Ask a Chef: Andy Ricker, Where Should We Eat in Portland, Oregon?

2011 JBF Award winner Andy Ricker of Portland’s celebrated Pok Pok shares his picks for great PDX eats.

Late-Night Dining
Victory Bar 
(503.236.8755
3652 SE Division Street)
“It’s just up the street from Pok Pok so I go here after work. It’s a cool neighborhood bar with a tiny kitchen, but chef/co-owner Eric, who trained in Switzerland, is putting out food that is very high quality, albeit simple.”

Quintessential Portland Cooking
Laurelhurst Market (503.206.3099, 3155 East Burnside Street)
“This is one of my go-to’s as its dishes embody a lot of what makes Portland special: local, 
seasonal produce, meat from locally sourced whole animals, locally brewed beers, and artfully made cocktails.”

Quick Snack
Binh Minh Deli (503.257.3868, 6812 Northeast Broadway Street)
“This family-run business features Vietnamese sandwiches, like their lovely banh mi, made with house-baked baguettes and a light touch, very much like the ones I’ve had in Vietnam. And cheap: most of the menu is priced at less than $3.”

Family Dinner 
Clyde Common (503.228.3333, 1014 Southwest Stark Street)
“Large communal tables, really solid cooking including some larger plates like whole branzino, probably the best-stocked bar in town with great cocktails, buzzy atmosphere, and a Stumptown Coffee shop behind the bar for after-dinner espressos.”

Date Night 
Grüner (503.241.7163, 527 Southwest 12th Avenue)
“Chef Chris Israel’s Alpine cuisine, with his signature light touch and perfect palate, all in a simple space with plenty of corner tables, ambience, a great wine list, and excellent service that make for an urbane experience.”


This article originally appeared in the August/September 2011 issue of JBF Notes, the James Beard Foundation member newsletter. Don't miss out on future articles; become a member today!