Wandering Fork

If you are on your way to the San Juan Islands and are leaving out of the Anacortes, WA Ferry, you may want to stop in at what must have been an old A&W Rootbeer park-and-eat and what is currently the Fidalgo Drive-In. 

The menu is classic Americana: burgers and hot dogs with choices of fries (regular, curly, or waffle-cut), sweet potato fries, onion rings, tater tots, fried mushrooms, and cheddar cheese curds. It also boasts a Northwest flavor with halibut, prawns, oysters, and clam strips and both crab bisque and smoked salmon chowder.

Burgers come dressed and the Meal entitles you to your choice of fries, onion rings, or tater tots as well as a medium soda or rootbeer float.  I selected with the Cheeseburger Meal with onion rings and Mister chose the Crab Sandwich Meal with tater tots. 

Cheeseburger and Onion Rings

The sandwiches were good sized and the sides were plentiful.  My hamburger was average, cooked well done with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. I wouldn’t drive out of my way for it, but the sides hit all of the right fatty-fried notes of junk food that my taste buds were craving. Both the tater tots and onion rings were hot, crispy and definitely winners.  Also in the plus column were the rootbeer floats presented in old, glass mugs and foaming over with frosty goodness.  The “medium” is huge, and the “large” is gargantuan.  (I would suggest sharing or ordering a small.)

Rootbeer Float (Medium…I kid you not!)

While I stuck with a classic hamburger, there are also specialty burger options including mushroom and Swiss cheese, bacon and cheddar cheese, bleu cheese, Gardenburgers, turkey chipotle burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The pricing is very reasonable, especially if you are out with the family. Adult meals range from $6.69 - $9.79. Kid’s meals include a side and a drink and are priced between $5.69 - $5.99. 

Fidalgo Drive-In

2908 Commercial Ave.

Anacortes, WA 98221

360.293.3442

no website

June 25, 2010

Cheeseburger Meal                    $ 6.89

Crab Sandwich Meal                  $ 9.79

Total                                        $16.68

No Comments | In: Dessert, Dinner, Washington | tags: Anacortes, Fries, Hamburger, Ice Cream, Sandwich, Washington. | #

I was in Toronto, fighting G-20 event traffic, added security, and a shortage of hotel rooms.  After a long day at the office, I wanted to head back to my hotel with some take-out.  I was craving something Asian and checked out Yelp and Urban Spoon to find a nearby restaurant.  Salt & Pepper seemed to fit the bill and was only a couple of blocks away. While I am usually cautious about restaurants located in strip malls, I was in a suburban instead of city center area and decided to take a chance.

Exterior Signage

There were no customers, but it was still early (5:30 p.m.).  I reviewed the menu, informed the server I wanted something spicy and usually had Kung Pow or something similar, and asked if he could make any recommendations. He was not forthcoming with suggestions and did not seem excited about the offerings.  I ordered the Kung Pow Chicken, the Salt & Pepper Shrimp appetizer (a signature dish), an order of steamed rice, and a mango juice while waiting.  I took a seat, sipped my mango juice, took in the interior décor, and listened to an interesting mash-up of LA-based rap meets Bollywood.  I really liked the fun design of the light fixture over the cash register and thought it would be interesting for a tiki party.

Interior Light Fixture

When I returned to my hotel, I opened up my packages and was faced with too much food.  There was easily three cups of steamed rice and the Salt & Pepper Shrimp was as large as my entrée. 

Salt & Pepper Shrimp (front) and Kung Pow Chicken (back)

While I could have easily fed four adults with the amount of food, the actual food experience was disappointing.  The Salt & Pepper Shrimp was well seasoned, but over breaded. I peeled the shrimp out of their bread cocoons for consumption.  The Kung Pow Chicken, usually a safe bet, had a soupy tomato sauce base and was not spicy or well seasoned.  While I am willing to try new approaches to old favorites, the Kung Pow Chicken was not worth eating. Most of my meal ended up in the trash and I raided the vending machine in the hotel lobby.

