There's no place like Portland....a fascinating gourmet experience.

Portland, Oregon is a virtual epicurean wonderland !  And we are trying our best to take full advantage of all opportunites every time we have a chance to be there.

In our short visit, we were treated to  fantastic Korean food at the  Be Won on North 23rd Street in the heart of downtown Portland.

From their menu we were introduced to the different types of Korean food....

which can be divided into the following categories:

Juk:
a rice porridge often served as a restorative, can include chicken, vegetables, beans, ginseng and mushrooms

Jeon:

pan fried vegetables or seafood; there are also pancake-like Jeon that consist of meat and vegetables integrated into a batter

Guk and Tang
soup made from a variety of different vegetables, meats and seafood

Chi-ge and Jeongol

traditional Korean stews and casseroles

Jim and Jorim
dishes of meat or fish simmered in many ingredients and spices

Gui

broiled or barbecued dishes

Namul
lightly seasoned fresh vegetables or wild green dishes

Bokkum

stir fried dishes made with variety of vegetables, seafood or meat

Bap

boiled rice, often garnished with beans, barley, millet or other grains to enhance flavor or nutritional value

Kimchi

kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish made with Korean cabbage, cucumbers or radishes with a mixture of other vegetables and seasonings, there are more than 160 kimchi varieties differentiated by region and ingredients

Check out their fantastic menu items at this site:

http://www.bewonrestaurant.com/menu.asp

One evening, we had dinner at Hakatamon Restaurant next to the Beaverton Uwajimaya Asian Market.  Hakatamon serves fresh udon noodles, made by hand by Chef Kato each day for the delicious udon soups.  After we ate, we strolled through the incredible market with aisles full of speciality Asian groceries and gifts.  A fantastic treat !

http://www.uwajimaya.com/

You can find out how the fascinating history of the Uwajimaya Market is connected to Northern California at this site.....

http://www.uwajimaya.com/history.html

At our next stop, (one of our favorite chain restaurants), we ordered classical Chinese food.  PF Changs is delightfully consistent in their presentation and quality.  The Gluten Free Menu is quite extensive and even includes dessert ! There are several locations listed on their website:

http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx

For a treat, we found the Saint Honore Boulangerie in Lake Oswego. This French bakery features handcrafted French breads and pastries.  Quiches, sandwiches, salads and soups are also on the menu.  Two of us ordered the Choquettes....puffy baked pastry with pate a choux and dusted with rock sugar.  Two of us decided on the Gateau....Gateau Orange and Gateau au Chocolate....both flourless cakes, rich and flavorful.

http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/

One of these beautiful spring days, we might try.....

An Epicurean Walking Tour

http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/epicurean_excursion.php

Bon Vivant and Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com