Food in PDX and Beyond

I love good food. So when my friend, Tracie, asked if I wanted to join her for a culinary event where some professional chefs would cook a four-course meal plus drink pairing at someone's house in Portland, I was in. The event was called "Cellar Door" and is something this couple does often in San Diego. The whole event was delicious, warmed my heart, introduced me to some great people, and helped me remember how cool it is when a group of people can gather together around food for discussion and commonality.

Recently, Tracie and I had decided that we both enjoyed the experience so much that we wanted to start to have a supper club where we met every once in while at someone's house to cook and eat together. The first planning meeting took place (of all places) way out in Hillsboro at a tiny little Japanese place that blew my mind called Syun Izakaya. 

If you go, YOU MUST GET THE STUFFED CHICKEN WINGS. No joke, these were delicious. One of the best culinary things I've been lucky enough to put in my mouth. The food here mostly consisted of what they called "Japanese style pub food" which was amazing. We also got this chef selected sushi plate to split so that we could try several different kinds of fish. I was very happy that we did. I also ordered a beef dish that was lightly seared beef with ginger and Brad picked out some clams in sake broth that were amazing. 

We spent all night talking food, planning our next outing and get together. We talked about our favorite donuts, where the best Indian food is, our feeling on ramen, cooking ideas and blogs. Was nice to be out with people that are excited about and appreciate good food. There's so much out there that this made me really excited to get out and find some of the best food that the Portland area has to offer. I drank my sake from the little clay cup I got to choose from a basket and felt excited about all of the possibilities Portland seems to keep throwing my way.