STUMPTOWNBLOGGER

FRIDAY SURPRISE

Happy day after turkey, hope you have some leftovers. Looks like Tigard Cinemas will be a vast apartment complex. The site is all rubble. I was there for the grand opening when Tommy Moyer cut a beautiful red ribbon to give theater goers a new experience. Today that has shifted to watching first run films & more at home.

Giant Burger in Lake Grove was sold ( again!) & will be interesting to see what concept will be going in. It’s made for a Mike’s but I hear that’s not on the escrow papers….Nobody will give a straight answer on how many luxury condos have been sold in the glitzy Ritz Carlton Hotel. Lots of this & that. Restaurant leases are pushing $1,000 a square foot, unheard of rents.

Running into ex Gov, John Kitzhauber & had a lively conversation. He’s a very bright guy. Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant announced they had fresh razor clams, five stars here. Get on their email list, they make it entertaining. When you see they have Razor Clams, run don’t walk.

Portland announced we will get two police  beat walkers for little Detroit! They better be quick in Portland town. I rarely ever see a patrol car down in that mess.

Where can we find The Portland Tribune in print form? Curb Your Enthusiasm will be the best season ever & their last. Larry David is one of a kind.

Whats left of Tigard Cinemas 

BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN THE CITY ….OTHER ITEMS

So friends my quest to find the best Mexican restaurant in town is over. I’m officially retired from this mission after trying suggestions from best lists, friends etc…So here you go, enjoy every bite, no matter what you order. It’s LA PARRILLA KITCHEN with two spots, one at 9554 SW Allen Blvd, right across from BURGERVILLE, the other is deep in Beaverton on Hart Rd. The staff is wonderful, the food is a delight and very authentic and do not miss a side of Mole sauce to put on a burrito, taco, rice etc. I’m no big drinker but friends tell me they pour a whopper Mojito. I’m done driving around looking, this place is extremely well run & the food is delicious. Thank you Luis for this top recommendation. 
PS; Their trio enchiladas are a home run.

EVER SEE MOLE THIS GOOD ? Best I’ve ever had. 

Moving on to other matters, new TV news hires need a class in pronouncing our rivers and street names, very low rank when they can’t spill out WILLAMETTE. Wheres Kathy Smith when you need her?

Am I the only one getting offers to subscribe to magazines for $8.00 a year? How does that pencil? The production, content, mailing can’t be $8 bucks…. I signed up, still like pulp in my fingers. I got one from Readers Digest for a real low ball number. Who reads that today? I figured out that AARP monthly magazine is bigger than than the daily Oregonian. I enjoy flipping through that, seems like they have a good team producing stories that connect with Boomers.

Thirsty Lion makes a good burger. Their people make the food better. Great jazzed staff at Greenberg Rd by Washington Square. Friday is chowder day & it’s terrific. 

FIVE PLUS STARS for the non fiction book “Master Slave - Husband Wife” by Ilyon Woo. This book is so vivid it puts you there in 1848. A shameful time for this country. I’m giving this best of last year and to date because nothing topped this in 22. Every page is a hook.

I’m rooting for The Ritz Carleton to succeed in center city. This could actually be the pivot to turn the area around. It’s better than it was a year ago.

The new Sleepy Monk Coffee blend called Oregon Fog is the best period. No clue how their roasters in Cannon do it. It’s just marvelous coffee. Google them,they ship.

I’m making progress seeing the Oscar picks. My two favs for best picture are The Fabelman’s and All Quiet on the Western Front. Two very different films and top of the game. The one I have such curiosity in viewing is the movie that’s made under $40,000, cost 1 mill to make and was hidden until a few big players in the biz started jumping up and down for Andrea Risenorough’s performance in “To Leslie”

She is up for best actress! Everyone says she is the new shining Oscar star. I don’t think that scenario has ever won at The Oscars. 

The Top Gun nomination is Horseshit. He ( Cruise) made a slog of cash for the industry and helped the box office ring again. The film and his performance is not worthy of an Oscar or two.  

Please support my friends out in Oak Grove at ROAKE’S Coney Island. Food network needs to make a stop and shoot Jim & Ruth in the kitchen. It’s my death row dinner so don’t forget kids! Double coney, extra sauce, extra onion & chilies with their fabulous fries with coney sauce. Oh god it’s a gift. 

