Penelope Bass
City Guide WriterPenelope Bass is a writer and editor based in Portland, Oregon, where she has been covering the food and drinks scene for the better part of a decade for both regional and national outlets. Currently, she drinks professionally on behalf of Imbibe Magazine where she is the associate editor. She prefers to sip her tequila, drinks way too much coffee, and will eat nearly anything you put in front of her, particularly if it is raw.
Toro Bravo is a small, Inner Northeast Spanish restaurant that serves small bites and entrées, along with a $50 tasting menu that we really like.
Beast is a 24-seat restaurant in North Portland that feels like a nice dinner party, complete with shared communal tables and a prix fixe menu.
Ox is an Inner Northeast Argentinian restaurant known for their huge wood fired grill and the wide variety of meat and seafood cooked on it.
Le Pigeon is a small French restaurant on East Burnside that’s upscale enough for an anniversary dinner, but casual enough for a Wednesday.
If you have ice cream in Portland, it should definitely be from Salt & Straw. Try one of their seasonal flavors or a classic, like honey lavender.
Chicken and Guns is a food cart that serves Peruvian-style grilled chicken and crispy potatoes. Take it to go or eat on their patio next to a bonfire.
Olympia Provisions cures all of their meat products in-house and is the perfect Southeast spot to split some charcuterie and cheese between meals.
Nong’s Khao Man Gai serves chicken and rice, along with a few other Thai dishes and fun cocktails, at their Southeast brick-and-mortar location.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza opened when pizza night at Ken’s Artisan Bakery got too popular. Come here any night for excellent pizza and desserts.
