Saturday, July 9, 2011
Pizzacato
This restaurant is a nice change of pace from most chain pizzerias. The combinations of ingredients are interesting to the palate and of great quality. The classic pepperoni and cheese pizza is great here. However, I feel this is the best place to go for those who want pizza with character. My personal favorite is the Wild Mushroom pizza with chevre, red onions, roasted garlic and peppers on a garlic/olive oil base. The variety of mushrooms combined with my favorite cheese delivers a mouth watering combination of texture and taste. The salad is incredible as well. For $5.25, you can get the Arugula pear salad with candied walnuts, gorgonzola, barlett pear and balsamic dressing. It’s has the perfect refreshing taste for a hot summer day and will fill you up for a nice work out across the plaza in the recreation center.
1708 Southwest 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97201-5203
(503) 227-5800
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Real Deal Lebanese Food
In the mood for Thai
I am definitely not an expert when it comes to Thai food, but I enjoyed my Cashew Nut Chicken with rice, and was comfortably full when I got up to leave. Lunch is served from 11am - 4pm, and will save you $2 on your meal (see lunch menu for details).
The full menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, curry, stir fry, noodles, house specials, and rice dishes. Pricing runs from $5 for some appetizers, up $16 for some of the house specials. You can get a decent lunch (plus drink) there for about $8 - $10. This is a sit-down restaurant, so you should look elsewhere if you are running on a tight schedule. Otherwise, if you have some time, and are in the mood for some good Thai food at a decent price, stop by and give Baan Thai a try.
You scream, I scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream….Scratch That—Frozen Yogurt!
-Katie
New Taste of India
I don’t profess to be an expert on Indian food. With that said, I will try to do my best. New Taste of India is a food cart with a massive menu at which most of their food takes almost as long to cook, as it is to pronounce. There is a solution! Offering of a lunch special from 10:30-3:30 every day will brighten the way. For 6 bucks you get your choice of a “meat” or “veggie” dish that offers the sizable portions and stylings of a sit down Indian restaurant. The dishes are premade and in your hands faster than you can say…erachi ullathiyathu. I love curry and typically there is plenty of curry to go around with each offering, even as it is a constantly shifting menu item.
After the dish enters your hands, this is where the problems begin to arise. Soon you find yourself opening up a plastic container that at fist glance looks awesomely packed full of delish food. Soon enough you find yourself picking through what is destined to be a scavenger hunt for tastiness. Often I find that it is hit and miss, the main dish it typically primo (chicken vindaloo is my favorite). The add-ons, not-so-much; Typically the box contains a fried meat patty thing and naan bread, which I often find are soggy, dry, or strangely, a little of both. Also curry ‘taters which India has taught me to love, often give me the impression that they have been sitting out for a little bit… Overall I would have to say that I love India food, am willing to eat Indian food from the New Taste on occasion, and more specifically am in a rush + carb hungry. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS if you are expecting an exquisite dining experience, you will be crippled with disappointment. This is quick/cheap Indian food that will satisfy most, on occasion will deliver the exceptional, more often than not delivering the acceptable.
Today's special: I cannot finish the naan bread, due to its inedible nature.
-Lance
Location:
SW 4th Ave, Portland Oregon
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
If you appreciate a good burrito...
A burrito (or bowl if you want to ditch the tortilla) will run you around $6. They also can do tacos if that is what you are after. You get a lot of burrito for your money, and some will not be able to finish a Chipotle burrito in one sitting. One nice perk that is specific to this location is that they offer a free drink to PSU students. Just show your Student ID, and you've scored a free drink (which saves you $1.40). If you need something a little stronger then soda, they offer Carona and Margaritas as well, but those aren't free to students.
One problem for time strapped students is that the lines can get a little long from time to time. The line does move, but if you are in a hurry then you might want to save Chipotle for another time. The dining area seats quite a few people, and they do offer outdoor dining during the warmer months. So if you're in the mood for a tasty burrito that won't leave you hungry and a free drink, give Chipotle a try.
Cafe Yumm
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Ole! Ole!
The Mexican set has always been my favorite choice for cheap eats, and quick treats. Ole! Ole! is no exception with good food at a cheap price. When I think of Ole! Ole!, I always think of 21st and Burnside as a little joint around the corner. As a Portland State student, I found myself disappointed by all the subpar options on campus for cheap food (I can’t suffer through one more day of subway and neither should you). I found myself at a loss and started wandering, well it paid off; that little Mexican place around the corner is located just a few blocks north of campus at 1235 SW Jefferson. This location also has a full bar for when a shot of tequila at lunch is the saving grace, if the daily grind gets a little too loud. (We are students, and a little levity is encouraged!) Five bucks for almost any burrito on the menu is incredible because I swear they spend that much on what is stuffed in your burrito. Sides are also available at two bucks a pop for rice and beans or $1.50 for killer tacos, are available if you’re looking to get beyond full. The nachos rock too. I think you get it, I recommend the place; eat a burrito. On the other hand, if you don’t like Mexican food, are overly critical of everything on the planet, or are just tired of burrito culture… don’t go.
-Lance
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
If you love real Chinese food..
The menu is filled with excellent choices of meats, and even vegetarian options. Lunch hours are great (around $6) for more food than you can eat. You can also watch the chefs make your meal. The restaurant's kitchen is completely visible, and it's great to watch the chefs happily make your gourmet meal!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Blog it out!
This is a blog for those who wish to complain, whine, compliment, or simply critique local restaurants in the area surrounding Portland State University. Feel free to speak your mind on whats hot, whats not, and what's bomb! We'd like to hear your thoughts!
The more we share, the more aware we become of good / horrible choices.
- Andre