The Portland-based Eater team has been savoring a delightful range of dishes throughout the month, showcasing local culinary treasures that continue to captivate their taste buds.
Among these, the panisse at L’Echelle stands out. Recently opened by chef Mika Paredes and owner Luke Dirks, L’Echelle promises an inviting French ambiance, complete with royal blue decor.
The menu, while refined, offers an array of understated yet exquisite choices. Co-conspirators Brenna Houck and Nicole Fellah experienced a memorable culinary journey, sampling oeufs in aioli adorned with salmon roe, pork crepinette, seared duck breast, and salad verte.
Yet, the panisse stole the show—a delightful offering of fluffy chickpea fritters, perfectly crisp on the outside, served alongside a creamy sauce Algerienne, all while being gluten-free.
Next on the list is the Sinful Trinity pie from Prettyboy Pizza, a new addition located in Little Beast Brewing.
The pizza pairs an aesthetically pleasing gluten-free crust with a combination of marinara, vodka, and pesto sauces.
As Nicole pointed out, the pizza’s unique attributes include a sharp, craggy cheese rim, beautifully blistered pepperoni cups, and a surprisingly airy crust that can hold the weight of its toppings.
Frybaby made an impression with their kimchi mac and cheese during the Project Pabst festival, serving up heartwarming comfort food with an exciting twist.
The rich, creamy macaroni is topped with furikake, providing an umami kick and making it an instant favorite among festival-goers.
A quick transition leads us to Berlu, a Vietnamese cafe that reopened with renewed excitement.
Visitors have been thrilled by the inventive pastries, including the coconut egg custard tart, which offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with its cassava crust and salted egg yolk topping.
Additionally, the BEC bánh xèo, a Vietnamese take on a classic bacon-egg-and-cheese combination, illustrates Berlu’s creative culinary direction.
The restaurant captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors with its turmeric-infused crepe, rich avocado, and refreshing herbs paired with tangy nước chấm.
Then there’s the R&R relleno at Javelina, a social dining space that interweaves contemporary Native American culture with fine dining.
The stuffed pepper is a showstopper, featuring a light blue corn batter enveloping firm tepary beans and topped with a fragrant verde sauce.
Chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson’s culinary expertise shines through with this rabbit and rattlesnake dish, carrying a depth of flavor that reflects her commitment to elevating Native American cuisine.
Jojo captures the brunch scene with a satisfying fried chicken biscuit that’s hearty enough to fill even the hungriest diners.
On busy Saturdays, early patrons flock to Jojo, drawn by its sizable portions and flavor-packed offerings.
The sandwich features a tender, well-seasoned chicken breast paired with a biscuit that withstands the juiciness of the meat, providing a delightful crunch with each bite.
Finishing off the culinary tour is the tamarind mala fried chicken from Oma’s Hideaway, a popular spot known for its Southeast Asian small plates.
Diners can enjoy the thrilling experience of a tasting menu, culminating in a platter of expertly cooked fried chicken infused with sweet and spicy tamarind sauce and accompanied by an array of vibrant sides.
The robust flavors, including crushed peanuts and sichuan peppercorns, invite you to indulge in multiple servings, making every dish unforgettable.
In summary, Portland’s dining scene continues to impress this month with a variety of dishes that intrigue and delight.
From the refined offerings at L’Echelle to the casual comfort food at Frybaby and Jojo, there’s no shortage of delicious experiences waiting to be discovered.
image source from：pdx