Salt & Pepper

35 Brunel Rd. #4

Mississauga, ON L4Z 3E8

905.568-9900

www.saltpepper.ca

June 21, 2010

Salt & Pepper Shrimp                 $12.99

Kung Pow Chicken                     $10.99

Steamed Rice                            $ 3.99

Mango Juice                              $ 2.99

Total                                        $30.96 Canadian

No Comments | In: Dinner, Ontario | tags: Chinese, Dinner, Ontario, Toronto. | #

I was craving a cheese steak sandwich.  The night before I had ordered a cheese steak at Elephant’s Deli. It was okay with mushrooms, onions, and peppers, it wasn’t as meat-filled as I like it.  Looking for possible venues, everything seemed to be on the east side of the river or only offered cheese steak on the lunch menu. Then, The Peoples’ Sandwich of Portland (TPSP) popped up on my search.  Close, NW, and closing in less than 20 minutes.  Eek!  Jumping in the car, I tried to temper my guilt about showing up at closing time and swore that if they were willing to scratch my cheese steak itch, I would take it to go.  

Every car pulled out in front of us.  Every pedestrian walked s-l-o-w-l-y across the street.  Every light turned red.  Seriously.  Every one.  I turned to Mister, “We’re not going to make it.”  He looked at me, the red of the dashboard reflecting of his face, “We’ll make it.”

The Peoples’ Sandwich of Portland

Mister pulled in front of TPSP with its hammer-and-sickle-inspired logo. The clock showed three minutes to closing.  The sign still said “open,” but there was no one inside.  I jumped out to find a gent on the sidewalk in front. Lifting my chin at the door, I inquired if it was his joint and if it was still open. He replied it was.  I apologized for coming so close to closing and asked if he would be willing to make something to go.  He explained that it seems he always gets one or two customers at the wire, invited me check the menu (handwritten on butcher block paper), and that making a couple more sandwiches was no problem.  

We started with an ode to the potato: handmade potato chips (thick cut, crisp, lightly seasoned, with a nice mouth bite) and curly fries (hot with great handmade tomato ketchup). TPSP also makes their own hot sauce, but I didn’t partake…this time. Then, we moved on to the main attraction: cheese steak sandwiches: chopped beef with cheese, green peppers, and onions on a soft hoagie roll.  While perhaps not an “authentic” Philly Cheese Steak, it is a solid Portland version without the interloping Cheese Whiz.  

The prices are reasonable (around $8), the food delicious, there is a vegetarian option, and a Twitter feed to keep you up to date with the menu and other offerings (e.g., soup). I look forward to returning and trying the other options including the breakfast sandwiches, veggie subs, and the Cuban.  I may be back sooner if there is any Navy bean soup with smoked Tillamook cheddar cornbread left.  Most of all, I was really impressed with how friendly and accommodating the owner was and I appreciate his willingness remain open a little later this cold, rainy evening.

Handmade Potato Chips and a Fresca

(Apologies for the cell phone photos.)

Curly Fries with Handmade Tomato Ketchup

Cheese Steak Sandwich (with bonus Tootsie Roll)

The Peoples’ Sandwich of Portland

53 NW 1^st Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

2738 NE Alberta St.

Portland, OR 97211

503.222.0525

www.sandwichofportland.com

November 11, 2009

2 Cheese Steaks (with Chips)     $16.00

1 Curly Fries                            $  3.00

1 Fresca                                   $  1.00 

1 Pabst Blue Ribbon                 $  2.00      

Total                                        $22.00

No Comments | In: Dinner, Oregon | tags: Cheese Steak, Fries, Oregon, Portland, Potato Chips, Sandwich. | #

“It’s almost too clever for its own good,” I whispered to Mister over my menu.  The Original opened in 2009 with an edgy menu.  Reviewing the possibilities, it was clear that although it was attached to the Marriott Courtyard around the corner, I had never seen a room service menu of this ilk: a flight of hot dogs (three hot dogs: Chicago style, New York style, Portland style), Voodoo Donut burger (a burger on a glazed doughnut), and deconstructed clam chowder.