Can I publicly state I despise being led to a self check out counter. insulting to me. 

23rd & Burnside

NO FRIDAY SURPRISE

Wow what a day! Due to shortage of workers in one day this was reported to me & confirmed. A good pal walked into Jersey Mikes on the west end of our town & couldn’t find an employee. Place was empty with the lights on and cash register lit! He waited 15 minutes & gave up. Try calling their corporate phone, it’s disconnected. How long do you give this faceless chain of bland sandwiches? Must be a hex on MIKE, because Mike’s Burgers in Tigard recently opened and now the joint is closed down. Who knows the real story here, they claim the store needs more training. Take more guesses……I subscribed to the pulp edition of Wall St Journal, it landed 3 days out of 17. They say the drivers are non existent… so I walk into Barnes & Not Noble at Bridgeport Village  to buy a paper with 9 customers in line and a lady behind the counter. I’m watching three employees in there doing nothing. Felt bad for the cashier, she’s a victim too. Oh, how about buying a car & a year later no title! That’s me folks. Beaverton Mercedes is a horrible outfit to do business with. Owned by faceless Lithia in Dreadford Oregon. The good news is I’m not in Ukraine or have a child in a Texas school. My problems are minimal. 

 

Sign at Mike’s in Tigard..

DON’T MISS THIS BISTRO ON THE NEW VANCOUVER WATERFRONT ….And …F’N GOOD PICKLES

FRIDAY SHORT SURPRISE 

Hey! It’s been a full time job taking care of Phil. So here it is for this rainy day Friday in Portland town ….The new Vancouver Waterfront project is a hit, clean, beautifully appointed & has one of the best bistros to open in our area in years. DOS ALAS is superior to anything in Portland & it’s just across the bridge.
DJ deluxe, Bob Miller turned this blogger onto Grillo’s Pickles. Oh yeah they are good. You will find them at plenty of grocers including New Seasons.
Crooner, Michael Buble returns to the Moda on September 27. Tickets go on sale today. He’s an old soul in a new suit. Fabulous entertainer.
Lots of chatter on Ruby Motors as the spot to go for a very clean pre owned car or sell yours without the hassle of doing it yourself. 5 star reviews … Here is more https://www.rubymotorspdx.com/

DOS ALAS on the Vancouver Waterfront project. Great outdoor seating! 

Millers pick 

Fabulous! 

PHIL 

GET A TASTE OF THIS…..BEST FISH & CHIPS …MAKE LOVIN FUN … AND MORE

Willamette Valley Vineyards opens a beautiful tasting room & restaurant today. You will find it in downtown Lake Oswego at 55 S. State Street. The new digs will feature indoor & outdoor fireplaces & well appointed eatery. Owners & staff of  Willamette Valley Vineyards are great Oregonians.

Stevie Nicks will be performing on June 10th at the RV INN STYLE RESORTS AMPHITHEATER ( that’s a mouthful) …. Tickets go on sale today. I did some googling on this venue in Ridgefield Washington and it’s very nicely done. She puts on a fantastic show.

Bet you didn’t know that Simon Benson Visited a hotel in Chicago by the name, The Blackstone & told the famous architect, A.E. Doyle, “build me one of those” …. He did exactly that with The Benson in 1913. Cost to lumberman Benson was a cool million with the newest of everything including a phone in every room, private baths, new electric light systems and more. It made the registry of historic places in 1980.

The Portland Tribune is on line of course but this old blogger still likes pulp in my paws so I grabbed one downtown. It had terrific content. I wish it would be available in the metro area. 

Phil & Penny Knight gave 75 million to Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s research. This mighty couple saved so many lives with their contributions to leukemia research at OHSU. They just do it!  

Best fish & chips anywhere ( and great coleslaw) is served at The Highland Stillhouse in Oregon City. 5 stars all the way to this wonderful authentic Scottish pub at 201 S. 2nd St. So many friends have talked this spot up and they are not kidding around. Make sure you explore the upper level & nice outdoor area overlooking the falls. 
https://www.highlandstillhouse.com/

Highland Stillhouse historic bar.

TOP RECOMMENDATION TO VISIT THIS GREAT SPOT IN OREGON CITY. 

BEST FISH & CHIPS ANYWHERE. 

Stevie will be appearing in our area. 

