Tal Caspi, who has lived in Portland for almost decade, was born to Argentinian parents in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, which lies 36 miles south of Tel Aviv. He would go on to live in Southern California and all over the United States, but people kept telling him to move to Portland. “I had…
Even a devoted restaurantgoer likes to dine in once in awhile. The most discriminating palates are sure to be satisfied by Gaela Witter’s Persimmon Personal Chef Service. Chef/owner Witter thrives on culinary challenges; one of her specialities is substituting ingredients. For example, if a kosher client requires dairy-free creations, she might use silken tofu or…
As the days grow colder, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty bowl of pasta. Accanto, a cozy trattoria on Southeast Belmont, pleases patrons with an assortment of handmade Italian noodle dishes. Although the menu changes according to the availability of seasonal and local ingredients, pasta is always served. This winter the restaurant offers a $10…
A dynamic duo is taking Portland’s classical music scene by storm. Called 106 Keys, the group is the brainchild of pianist/composer Beth Karp and flutist Amalia Blumberg. Since moving to Portland from the East Coast, the accomplished musicians have been performing a wide-ranging repertoire that features the works of Jewish composers. The duo’s creative programs…
Family is still in town, and you’ve cooked up a storm for Hanukkah – who has time to make breakfast? Fortunately, Portland abounds with a variety of morning meals from stick to-your-ribs scrambles to dim sum. Delight your kids with a make-your-own pancakes outing or impress your elders with a breakfast fit for Julia Child….
Portland has become the darling of the national food media. The city’s chefs and restaurateurs routinely collect accolades and awards. Local haunts are featured in Bon Appétit Magazine and The New York Times. But for every restaurant that attracts an onslaught of frenzied foodies, another quietly goes about the business of satisfying customers without receiving…
Have you ever lamented the lack of Jewish cuisine in your neighborhood? That old standby, the traditional delicatessen, increasingly seems to be something of the past. Time was, you could stop by your local deli for a pound of smoked whitefish salad or a quart of matzo ball soup. Now, unless you are lucky enough…
For variety and versatility, it’s hard to beat the cheese plate. A typical plate involves a celebration of tastes, textures and ingredients. In Portland you can enjoy a top-quality cheese assortment at wine shops, bistros and even food carts. Following are some of our favorite plates around town. Blackbird Wineshop & Atomic Cheese Bar Much…
Scott Snyder, the chef/owner of Levant, a new local hot spot, melds classic and modern French culinary techniques with Middle Eastern ingredients. His restaurant, which had been open for 10 weeks at the time of this writing, is winning accolades for its healthy, creative cuisine. When brainstorming the concept for Levant, Snyder discovered that no one in Portland…
This year’s Feast Portland will feature one of the nation’s most intriguing chefs: Israeli-born Michael Solomonov. The 2011 James Beard Award winner is famous for the modern Israeli cuisine he offers at Zahav, his critically acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant. The New York Times praises Solomonov’s “simple food with layers of flavor,” and his restaurant has also been recognized for excellence…
