My favorite restaurant of all time in Stumptown was Henry Ford's on Barbur Blvd. When it closed due to the property being sold for a condo development, the old haunt was dearly missed. The rumor circulating around town is that a new "Ford's" is going to open soon. Brian Ford ran a great show above Barbur Blvd serving the best pork chops with apple sauce, candied carrots, home made biscuits, and of course the famous signature ice cold crisp salad topped with Ford's secret dressing. The minute Brian Ford let's the location out of the bag, you will hear it first on the Stumptown Blog.
Hey Stoner,
Don't forget Brian's older brother Michael (Mike) who kept things going through the lean years in the eighties.
Steven
Posted by: Steven Gann | July 30, 2009 at 09:48 PM
The lounge lizard that played his one man band schtick in the lobby with the red velvet walls & shag carpet. God damn I miss this place.
Posted by: Dan K. | July 30, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Had my wedding reception at Fords in 77. Is Jan the waiter still around. Brian should look him up. Henry was quite the host. He taught his boys well.
Posted by: K.J.P | July 30, 2009 at 11:03 PM
The best. It was "our place" to everyone. Portland needs that again, anti trendy, meat, potatoes, martini goodnes.
Good luck Brian I will book a huge table opening night.
Posted by: Vector | July 30, 2009 at 11:26 PM
http://anotherportlandblog.com/website/lookie/pics/5.jpg
Posted by: vector1771 | July 30, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Saw Bud Meadows smashed in that joint. They had to carry Bud out the door. I will be there on opening night as well. Make sure you have the lights down low & Frank playing on the speakers.
Posted by: Big Kahuna | July 30, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Daddy,
That is so funny you mention Fords. I was driving down Barbur Blvd and was thinking about HF. My mother and father tooks us there many times crowing up.
Posted by: Brien Morris | July 30, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Fords was a zone for me & the family. We just loved the joint. It was the last of the real hideaways in this town. These slick restaurants that have opened in the pearl? You can have them. Give me Fords any day with Brian greeting every customer young & old..and old school service...great dinners. Can't wait if this comes to life.
Posted by: Mr Stump | July 31, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Will be there often. Among the classics.
Posted by: Livermore | July 31, 2009 at 05:22 AM
My Mom & Dad's favorite restaurant to go for their special occasions. It was FORDS-HILLVILLA and JERRY GABLES.
Posted by: Cornoman | July 31, 2009 at 07:29 AM
The water fountain out front with the foam bubbles. Ya gotta keep that tradition. Of course there are probably permits and endless red tape to get that done now.
Posted by: Morgan | July 31, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Everytime I motor down Barbur and pass the cut off to Fords, It's a memory rush. All good. Remember the parking lot kids? Just like Kookie Burns in 77 Sunset Strip.
Posted by: Barry M. | July 31, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Ford's was such a cool restaurant. A movie could of been there displaying what it was like in the 50's.
Posted by: T.K.O | July 31, 2009 at 11:02 PM