I started with a cocktail.  The Original makes its own original sodas, with our without spirits.  I asked for a suggestion and was told the Shake a Dilly (gin, lime, simple syrup, and triple sec) would be a good choice.  I enjoyed the drink, although it didn’t quite line up with what I had been expecting. Subsequently, I was informed that I had ended up with a different cocktail based on the citrus lemongrass soda which made much more sense to my taste buds. 

Mystery Cocktail ($6.00)

Next, Mister and I had the Liver & Onions, an appetizer of Funyun-crusted duck liver, melted onions, and sherry.  This dish was richly over the top and didn’t have a distinctive liver taste I expected or craved.  Mister, who typically avoids liver dishes and doesn’t much care for the taste, had more than few bites which confirmed that it didn’t taste like liver.  

Liver & Onions ($5.00)

I selected the entrée special, a deconstructed clam chowder.  I loved the concept of it, but it wasn’t quite successful in the execution.  The tasteless fish could not hold a candle to its potato, bacon, and cream foundation.  There were a few clams mixed in, and I would have preferred more clams and 86 the fish.  Mister’s entrée, the Beef Stroganoff, was much better.  If you are craving this classic dish, the way your grandmother made it (egg noodles, beef, wild mushrooms, and sour cream), order it here. Then go home and fall into a food coma.  The portions are large: share with a friend or expect to leave with a doggy bag.

Deconstructed Clam Chowder (Market)

Beef Stroganoff ($14.95)

In retrospect, we shouldn’t have ordered dessert, but it was so hard to resist tasting every course when you are trying a new restaurant.  Mister selected the Ode to Oregon (apple pie with a Tillamook Cheese Crust), I chose the Pure Joy (chocolate fudge cake with coconut filling, chocolate ganache and almonds).  Again, portions are large, so definitely share if you can agree on one.  During a subsequent visit, I tried the Blushing Buttermilk, their homage to red velvet.  It was dry and not as good as other red velvet purveyors in the city, therefore you’ll want to pass on it. The sundae bar is tempting since The Original makes their own ice cream, but I have other favorite spots for ice cream (e.g., Cool Moon).

Apple Pie with Ice Cream ($8.00)

Pure Joy Chocolate/Coconut Cake ($8.00)

If you can get beyond the portion size and its desire to be tragically-hip, The Original has some solid offerings and is a convenient place to eat, especially on days other restaurants are closed.  (This is where the relationship with Courtyard Marriott is of key importance: they are open seven days a week and holidays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in order to feed the hotel guests.)  While the dishes may not be consistent, there will be moments of brilliance where they can scratch that odd itch.  For example, they have the best poutine ($7.50) I’ve ever had outside of Quebec.

The Original

300 SW 6^thAve

Portland, OR 97204

503.546.2666

www.originaldinerat.com

No Comments | In: Dinner, Oregon | tags: Beef Stroganoff, Cake, Clam Chowder, Cocktails, Donut, Liver, Oregon, Pie, Portland, Poutine, Soup, The Original. | #

On Sunday, Mister and I were invited to the annual barbecue hosted by David Rounds and Jenny Tallis.  They are such an amazing couple.  Jenny is a marketing, public relations, and promotions guru who helps small and medium sized businesses grow.  When she walks into a room, she brings an amazing amount of positive energy and she is not afraid to challenge assumptions or self-imposed limits.  David has spent over a decade in wine distribution and offers brilliant, accessible wine-focused courses through Wine for Everyone.  He has embraced the current economy by providing suggested pairings with pantry favorites:  Kraft Mac n’ Cheese with Vodopivec Vitovska from the hills of Trieste anyone?  And, I love the intent behind his new class, “Drink Your Way Through the Recession.” 

