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Friday, 23 January

Iron Horse Cafe

6034 SE Milwaukie Ave.
(via D-dish)
Appetizer: Jalapeno poppers
Kitty: Veggie combo plate with chili relleno and veggie burrito Cecilia
Bill: Veggie combo w/mushroom tamale and veggie burrito
Dessert: Coca-cola cake, key lime pie

Mmmmm. Everything was just wonderful. My burrito had all sorts of veggies in it, even zucchini and carrots. I'd never had a roasted chili relleno before, and I'll be ordering that again. My favorite: the poppers tasted just like the kind I used to make for myself. I've long since given up the deep fryer, and am glad to finally have a substitute. I think I may pay for my overindulgence.

The key lime pie is still waiting, as Bill was completely stuffed on his mushroom tamale and veggie burrito. They do not skimp on shrooms--they truly make up the bulk of the dish. I didn't care for the cake--it's okay with frosting, but the cake itself has a funky aftertaste, and is barely sweetened. Pretty much in line with other Mexican sweets I've had, I suppose, but not my thang. I like me some sugah.

Overall, just excellent. Lots of veggie options, and so very good. We'll be ordering from them again, I'm sure.

Mexican | Cat Connor | 23 Jan, 2004

Monday, 19 January

Vegetarian House

On NW Fourth between Burnside and Couch
"Chicken" Curry
Broccoli "Beef"
Veggie fried rice
Veggie spring rolls

I admit, what I was hoping for when I heard about a new vegan restaurant was a menu full of the wonderful variety and flavor of plant-based foods. Instead, Vegetarian House is standard San Francisco Chinese food made with meat substitutes. That said, it's damned good.

The menu is divided much like one at a standard Chinese restaurant--by meats. It seems a little funny to ask for "veggie" broccoli beef when everything is vegan, but I imagine it's done that way to avoid confusion.

Bill's loved his curry--it reminded him of a curry dish his mom used to make. I thought the broccoli beef was as good as any meat-based dish I'd had. I also loved the spring rolls. The flavoring on the fried rice was a little off, but it still mixed well with the curry.

The good food and good service will likely make this bright little restaurant a regular stop for us.

Chinese | Cat Connor | 19 Jan, 2004

Friday, 16 January

Green Papaya

1135 SW Morrison St
Bill: Tomato tofu
Kitty: Filet Mignon
Side: Garlic string beans

Note to the management: Hire more people! Your waitstaff are buried!

There are a reasonable amount of vegetarian dishes on the menu (four entrees and two side dishes), but no veggie appetizers, which was a little disappointing (okay, we're spoiled--it seems like we can always find a veggie appetizer).

Bill's tofu tasted just like something I would cook, as the chef used the same base of onions, garlic, and peppers that I often do. This is a good thing, but not something he felt he needed to go to a restaurant for.

My steak was fantastic. In a sauce of French butter, olive oil, and cognac, it was tender and oh-so-flavorful. I finished every bit of it and the butter lettuce beneath it. Additionally, I must say the string beans were the best I've ever had--perfectly cooked in light garlic and soy sauce, with a hint of sweetness. Yummo.

Still, we won't go back. Someone in comments here once asked me if I wouldn't be going back to a restaurant because of service or food. I answered that food is #1, but both are deal breakers in a restaurant-rich town like Portland. Even if the food is excellent, there's no good reason to go back to a place where waitstaff must be hunted and flagged (I hate flagging waitstaff--it makes me feel boorish) after waiting 20 minutes in hopes of getting a fork or a check.

If you don't mind waiting around, then I definitely recommend Green Papaya just for the food.

Vietnamese | Cat Connor | 16 Jan, 2004 [Comments](1)