Eat Drink Portland: Dick's Kitchen

Dick's Kitchen is new to NW Portland and I could not be happier! The classic diner with milkshakes, cheeseburgers & a bar with red leather stools. Except with gluten-free, vegan & Paleo dining options...this is Portland, people! The "Elvis Burger" is hands-down one of the best burger I have ever eaten. Let that statement sink in! I constitute this to the ridiculously good quality ingredients. It seems simple, right? You will understand when you take your first bite. Their version of french fries are actually air baked & the yam fries are to die for (way better than the still delicious french fries). Also, a Kalhua Milkshake?! Yes, please! Thank you for making "adult milkshakes" so I don't feel like a 6 year-old when only faced with a normal milkshake...which I will order, no matter what. The signature "Dick's-a-rita" combines jalapeno-pinapple infused vodka & tequila with house made sweet & sour. For a "diner" this margarita is far over par in deliciousness and has just enough spice to make it extra special. It's the ultimate trifecta: quick, well priced & ridiculously yummy! 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy

*Insta-gram photos by me (MandyJae), DK logo photograph by Joseph Bergantine. 

Eat Drink Portland: Oven & Shaker

My favorite Italian restaurant in Portland recently shut down to my dismay. In its spot though, came Oven & Shaker, a combination of Nostrana Chef Cathy Whims & NW Native bartender, Ryan Magarian. As disappointed as I am to see yet another local business shut it's doors, the saying rings true in this instance: "when one door closes, another opportunity opens." 

Needless to say, this restaurant rocked my socks off! From the sexy atmosphere to mouth-watering food AND cocktails, I will without a doubt be returning. Part oven, part shaker, this restaurant offers mind-blowing pizza AND out-of-this-world cocktails in one sitting. Served family style, it is perfect for groups & for a saucy date night (Lady & The Tramp style...). 

From the classic Margarita Pizza to a Bacon Brussel Sprout Pizza, the options range from one spectrum to the other, with perfection in between. 

As the signature cocktail, the Pineapple Trainwreck is sweetness at it's best (aka: sans the sugar-high & hang-over). This baby is lovingly hand made, down to the fresh, house-squeezed juices. 

I rarely leave new restaurants without trying their dessert (shocking). This past weekend, the homemade gelato was  Dark Cherry Buttermilk & yes, it tastes just as good as it sounds. 

Every detail of this restaurant has clearly been executed to perfection. I look forward to heading back & trying out their late-night happy hour as well. 

Also, any classy restaurant that serves fried mozzarella is fantastic in my book. Don't let that discredit my opinion though.... 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

*Instagram photo taken by me (@Mandy_Jae). All other photos taken by Oven & Shaker photographer, John Vallis. 

Eat Drink Portland: Smokehouse21

NW 21st has two new restaurants in town, both featuring local yumminess, true Portland style. Aka: local meat from a nearby farm, local bread from the neighboring bakery & menu's listing exactly who, what & where. I'll admit it...I love everything about this! Welcome to the 'hood Smokehouse 21 & Dick's Kitchen!

First up  is Smokehouse 21, a tiny BBQ hot spot with a short, but delicious menu. Choices are simple: meat & sides with spices/sauces already on the table. The meat is served dry, allowing you to pick & choose at your convenience. Talk about a man's heaven, right? My particular favorite is the beer list: only requirement is it's served in a can (with a coozie...duh). Also, don't forget to try the Bacon Molasses Cornbread with warm honey butter syrup & the homemade Mac & Cheese. So good, I refused to waste any....I wish I had Mac & Cheese to-go every day!

More to come on Dick's Kitchen soon!

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

*Instagram photos by me (@Mandy_Jae). All other photos taken by Smokehouse21 photographer Erin Berzel. 

Cafe Nell

Is...that....a...meal in a drink? Why, yes, yes it is. Equipped with a fantastic (medium-priced) menu paired with their signature "Mary Nell" & "Man-Mosas" (mimosa in a pint glass),  Cafe Nell is my new favorite breakfast joint. With so many delicious breakfast hot-spots in PDX, it's hard to find a spot without a line...outside...in the rain. Cafe Nell is tucked away in lower NW Portland and, hear me out, there is never a line. I cross my heart! Even at 10am on the weekends. My particular favorite is the Creme Anglais French Toast with a Man-Mosa. Warning: Afternoon naps will taunt you after downing a pint glass of champagne topped with orange juice. A full pint glass; straight up college style! But, of course, classy because this is Portland and we're weird foodies here. 

Try it out next time you're craving delicious breakfast food. You won't regret it. Unless you have more than one man-mosas and an afternoon date with grandma on the schedule. 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

Image credit clockwise: Cafe Nell, Mandy Knapp, 365 Things Portland, Instagram Mandy_Jae