Does anyone else find the food in Portland pretty mediocre? (Eugene: houses, organic)

[Mini-apple-less]

The food carts are great don't get me wrong, but I mean the restaurants themselves? Honestly there's no Mexican or Chinese food in Portland I would consider excellent, though maybe I'm spoiled being I spend a lot of time in the Bay Area. Fujin was the closest thing to decent Chinese I've had in Portland (and I'd still say Kowloon in Eugene is better actually) and they're gone now. I went to a vegan Chinese buffet that's now closed in Southwest and it was atrocious. I don't know if that's the norm for vegan food in general or not. The "American food" type places like McMenamin's and Rock Bottom Brewery have very mediocre food and beer. Honestly you're better off just going to Applebee's or Red Robin!

There's plenty of Thai and Vietnamese food, too much of it I'd say as I don't find either cuisine particularly yummy.

As far as Indian food goes Dwaraka is very good but the selection is so small. I like Evergreen in Corvallis a bit more. In fact for its size Corvallis has far better food than Portland which is interesting. The fare here in general is pretty bland and flavorless I've found, though maybe I'm just going to the wrong places?

[rzzzz]

I like the trucks but didn't think much else was worth going to twice. The only places I go back to are Nicholas and Sizzle Pie.
I don't know if I really care that much about the trucks either, they are just there and convenient.
My girlfriend considers PDX is a foodie paradise so I must have missed something. She's from SF, too...

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by valsteele

The food carts are great don't get me wrong, but I mean the restaurants themselves? Honestly there's no Mexican or Chinese food in Portland I would consider excellent, though maybe I'm spoiled being I spend a lot of time in the Bay Area. Fujin was the closest thing to decent Chinese I've had in Portland (and I'd still say Kowloon in Eugene is better actually) and they're gone now. I went to a vegan Chinese buffet that's now closed in Southwest and it was atrocious. I don't know if that's the norm for vegan food in general or not. The "American food" type places like McMenamin's and Rock Bottom Brewery have very mediocre food and beer. Honestly you're better off just going to Applebee's or Red Robin!

There's plenty of Thai and Vietnamese food, too much of it I'd say as I don't find either cuisine particularly yummy.

As far as Indian food goes Dwaraka is very good but the selection is so small. I like Evergreen in Corvallis a bit more. In fact for its size Corvallis has far better food than Portland which is interesting. The fare here in general is pretty bland and flavorless I've found, though maybe I'm just going to the wrong places?

I have been saying forever on this forum that the food carts and much of the cuisine is overrated. I am from S.F. and lived in NYC for many years so I come with that perspective. I just think many restaurants here lack some basic skills like salting appropriately. I have been to many a trendy eatery whose menus read well and the decor is that artisanal rustic look then eat... and my goodness...not good. I do have a few favorites that I tend to stick to and I adjust my expectations when I need to. The farm to table movement is def. a significant aspect to our food culture here and we have amazing ice cream makers, coffee roasters/ houses, access to organic produce and high quality food on the run. I am a fan of Elephant's.

[Sherwoody]

Elephant's?

[Leisesturm]

Ling Gardens @ 21st and Lovejoy. I find it quite acceptable Chinese fare. India Palace in Hillsboro is also quite acceptable. Yes, Thai food abounds, but after finding Thanh Thao in SE (40th and Ceasar Chavez) will probably not be looking elsewhere. Great food is all over, in Portland but it is all way above my pay grade. We've had some nice experiences as gifts and special occasions but regular 'date night' eating out has to be done with value in mind. It is hard to be a foodie on the cheap IMO. FWIW.

[Mini-apple-less]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

I am a fan of Elephant's.

I used to work there actually and yeah their food is good!

[Mini-apple-less]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

I have been saying forever on this forum that the food carts and much of the cuisine is overrated. I am from S.F. and lived in NYC for many years so I come with that perspective. I just think many restaurants here lack some basic skills like salting appropriately. I have been to many a trendy eatery whose menus read well and the decor is that artisanal rustic look then eat... and my goodness...not good. I do have a few favorites that I tend to stick to and I adjust my expectations when I need to. The farm to table movement is def. a significant aspect to our food culture here and we have amazing ice cream makers, coffee roasters/ houses, access to organic produce and high quality food on the run. I am a fan of Elephant's.

Yeah the food carts are cool and all but honestly most of them are clones of each other. All of the burrito and falafel carts are exactly the same. And if you go out late at night you will find rats abound in food cart areas! :O Brunch Box is disappointing, I was expecting a crazy huge delicious sandwich after my brother hyped it up but ended up still hungry and $10 poorer. There's nothing really special like Japadog in Vancouver BC ... Potato Champion is OK but their fries and poutine could be a lot better. Definitely not as good as the stuff in Canada.

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by Sherwoody

Elephant's?

Elephant Deli. The location in the NW is a treat. Feels like I am in NYC when I go there. It is a local chain. You should check it out.

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by valsteele

Yeah the food carts are cool and all but honestly most of them are clones of each other. All of the burrito and falafel carts are exactly the same. And if you go out late at night you will find rats abound in food cart areas! :O Brunch Box is disappointing, I was expecting a crazy huge delicious sandwich after my brother hyped it up but ended up still hungry and $10 poorer. There's nothing really special like Japadog in Vancouver BC ... Potato Champion is OK but their fries and poutine could be a lot better. Definitely not as good as the stuff in Canada.

My hubby loves Vancouver B.C. and raves about the food. We plan on a family road trip soon.

[rzzzz]

I will say that I also like Por Que No.

They are the best tacos made by white people (and a stoned asian chick) that I have ever eaten.

Maybe I just don't have a refined palate.