When David and Jenny host a party, the wine is plentiful and the food amazing.  When we arrived, the back yard was filled with a crowd of at least three, if not four, generations sampling wine (for those 21 and over) and snacking on tacos, chips and black beans, and corn. Meanwhile the “guest” of honor was in the corner under the pear tree.  A beautiful picture of porcine loveliness.

About an hour later, the pig was pulled from the heat and set to rest.  The crowd that gathered debated the merits of cracklin’, what happened to certain “parts,” and, of course, when it would be ready to eat.  Mister explained the importance of resting the meat to me: the juices leave the muscle cells when cooking, so by letting it rest, the liquid is reabsorbed thereby insuring the meat is moist and juicy.  The taste test confirmed the theory.  Moist and juicy.

Roasting

Resting

Carving

Hops in their back yard…because man cannot live on wine alone.  

August 23, 2009

No Comments | In: @ Home, Dinner, Oregon | tags: Barbecue, Oregon, Portland, Roasted Pig, Taco, Wine. | #

Okay.  Since no one else seems to have asked, I will.  

What the heck happened? 

When Sal’s Famous Italian Kitchen on Nob Hill first opened, they were our natural go-to for dinner when we were too tired to cook because it was a quick drive, the prices were very reasonable, and the quality was high. And when we didn’t want to leave the couch, they delivered!  It was like being in New York City and being able to have the corner restaurant drop something by.  Then, as expected with the economy, we started cooking at home more and Sal’s received less of our custom. 

We visited a couple of times in the last 90 days.  The people watching can be quite fun: during our last meal a table of four dashing older men were celebrating a birthday and were flirting madly with the server and surrounding tables.  However, the service seemed one to two steps behind, forgetting drinks, leaving water glasses empty, ignoring empty break baskets, or remaining silent on entrees that seemed to have been delayed.  Further, the food was average for Portland and I found I actually prefer the lasagna at Whole Foods ($6.00) to Sal’s ($13.00) which was swimming in and overwhelmed by its sauce-drenched presentation.

Caesar Salad

Lasagna - Extremely hot dish (should come with a warning label)

Sal’s Famous Italian Kitchen

33 NW 23rd Pl.

Portland, OR 97210

503.467.4067

www.salskitchen.com

Caesar Salad                            $  5.00

2 Lasagna                                 $26.00

Total                                        $31.00

No Comments | In: Dinner, Oregon | tags: Caesar Salad, Dinner, Lasagna, Oregon, Portland. | #

Mister loves baseball.  Always has. 

Me? Not so much. 

Since Portland does not have major league baseball team, I have been saved from life as a baseball widow. I am more than willing to go to the occasional game as long as I get a hot dog and I can bring a book to read.

Looking around Kauffman Stadium, it had not changed much from the last game I saw there…I believe it was 1979 or 1980, Royals v. Blue Jays.  Built in the early 1970s, however there have been some significant changes: from Astroturf to grass, movement of the outfield fences, and a wall of fountains in the outfield.

Somewhere around the third or fourth inning, Royals v. Orioles, Mister bought me a hot dog (ketchup and mustard). It was exactly as expected and I managed not to spill any of the condiments on my pants. 

I still hadn’t pulled out my book by the sixth inning. Instead, I watched male Meadowlarks, the Kansas state bird, hunt moths and other insects in the stadium lights.  Nothing like a nature show to keep the game interesting.

Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals

Mister and Mascot “Slugger”

Hotdog

Meadowlark on a wire

Kauffman Stadium

1 Royal Way

Kansas City, MO 64219

816.921.8000

kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/ballpark

May 14, 2009

1 Hot dog

No Comments | In: Dinner, Kansas, Lunch, Missouri, Snacks | tags: Baseball, hot dog, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, Royals. | #

I missed lunch and was starving by 5:00 p.m.  I asked Mister if he would be willing to go out to eat and offered to try “that pizza foodcart place that is now on Alberta.”  Apologies to owner Stephen Ferruzza, but I just couldn’t remember the name.

