Spencer's Food Adventures

  • Grasslands Barbecue

    Grasslands Barbecue is a mobile food cart based in Hood River, OR that has been accumulating local and regional praise for their high quality smoked meats as well as their sides. They are making Texas-style barbecue, and have even been getting praise from Texan barbecue notables. This is my fourth time eating their food. This…

  • Plate Lunch Roundup

    One of my favorite lunches is the plate lunch. Whether Hawaiian, Korean, or even Chamorro, there is so much you can do with meat, rice and salad. Let’s start with the most traditional offering from Ate-Oh-Ate on Burnside. I love this place and have been eating here for years. The classic Hawaiian plate lunch of…

  • Dimo’s Apizza

    Yesterday the weather in Portland was gorgeous in the mid 70s and I knew I wanted to do 2 things: sit in the sun and try some delicious new food items. Dimo’s Apizza opened a few years ago on East Burnside and is a very east-coast style establishment. Think Italian comfort food via New Haven…

  • I’m back!

    OK I didn’t go anywhere but I stopped posting on this blog and have stuck to Instagram for my food posts, but I’m going to resume blogging here about the Portland food scene since the audiences seem different. That said, please follow my IG link on the home page for daily content and pics. Here…

  • The Houston Blacklight

    Found a new favorite bar recently, The Houston Blacklight in Portland, OR. Located on SE Clinton & 21st, this is the new offering from the team behind Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway, two of the best restaurant/bars in town. This is truly an excellent bar, both as a destination spot and, if you’re lucky enough,…

  • Paradise Hamburguesas

    I have had many wonderful summer eating adventures, but my favorite so far was a visit to Paradise Hamburguesas in Portland, OR. This is a summer pop-up food cart serving up incredible food in the patio behind Guero, one of my favorite restaurants ever. They are serving up a small, thoughtfully put together menu of…

  • Stacked Sandwich Shop

    Stacked Sandwich Shop is back. After closing 1.5 years ago they have reopened in a new location, taking over the Sunshine Noodle spot (gone too soon…). On the menu are 8 regular sandwiches and a rotating/seasonal option, along with a few sides: fries, chips, salad, potato salad. They are well-known for their oxtail french dip.…

  • Astoria Brewpubs

    I spent the previous weekend in Astoria, OR. One of my favorite places in Oregon to visit. It’s got everything, super scenic river and ocean views, great access to nature, and the best breweries and brewpubs in Oregon, especially per capita! Especially since Breakside opened an outpost recently. There is Breakside, Buoy and Fort George…

  • Flying Fish

    This weekend I checked out Flying Fish. This is a combination restaurant, oyster bar and fresh fish marketplace. They specialize in fresh fish and oysters, and have a nice little menu plus a nice patio to sit and enjoy your food. With a good selection of beer and wine and cocktails, this is a great…

  • Tito’s Taquitos

    I went to the grand opening of Tito’s Taquitos this weekend. This is their first brick and mortar restaurant after starting a popular and successful food cart a few years ago. I had heard good things but hadn’t visited the cart yet. Thankfully the restaurant is much closer to where I live. They had me…