  spacious, plenty of room to get around so there is no need bumping into tables as you are coming and going,  tall ceilings, glass-window walls so you can see the street.  Sometimes places this big have bad acoustics, making it so you can't hear your dinner partner talk -- but we are happy to report that is not a problem here.  In fact despite the 'big space' there is almost a sense of intimacy in this place; you are far enough away from your neighbors that you feel like you can talk in private.

What we ordered:  Broiled fish sandwiches (wild king salmon on very fresh bread, came with an OK tomato soup--and/or an OK side salad) well worth the $10; Grilled cheese sandwich (came with french fries in a little brown-paper bag standing on the plate--reported to be good (maybe a bit spendy for $9--but good is good); Beef Stroganoff (ok--nothing to write home about); 72 Hour Bar-b-que Brisket (on no--a big D-disappointment the meat was dry and it has very little sauce--on the up side it came with a nice big side of Mac-and cheese that was delicious)  -- And  three scoops of home made ice cream to share  (on purpose we got their most unusual flavors: carrot, pistachio and coconut lime) with caramelized rice Krispies. The rice Krispies were a BIG HIT--the ice cream was ok but not especially special. Oh -- must not forget the Shake-A-Dilly -- was appreciated-- it is a froo-froo gin drink
Things we liked and disliked:  On the up side: The woman who waited on us was really sweet, she could have sat down and joined us; the space is comfortable; the menu is a compendium of comfort foods that all sound so good that it is hard to choose what you most want.  On the down side: the food ought to be better at the prices they are charging. It isn't way spendy--but it is not econo-food either 
Number in our party: FIVE
Total Bill:
Recommended? Jury is Out--we might go back and try one more time..there were so many things that looked good on the menu.  But it was not overwhelming wonderful the first time..so...go try the happy hour and sample the food that way.
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? First Visit  2+

Salvador Molly's

Date of last visit: Jan 2010
Address: 1523 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: 503-293-1790
Hours: Sunday to Tues 11:30 to 9:00; Wed and Thurs 11:30 to 10:00pm;  Friday & Sat 11:30 to 11:00pm
Link:

General Impressions of the place itself: eclectic fun--photos and postcards from around the world, and maps and masks --with all sorts of colorful diversity on display
What we ordered: We have probably tried most everything on the menu.  Our current favorite is the Bayou Crunch Catfish --entree or sandwich--both are marv-o-lous.  But, before I got stuck on Catfish  I was stuck on the Tamales--they are unlike any other Tamale I've ever had....oh soo good they are.  And then there is the Barbados Mac Pie (mac & cheese some call it) but again, not like anyone elses.  If you like food with some kick (spice) and don't worry over new and unusual flavor mixtures, you'll be loving this place as much as we do.  It is one of our perennial favorites. Our least favorite things here are their salads--not that they are bad--but they are not super special--and you'd think they should be.
Things we liked and disliked: Get a PASSPORT--I won't explain here, but just ask for one. Then when you go back show your passport and you'll get a treat
Number in our party: varies--we often take folks from out of town here. But then we also just go by ourselves too,
Total Bill:  -- generally not too much & of course lunch is less than dinner.And tehy have nicely prioced $4.95 lunch specials.  But you can get a sandwich for dinner and that won't set you back much. Excluding drinks --if  you worked hard to spend money here I image two people could get their bill up to $40..but of course add drinks and it might go anywhere--and they do have good drinks.
Recommended? For sure
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? For us..because we like spicy food..we would have to say it is a 3+ 

FAMOUS DAVE'S

Date of last visit:  December 2009
Address: 7121 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin, Oregon
Phone:  503-486-5631
Hours: better call to find out --open daily for lunch and dinner
Link:  Famous Dave's

