Portland "Food" (Hillsboro, Sandy: coupon, live, club)

[Bluesbabe]

Originally Posted by SeeBee

However, with one major exception - there's no Jewish deli/restaurant anywhere. Please, find me a great Jewish deli and I'll be in love! Anywhere, anytown in Oregon or Washington. Can't do it. Like another poster said, I've not had a proper bagel for many, many years. Impostors!!!

I'll think of you when I go to New York later this month.

[John Shaft]

Great Thai food and seafood. Lots of Asian food options.

Negative side: BBQ is pretty much non-existent and Mexican food is very subpar. I won't even discuss Tex-Mex. And they put BROWN GRAVY on their chicken fried steak?!?!? (But I'm not too harsh on them as these cuisines are not exactly local to the region.)

[Bluesbabe]

True, we do have some great Thai restaurants here. It's so fragrant and tastes sooooo good.

And I know what you mean about the gravy. When I moved here from Texas I found out right away that localites just don't like cream gravy. I was married to a Texan at the time and I can still remember him grumbling about "the damn Yankees and their brown gravy!"

I live in Hillsboro, so I'm around numerous Mexican restaurants. Some are definitely better than others, but there's a few really good ones. But I don't think they compare to that little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant in Texas in the middle of nowhere whose name I just cannot remember.

[scone]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

I'll think of you when I go to New York later this month.

And please send back some yiddish, I this shiksa needs some yiddish bad...

[chattypatty]

Mittleman Jewish Community Center in SW Portland has a cafe now. The owner used to own Garbanzos. Not sure what they serve (they opened it after I left Portland) but I would imagine it's more Middle Eastern fare.

There is a Jewish deli in the Albertson's on Capitol Hwy, but it wasn't that great when I was there. Maybe it has improved. Impossible to find good hummus.

I agree that there are some great Asian restaurants, especially in SE and on Hawthorne Blvd. I also liked Oba's, which is in NW and has "fusion" cuisine. Great salmon and some interesting dishes.

Also lots of vegetarian restaurants. When I left, there was a vegan restaurant -- can't remember the name though.

[lilypad]

Bay Leaf on Division St. in Southeast is vegan I think.

[John Shaft]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

I live in Hillsboro, so I'm around numerous Mexican restaurants. Some are definitely better than others, but there's a few really good ones. But I don't think they compare to that little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant in Texas in the middle of nowhere whose name I just cannot remember.

You're pretty close to my neck of the woods and sound like you have Texas Mexican food experience. What Mexican places would you recommend? We've enjoyed Peppers near downtown Hillsboro. Any other recommendations in Beaverton/Hillsboro?

[Bluesbabe]

Originally Posted by John Shaft

You're pretty close to my neck of the woods and sound like you have Texas Mexican food experience. What Mexican places would you recommend? We've enjoyed Peppers near downtown Hillsboro. Any other recommendations in Beaverton/Hillsboro?

I can suggest a few.

I classify Hillsboro as "Original Hillsboro" and "New Hillsboro" (185th area, Streets of Tanasbourne). The only one I've eaten in New Hillsboro is Chevy's, which I do NOT like at all.

Original Hillsboro is where most of the Mexican restaurants are; in fact, I'd go so far as to say that they out-number other restaurants 2-to-1. Some are clustered in certain areas.

On 10th Street, down from Peppers, is Don Pedro's. It's actually a franchise, believe it or not, but the food is very good, more authentic. To me they make the best cheese enchiladas. Also, very tasty birria, which is a goat roast or stew. Atmosphere is ultra-casual.

I have NOT been to La Flor Michoacan yet (10th & Baseline) but I'm told it's excellent. It's on my list to try.

Ochoa's on Baseline and, I think, 3rd St, is also very good; however, the whole menu is in Spanish and the staff speaks minimal English. I can't say we felt unwelcome but it was awkward.

There is an area on SW Oak and 1st with a Muchas Gracias, which is okay. We prefer Las Colmas across the street, although the service was very spotty the last time we were there.

El Sol on 17th off Oak (on the way to Cornelius) is good Tex Mex. Or used to be. Haven't been there in a long time.

But we really like Mazatlan on 209th. We think it's good Tex Mex.

Jalapenos on TV Hwy used to be a favorite but they've gone downhill.

I have a big urge to try Natalia's on Main & 3rd, near the new Venetian Theater. Don't know why, I just do.

I haven't even touched what all lies in Original Hillsboro for Mexican Restaurants. Hope you enjoy whichever one you try first.

[jlr1023]

Are there any Spanish restaurants in the Portland area? I live in Albuquerque, NM and there is only 1 Spanish restaurant, which is surprising considering the huge Spanish influence here.

[scone]

Originally Posted by jlr1023

Are there any Spanish restaurants in the Portland area? I live in Albuquerque, NM and there is only 1 Spanish restaurant, which is surprising considering the huge Spanish influence here.

South Park has a sort of Barcelona feeling to it. Great seafood.