Inside an old brick building at NE Alberta and NE 28^th lurks the most amazing artisan pizzas. Murals cover the walls and a random assortment of tables, chairs, and sofas make you feel like you’ve dropped by a friend’s home. The menu is on a blackboard and signs announce that beer is “to go” only.  As it was starting to fill up, I left Mister in charge of ordering and grabbed a two top against the wall.  The woman taking orders and running the register bore a striking resemblance to Katie Holmes and the gents behind her provided quite the floor show by tossing pizza dough high in the air.

Mister arrived at the table brandishing two Mexican Cokes (sweetened with sugar instead of corn syrup) and informed me that he ordered a large pizza (18”) with pepperoni and black olives.  The pizza was brilliant, but huge. We each ate three pieces and still took some home. The crust: thin, crispy, and the perfect base. The tomato sauce tasted like real tomatoes and the basil was fragrant.  The black olives were the saltiest I have ever encountered, but added a nice balance to the dish.  Overall a successful and satisfying dinner, however next time I would probably try a salad, get a medium pizza 16”),  and stick with the Margherita. (Sometimes the simplest notes are the best.)

Menu

Floor Show – Tossing Pizza

Pizza Ovens

Mexican Coke

Pizza

Al Forno Ferruzza

2738 NE Alberta St.

Portland, OR 97211

503.253.6766

no website

May 1, 2009

Large Pizza                               $19.00

2 Mexican Cokes                       $ 4.00

Total                                        $23.00

No Comments | In: Dinner, Oregon | tags: Al Forno Ferruzza, Dinner, Mexican Coke, Oregon, Pizza, Portland. | #

Sometimes the best “date nights” are the ones you weren’t planning. I had just gotten my hair cut and styled by Theo Aalto, picked up a new lipstick from Nordstrom, and was enjoying a decaf latte at the Stumptown location by the Ace Hotel. Staring with amazement at my cup while my  crème art remained intact, I tore myself away long enough to call Mister to pick me up. He suggested that he meet me downtown for dinner, possibly Clyde Common?  I agreed, as it was only two doors down and I recalled they had a great selection of bourbon and whiskey.

Although Happy Hour was just ending, it was relatively quiet at the bar.  (Subsequently I learned that the Blazer’s game had a serious impact on business that evening.) I easily found a seat at the bar and ordered a cocktail: The Ivy League (bourbon, walnut liquor, cherry brandy, and Fee’s old-fashioned bitters).  Mister showed up looking quite spiffy and joined me.  As we made it through our first round, Mister asked the barkeep about making an El Presidente.  The last time he ordered this rum-based cocktail, I swore it smelled like Orange Crush, but tasted like something on which you could run an automobile.  Our barkeep pulled out an old cocktail recipe book (a.k.a. bible) and found two versions of this drink: Cuban and American.  Mister ordered the American version, and offered me a taste. Surprisingly, it was well balanced and much more appealing than his first foray into that area.  While ordering dinner, Mister waxed poetic about a Singapore Sling he had last year at the Carlyle Restaurant.  And, wouldn’t you know it, our barkeep was the person who put it on the menu at Carlyle before moving to Clyde Common.  Mister and I looked at each other and I promptly ordered a Singapore Sling while Mister ordered a second El Presidente.

Dinner consisted of chicken fried chicken liver served with arugula, bacon, and orange preserves and a half order of the tagliatelle with tuna, anchovy, tomato, olives, garlic and chili. Mister ordered the crispy beef tongue with cornichons, olive oil poached octopus, and fries.  I have a passion for liver, but I think the octopus may be the best starter on the menu.  I had some orange preserves left over and hoped that the kitchen may be willing to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for me as dessert, but apparently the kitchen is very stringent about happy hour food versus dinner food and n’re the twain should meet.  Next time I’ll pop by during happy hour (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11:00 p.m. – close Monday – Saturday), and order the Nutella and jam press sandwich ($3.00).

