Restaurant Reviews

Matt’s BBQ: Best barbecue in Portland, Oregon

The colorful BBQ Plate of brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, Matt's BBQ, Portland, Oregon

When I think of the must-eat foods in Portland, Oregon, the last thing that comes to mind is Texas-style BBQ. While Portland is a foodie paradise, the city isn’t known for its smoked meats and BBQ scene. Portland is best known for seafood, doughnuts, Asian food, and craft beer. But if you are looking for Texas BBQ, you might need to visit another city—or so I thought. Everything changed in 2015 when a small food cart known as Matt’s BBQ …

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Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Chicken Rice in Portland, Oregon

The specialty of the house, Khao Man Gai, Portland, Oregon

In 2003, Nong Poonsukwattana moved across the world from Bangkok, Thailand to Portland, Oregon. When she arrived, Nong only had two suitcases and $70 to her name. To make ends meet, Nong took a job at a local Thai restaurant. After years of hard work and saving money, Nong opened her first food cart in 2009 in downtown Portland. The name of her cart was Nong’s Khao Man Gai. As with many restaurants and food stalls in Asia, the food …

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Little Big Burger: Cheeseburgers in Portland, Oregon

The Double Down with bacon, Little Big Burger, Portland, Oregon

It was a typical November night in downtown Portland, Oregon. Cold, rainy, and dreary. After hopping from brewery to brewery, it was getting late. And, I was getting hungry after one too many beers. Due to restrictions, I had limited late night food options in the downtown Portland area. The Pearl District was empty with deserted streets and dark windows. After passing by Deschutes Brewery, I aimlessly turned down 10th Avenue. This is where I noticed a storefront that was …

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Pine State Biscuits: Biscuits and brunch in Portland, Oregon

The decadent Reggie Deluxe with an egg, Pine State Biscuits, Portland, Oregon

In 2006, a group of three friends, who were transplants from North Carolina, founded Pine State Biscuits in Portland, Oregon. Their goal was to share their love of Southeast cuisine with the Pacific Northwest. And, the one food they craved and grew up eating, and wanted to share with Portland, was the ubiquitous southern biscuit. After months of trial and error, the group perfected their recipe of a buttery, flakey scratch-made biscuit. In May 2006, they started selling their homemade …

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Screen Door: Southern Brunch in Portland's Pearl District

A southern classic, the Chicken & Waffles, Screen Door, Portland, Oregon

Screen Door, with two locations in Portland, Oregon, is a southern and soul food restaurant popular for its decadent menu. In 2006, Louisiana transplants Nicole and David Mouton opened the first Screen Door location on Burnside Street in eastern Portland. In 2021, a second location opened on Couch Street in the Pearl District. You will find all your favorite southern comfort foods on the brunch and dinner menus at Screen Door. This includes fried chicken, catfish, chicken & waffles, shrimp …

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Café Santiago: Best francesinha in Porto, Portugal

Layer after layer of meat, Café Santiago, Porto, Portugal

If you come to Porto, you can’t leave the city without trying francesinha. This decadent, over-the-top meat-filled sandwich is a must-eat in Porto. You can enjoy this carb-heavy, beer-friendly dish of meat, bread, cheese, and gravy any hour of the day. Francesinha, which means “little Frenchie” in French, was the creation of Portuguese citizen Daniel Silva. Silva, who lived in France, wanted to create his version of the popular croque monsieur. So, he invented the francesinha, which today is a …

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Zenith Brunch & Cocktails in Lisbon, Portugal

The colorful Eggs Zenith, Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, Lisbon, Portugal

Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, located off Avenida da Liberdade, is one of the best places in Lisbon for brunch. Its menu features French toast, eggs benedict, pancakes, and bagels. Besides its food, the all-day brunch spot is famous for its handmade cocktails and hip, modern interior. In 2017, the first Zenith location opened in the heart of Porto. It soon became a must-visit brunch spot for both locals and tourists. After their success in Porto, a location in Lisbon opened …

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A Sandeira do Porto: Best sandwiches in Porto

Clérigos Sandwich

A Sandeira do Porto, located steps away from touristy Rua das Flores, is where to go for the best sandwich in Porto. This cavernous, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, missed by many, serves both affordable and fresh food. This includes sandwiches, salads, soups, and snacks, all for under €10,00. There are a few things you should know before coming to A Sandeira do Porto. First, the dining room is tiny with only a few tables. If you are dining with a large group, …

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The 5 Point Cafe: Breakfast at Seattle’s best dive bar

Salmon Benedict, The 5 Point Cafe, Seattle

The 5 Point Cafe, located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, is a historic diner and dive bar known for its hearty dishes and stiff drinks. Open in 1929, the no-frills 24-hour cafe has survived prohibition, war, and politics. Today, the cafe is one of the oldest family operated eateries in Seattle and the oldest bar in Belltown. It is also known for being one of the best dive bars in the city. As the menu states, everyone is welcome no matter …

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Bacco Cafe: Breakfast near Pike Place Market in Seattle

Dungeness Crab Benedict, Bacco Cafe, Seattle

Whenever I travel to a new destination, I prioritize searching out the best local breakfast and brunch spots. There is something special about eating breakfast in a new city, especially at places I can’t find back home. The food connects me to the new town. So, the moment I landed in Seattle on my recent trip, I grabbed my phone and began searching. After a few minutes, I stumbled upon a place that looked perfect. And that place was Bacco …

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