New Willamette Valley Vineyards in Lake Oswego 

Simon Benson was impressed by The Blackstone in Chicago. You can see similarities with his Benson.

DONLON FLIPPING STATIONS IN WINDY CITY …..COULD BE BEST BURGER….LITTLE MORE

Best Rueben sandwich can be engulfed at Bud Clark’s old haunt The Goose Hollow Inn on SW Jefferson. I forgot how wonderful it is ….Skyline Burger is my death row Cheeseburger but Helvetia Burger in Hillsboro could be a tossup. The Jumbo burger is very special along with their famous onion rings that come close to par with Ringside. 

Joe Donlon who put in years at KGW split to Chicago for a national cable news show that was short lived. Donlon who took a ton of Chicago wind over his softie interview with Trump is landing at the CBS affiliate, WBBM which is in the tank ratings wise. Nobody could really figure out News Nation.

Voodoo Donuts have a location in Milwaukie-Oak Grove area. I drove by and thought they just opened. The clerk told me on the phone, it’s been open for a year and most donut nuts don’t know it’s there.

If you are a fan of the hit series Succession, the new bio by Brian Cox who plays Logan Roy is terrific. He’s a very good storyteller. The book is titled, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat. If you haven’t seen the series, I guarantee you will binge it. ( HBO)

Drove by a Oswego listing, one bedroom, 1.5 bath, looked like 900 feet for $750,000. It’s realty bizzaro time friends.

Actor Kevin Costner was allegedly seen in The Pizza Thief on NW Vaughn Street. He must know his pizza because it’s the best in the city. 

KGW needs to work with their new anchor. He’s stiff as Lurch on Adams Family.

Tulips are sprouting in Woodburn….Terrific exhibits are going on now at The Oregon Historical Society. I really enjoyed the Portland Buckaroo presentation. 


JOE DONLON IS ON THE MOVE IN CHICAGO 

Voodoo is on the strip through Milwaukie & Oakgrove. 

Yes! They could very well be serving the best burger in Hillsboro 

 

 

EASTSIDE KIDS MOVING WEST …..A HOT TONY ….HOW DO THEY GET UP THERE??

THIS EDITION IS 24 HRS BEHIND ….My apologies 
Mikes Drive In is beloved on the east side, now they will be venturing west at the old Subway spot on Pacific Highway on the skirts of Tigard. They will pack them in! Great operators. I wish them success because they make a fabulous burger with energized staff! Mikes have been flipping Pattie’s for over 50 years. 
Bento heaven can be found outside Phil’s Meat Market on Westover off Burnside. Try the combo with Korean beef & chicken skewers. Inside the market you will discover the best cuts of meats in the city. Love Phil’s. 

When we had a storm in our town or major news flash the finger punched in 1190 KEX. Even if you didn’t care for KEX, we turned to The Call of the Northwest because we knew they would have the latest info. There’s no station in todays world with big news crews and professionals in a studio that can navigate such a thing. No KXL is not geared. Smoke while ya gottem ( as they say)

So I’m driving south from Vancouver on I-5 and notice above the freeway signs high up with elaborate graffiti. Question? How do they get up there over a busy freeway & doesn’t anyone see this and call 9-11? The ones I viewed were very elaborate and they take time to complete. I find it a mystery. 

I could be having the crappiest day and the moment I walk into Annie Blooms Books in the Multnomah district I feel better. What is it about a great book shop? 

OK …We all have our opinions on best pizza… sure we do. Mine is The Pizza Thief located across from Montgomery Park at 2610 NW Vaughn St.  Order the HOT TONY complete with Sicilian Oregano, Piquillo Peppers, imported chili peppers, Salami Pocante, Pepperoni & tomatoes and real Italian dough. Absolute best most authentic Italian pizza in this town. 

DIN TAI FUNG is a believer in downtown! They are opening in Pioneer Place. They are famous for their noodles and Chinese dumplings. Open also in Washington Square by Nordstrom. 

Newport’s rave restaurant LOCAL OCEAN will be serving some of their fav dishes this weekend at The flying Fish Chef Shack located at 3004 E. Burnside. Expect long lines and worthy of the wait! 

Dave’s Hot Chicken ( recently opened ) in The Beaverton Crossing Shopping Center is damn good! 
Tip: Dine outside, it’s a rat race inside.