After dinner, we walked a block to Powell’s Books and spent 20 minutes picking up a few goodies.  (Note to self: drinking and driving is bad, but drinking and book shops are a hazard to the AMEX.)

The Amazing Crème Art Experiment at Stumptown – Part 1

The Amazing Crème Art Experiment at Stumptown – Part 2

Clyde Common Bar Menu

The Ivy League

El Presidente

Singapore Sling

Chicken Fried Chicken Livers

Tagliatelle with Tuna

Crispy Beef Tongue

Poached Octopus

Clyde Common

1014 SW Stark Street

Portland, OR 97205

503 . 228 . 3333

www.clydecommon.com

April 24, 2009

Five Cocktails                           $42.00

Beef Tongue                             $10.00

Octopus                                   $11.00

French Fries                              $ 5.00

Chicken Fried Chicken Livers      $10.00

½ Order Tagliatelle                    $  9.00

Total                                        $87.00

No Comments | In: Cocktails, Coffee, Dinner, Oregon | tags: Beef Tongue, Chicken Livers, Clyde Common, Cocktails, Creme Art, Dinner, El Presidente, Happy Hour, Ivy League, Latte, Octopus, Oregon, Portland, Powell's Books, Singapore Sling, Stumptown, Theo Aalto. | #

I had a lovely dinner with three co-workers at Simon and Seafort’s in Anchorage.  We didn’t have reservations, therefore our part of four waited in their very busy bar about 15 – 20 minutes for a table. Once seated, I was impressed by the classic feel (wood paneling, oil paintings, old photos) and beautiful views of the Cook Inlet.

Touted as the Great Alaskan Dinnerhouse, both the main menu and the specials were filled with intriguing options, making it difficult to choose.  I started with the Seafood Deviled Egg Trio on the main menu. It consists of six deviled eggs topped with various seafood delights including Dungeness Crab Louie, bay shrimp cocktail, and smoked salmon with crème fraiche. Of the three flavors, I preferred the smoked salmon which worked well with the spicy deviled egg filing.  The bay shrimp and crab were okay and clean-tasting, but the flavors did not blend as well. 

I was able to “trade” a bite of my appetizer with my dining companion who had ordered the Baked Oysters Rockefeller. The restaurant bakes these individually to order and they are topped with Pernod, spinach, and bacon.  Because of the individual preparation, it takes a little longer for these to be served, but it is well worth it and had to be one of the best versions of this dish I’ve ever had.

By the time I got to my entrée of Halibut Cheeks with mashed potatoes and vegetables, I was already full.  The halibut was buttery and sweet, but there was too much to get through.  Needless to say, I was unable to partake of any dessert. Although the fresh berries and cream at the next table looked quite nice, I settled for a well-made latte.

If I have the opportunity to return, I will probably focus on their small plates, soups, and salads so that I can partake of a number of dishes and still have room for dessert.  Maybe the quick fried calamari with plum sauce and jalapenos, Hibachi style grilled oysters with a soy ginger sauce, Broadway pea salad, and the pudding trio for dessert.

Seafood Deviled Egg Trio

Baked Oysters Rockefeller

Halibut Cheeks                         

Simon & Seafort’s

420 L Street

Anchorage, AK 99501

907 . 274 . 3502

www.r-u-i.com/sim/

April 13, 2009

Seafood Deviled Egg Trio        

Baked Oysters Rockefeller        

Halibut Cheeks                         

Frogsleap Chardonnay (2007)   

Latte

No Comments | In: Alaska, Dinner | tags: Alaska, Anchorage, Deviled Eggs, Dinner, Halibut, Oysters, Simon and Seafort’s. | #