General Impressions of the place itself:  This place is a chain--a busy chain -- not a health food restaurant.  It has a large waiting area --they give you buzzers and tell you to wait an hour.  The decor is the standard, professionally decorated barbecue motif with old car license plates, and made-to-look-old metal signs. Yawn to all of that.
What we ordered: multiple racks of ribs--both beef and baby backs,the ribs were very tender and gave no one reason to complain. We also got multiple sides. These were less inspiring --the slaw was standard stuff, same with the french fries.  The baked beans were OK but nothing special; the green beans were overcooked and not as spicy as advertised; the corn muffins were tasty; the corn on the cob was soggy.
Things we liked:  they had a nice variety of barbecue sauces on the table.
Things we didn't like:   the long wait was a drag --and it really is not worth it.  We would have to categorize this is a place for people who only feel safe going to a known chain. 
Number in our party:  6
Total Bill: $85  (not bad for 6, including 3 hungry teenage boys).  But that price was the result of our ordering three slabs and serving it all family style.  And only two people ordered drinks--the rest of us had water.)
Recommended? not so much, not that it is bad but the wait is a drag and we prefer supporting independent restaurateurs.
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? 2+

CASA DEL MATADOR

Date of last visit:  Dec 2009
Address:  2424 SE Burnside
Phone: 503-719-5757
Hours: 11 to 2 M-F; 9 to 2 weekends
Link: Matador Restaurants

To Note --there are two of these restaurants/bars in Portland, this review refers to the one on SE Burnside

General Impressions of the place itself:  decor has sort'a an upscale theme -- Spanish more than Mexican, with weird decorative touches: like giant mounted metal femur bones along side the front door. There is a lot of  wrought iron and colored glass hanging lamps; a big fire pit in the center; big TV's --covering seasonal sporting events--hanging over the bar.  On the door it say "no minors"  -- so they must be thinking of themselves as a bar--but they have a big menu and good food.  Maybe the best thing is, in the summer all the big windows, on two side of the restaurant open --and it makes it so you feel like you are sitting outside.
What we ordered: We stopped one time for dinner and had their Dungness Crab Cakes--they are not cheap but they are worth the money, they were full of crab and nice sized. We also got their enchilada, which was delicious.  Since then we have been back many time for their HAPPY HOUR MENU (4pm to 6pm. and 10pm to 1am) which is a really good buy.  You get full-size orders of items from their regular menu at about half the cost (all items are $4 or $5).  We are fond of the Shrimp and Blackened Fish Tacos--but everything we have ever had from the Happy Hour menu has been great.  
Things we liked:  Love the Happy Hour Menu and the open windows in the summer. 
Things we disliked: Can't take our grandchildren there
Number in our party: varies
Total Bill:  not counting drinks, for dinner plan on $20 to $30 per person  --at happy hour $10 to $15 will provide a big meal 
Recommended? Sure thing
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place? 3+

LAUGHING PLANET

Date of last visit:  beginning late 2009 / multiple times since
Address: multiple locations in Portland, go to link for details
our local restaurant is at 4405 SW Vermont St., Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 503-244-4254
Hours: check link for details
Link: Laughing Plantet

General Impressions of the place: Healthy Food, lots of veggies and beans -- the place is spacious, and comfortable, with wooden tables and booths; plastic dinosaurs on the tables; decor somewhere between cartoons and left-ish politics (statue of Mao on the wall, food named after revolutionary heroes, etc.) -- no table service, order at the counter then they bring you your food, bus your own table after eating.

What we ordered: While lots of things look good on their menu we are really stuck on the Spanky Bowl, a real comfort food dish, with mashed potatoes, fresh local sweet corn and fresh steamed broccoli all mixed together with Tillamock cheese.   We have also had the CUBAN BOWL, which features brown rice, black beans and sweet potatoes with pico de gallo (you name the spiciness). And the Berry Berry Smoothie is a nice way to get your daily fruit intake.  
* Another Visit:  Update: We went again and today we got 1) a Southwest Green Chili Burrito and 2) a Grilled Veggie Burrito.  They really were both very similar in taste with the emphasis on nicely done black beans with pico de gallo in both.  We also got two more, different smoothies (a Jungle Juice and a Banana Colada)  and they proved to be delicious, each better than the last.
Things we liked:  Like that they have take out!  Like the look of their bakery but haven't tried it yet.
Things we disliked:  Wish they served breakfast
Number in our party: 2
Total Bill:  two Spanky Bowls $12.50
Recommended? Yes --indeed we don't seem to be able to get enough of this place -- if you are craving a tasty plate of veggies and grains this place certainly fits the bill.
With a Five Star Scale - and Five being perfect - we rate this place?  3+