^{Have you seen the film "Licorice Pizza'? Its a joy. You can watch it on Netflix.}

Discovered the best white wine from northern Italy. You can find it at Marzocca in Lake Grove - 16045 Boones Ferry Rd. This is the coffee & wine shop all from Italy, across the parking lot from Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant. Ask for Eric or Michelle. I pictured the wine below.

Dave’s Hot Chicken 


THE HOT TONY AT PIZZA THIEF ON N.W. VAUGHN

PHIL’S MEAT MARKET & BENTO STAND 

KEX STREET TEAM AND ANCHOR WHEN IT WAS REALLY LIVE & LOCAL. 

VERY SPECIAL ITALIAN WHITE. SO REFRESHING WITH A BURST OF APPLE FLAVOR. A BEAUTY 

 

NEW BISTRO-BAR OPENING BY WASHINGTON SQUARE…MORE FOOD CARTS GOING AWAY & A FEW MORE TIDBITS

Great news! Finally a really good top end restaurant & bar opening ( date not announced yet) in the vacant Gustavs’s location across from Washington Square. The young couple that own the smash hit “DOSALAS”in Vancouver will be the owners of this new spot and will be named DIOSA. Their beautiful bistro on the Vancouver waterfront is a 5 star hit out of the ballpark. Patrons are driving from all over to experience it. 

Looks like the popular food carts in 5th & College by PSU will be history. A 40,000 foot apartment project is planned…TIred of the tired comics in our paper, sign up for GOCOMICS on line. It’s only a few bucks per year and you get a huge selection by categories. 

THE WILLOW restaurant was listed in the top 100 restaurants in the nation. 2005 SE 11th. They had to close due to the tiny footprint of the eatery & no outdoor dining. 

AJU TRAM in Lake Oswego serves a beautiful cashew chicken with noodles….A GENA at 7742 SE 13th is like stepping into a  restaurant in ROMA! The Agnolotti with lobster is a must. Very nice owners & crew.

This is not a new book but wow, what a life story. THE OTHER SIDE OF ME by SIDNEY SHELDON. Terrific read!

When will we see ads for Betsy Johnson? Bento’s at Phil’s Meat Market are a joy. On Westover.

On the Vancouver Waterfront. Major hit restaurant & bar. Next up, Tigard!

Phil’s Meat Market Bento. The best! 

Lake Oswego …. Excellent dishes.  

 

 

DONLON OUT AT WGN….GREAT PIZZA ON VAUGHN ….DYING RADIO

KGW should be making a deal right now with Joe Donlon to return on 8. His gig is up at WGN in Chicago and our NBC station has never been the same since he left for the Windy City….Better than Chicago pizza is The Pizza Thief on NW Vaughn across from Montgomery Park. Best I’ve had in our town….Did you know actor William Hurt was a member of Waverley Country Club? Hurt died last week in our town, a terrific actor. 
Radio has become like the newspaper when it comes to young people. They are on podcasts, streaming services and other new venues to tune in. Radio is in big trouble with teens to 34 year olds. A dying industry caused by Wall Street ownership and new technology.

A Jewish Deli is opening in Portland. Look for Jacob & Sons coming soon…Frank’s Noodle House on NE Broadway & in Beaverton by Nike is great…I saw signs for a cooking school opening at Bridgeport Village. It’s a culinary learning center for kids. Great idea…I hope Robert Ball considers a run for Mayor of Portland. I hope we won’t run out of time. 

State Farm reports 1,171% increase in catalytic converter claims…How long do you give Nora O’Donnell in the CBS anchor chair? 

Sobrozon in Lake Grove serves the best burrito in the city. Ask for their mole sauce & inferno dip on the side. They have outdoor seating as well. 

Sorry to hear The Roxy is closing. Food was terrific and it was a rare 24 hour diner.  

Reports from St Patricks day fans there were no bag pipers at Jakes, very thin crowd, no tent. Along with those stories, the original Kell’s building is being auctioned off. Last look it was in the 1.5 million range. 

KGW SHOULD BE MAKING A DEAL WITH DONLON

ROBERT BALL IS SELF MADE, RESERVE COMMANDER WITH PORTLAND POLICE… UNDERSTANDS OUR CITY & NEEDS. 

BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN 

Heres a link on the children’s cooking school

https://littlekitchenacademy.com/locations/portland/

Sad to see The Roxy close.