Because several print and on-line sources cover Portland’s restaurants and bars, Crain focused, for the most part, on the many producers and purveyors who supply the food and beverages so enjoyed by Rose City’s food lovers. She covers food, drinks, and general resources, providing the inside scoop on bakeries, cheese makers and mongers, chocolatiers, ethnic markets, brewers, coffee roasters, distillers, cooking classes, farmers markets, and much, much more.
While not concentrating on restaurants and bars, Crain does follow some of her favorite ingredients to the tables where they are served, providing lists of recommended “Go To Spots” for certain categories, such as cheese service, noodles, food carts, spicy food, vegetarian, brewpubs, and cocktails.
She also includes several “sidebar” pieces focusing on the people and products that make Portland unique. She introduces bartenders who infuse their own flavored spirits, chefs who butcher their own meat, pickle fanatics, miso makers, and others who she describes as having “a passion for food made the hard way.”
There is a lot packed into this small volume. If you live in Portland, are planning a visit, or just like foodie books, this is the one for you.
NOTES
My review of Liz Crain is here.
OTHER REVIEWS
(If you would like your review of this book listed here, please leave a comment with a link to your review and I will add it.)
My friend from Oregon has been telling me for a year now that I must take a short vacation in Portland. This is more evidence!
ReplyDeletePortland has Powell's and great food? I wish I could visit!
ReplyDeleteBybee -- Your friend is right! But you only have until Oct. 30 before the rain starts. Then you are better off waiting until June or so. Unless you have webbed feet like a Portlander.
ReplyDeleteBermuda -- My theory is that, because of the rain, Portlanders like to read and eat -- wonderful INDOOR activities.
I haven't been to Portland for years, but I always loved the city. As Kathy said: books and food, what is there not to like?
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like, please consider adding the link to this post to the Mr. Linky that went up with my Weekend Cooking feature this morning. I'm sure other foodies would love to see this. the post is here
Beth -- I'd love to link this to your Weekend Cooking feature. I wouldn't have thought of that, so thank you for the invitation. W.C. is one of my favorite weekly events, even if I only participate sporadically. Thanks for hosting it.
ReplyDeleteI love books about food with a local slant!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and her family live in Portland so we visit a lot. This book will make both a great gift and a resource.
ReplyDelete